Powerful storms swept through Wood County on Sunday afternoon, leaving widespread damage, thousands without electricity and residents across the county cleaning up debris on what should have been a peaceful Mother’s Day.
Heavy rain, hail and strong winds moved through the area during the early afternoon hours, toppling trees, damaging homes and knocking out power to large portions of the county. At the height of the outages, more than 4,000 Wood County Electric Cooperative meters were without electricity.
The hardest-hit areas included Hainesville, Quitman, Pine Mills, Clear Lakes and Mineola, according to Wood County Electric Cooperative officials.
In Quitman, residents living near county roads 3203 and 3204 spent Sunday afternoon cutting fallen limbs, clearing yards and assessing damage. Several homes in the neighborhood sustained roof damage, while at least one home was struck by a falling tree. Residents were also seen washing shredded leaves and debris from their homes and vehicles after the storm passed.
The Hainesville area appeared to sustain some of the most significant damage. The Hainesville Fire Department issued a call for assistance after receiving numerous 911 calls from residents reporting downed trees and storm damage. Multiple fire departments from across the county responded to help clear roadways and assist homeowners as they began cleanup efforts.
Wood County Electric Cooperative reported significant damage to its electrical system, including downed power lines, broken poles and damaged cross arms on both distribution and transmission lines.
“In times like these, the dedication of our linemen, right-of-way crew members, and all of the behind-the-scenes talent shines through,” said Trey Teaff, general manager and CEO of Wood County Electric Cooperative. “Every employee and contractor is focused on one goal: to get the power on as quickly and safely as possible to as many people as possible.”
Teaff noted that restoration efforts were slowed by ongoing weather conditions, downed trees and muddy conditions that made it difficult for utility trucks to reach damaged areas.
“Our members don’t often see or understand the work involved, but they are extremely supportive, and for that we are grateful,” he said.
Emergency crews and utility workers continued restoration and cleanup efforts into Sunday night as residents across Wood County worked to recover from the storm’s sudden and destructive impact.