(Des Moines, Iowa) – Storm Damage Assessment Teams will fan out across the state today, to get a better idea of the damage caused by what many have called a “Decemderecho.”  Winds gusting at 80-miles per hour or more caused widespread damage to property, and claimed at least one life. Here in Cass County, at least two video/spotter confirmed tornadoes touched down, one happened about a mile north/northwest of Atlantic. The other crossed Interstate 80 from Cass into Audubon Counties. Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon reports there appeared to have been to be a path of damage spanning from just southwest of Atlantic to the northeast of town, affecting homes, silos, and outbuildings. Another tornado was confirmed three miles south/southwest of Brayton at around 5-p.m., Wednesday. A storm spotter reported flipped semi’s and power flashes. (See the complete [initial] report of damage on the Weather page at kjan.com)

Authorities closed Olive Street north of Atlantic from Chicago Road to Dallas Road last night, due to power lines across the road. Cass County Communications confirmed the road was still closed as of 5:30-a.m. today, but it was expected to re-open sometime this morning. The Sheriff’s Office advised motorists to use caution this morning, as there is a considerable amount of debris, power lines and poles down in some roadways. Numerous power outages were reported across the listening area, including Atlantic. One outage occurred last last night, when transformers blew between Olive Street and Wal-Mart. The power was restored a few hours later.

The line of fast-moving thunderstorms developed Wednesday afternoon in north central Kansas, and started moving to the northeast at 70 to 80 mph. We’ll get a better idea of the damage after daylight.