Full Notification

Sun Prairie Police Department Media Release
From: Lieutenant Brian Teasdale
Date: June 18, 2014
Subject: Severe Weather Damage

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Sun Prairie area on June 18, 2014 at 7:42 A.M. The National Weather Service also issued a tornado warning for the same area at 7:57 A.M. The tornado warning was cancelled at 8:17 A.M. and the thunderstorm warning lapsed at 8:45 A.M. The City of Sun Prairie experienced damage throughout the community during this time period.

Emergency Services have partnered with city utilities to execute a structured response plan. The following organizations are involved in these efforts:

1. Sun Prairie Police Department
2. Sun Prairie Fire Department
3. Sun Prairie Emergency Medical Services
4. Sun Prairie Department of Public Works
5. Sun Prairie Utilities
6. Dane County Emergency Management
7. Cottage Grove Fire Department
8. Columbus Fire Department

The initial assessment phase has identified property damage to vehicles and homes due to falling trees and debris. No injuries have been reported. Power outages were experienced throughout the city. The number of homes that experienced a loss of power was initially identified as 3500. The number of homes that remain without power is 600 as Sun Prairie Utilities are working to restore power rapidly.

An organized search of the community is being conducted to further evaluate the damage. The listed organizations have partnered in these efforts for a thorough assessment. Dane County Emergency Management is assisting with a more comprehensive damage assessment.

No volunteers or supplies are needed at this time. There are no identified dangers for the public. There are no locations of concern that need to be avoided by pedestrian or vehicle traffic.

The Sun Prairie Police Department will provide situational updates through media releases, the department Facebook page, the city Facebook page, the department website, and NIXLE alerts.

The police department is asking for the public to report damage to the non-emergency police line of 608.837.7336.

Please be advised, Dane County Emergency Management has partnered with City staff and will be conducting a preliminary damage assessment throughout the community on today’s date. They will be in City marked vehicles and team members will be wearing a lanyard with identification. Each team will have one member wearing a black shirt with Southwest Wisconsin Emergency Management Team written on it. Estimated completion time is approximately 4:30 p.m. but the assessment could potentially run later into the evening.