Severe storm downs trees, flattens crops

Locals fit in a fistful of summertime activities Saturday before severe storms packing 60-80  m.p.h. winds ripped apart trees, played havoc with roofs and flattened crops and gardens. Small hail fell in some areas, but most of the damage overnight was from the wind.

Starting at about midnight, a wide line of storms, reported to be moving at 105 m.p.h., pushed across Thayer County dropping between a half-inch and inch of rain.

Most communities reported tree damage; some had damage to buildings or vehicles from blown over trees and branches. Some rural areas experienced power outages.

The rest of the week shows an unstable climate as storms are expected again Thursday and this weekend.

For the 2014 spring season, storms have been particularly intense and unpredictable. Stay alert to changing weather conditions while heading out to summertime events.