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Severe Winds Rip Through Horicon, Displacing Businesses and Residents

Officials warn costly repairs will strain a community still recovering from tornadoes last year.

Overview

  • Powerful straight-line winds struck Horicon and nearby Lomira on Wednesday, knocking down trees and power lines and forcing Highway 33 to close as crews worked to stabilize damaged buildings.
  • Local emergency crews say four downtown businesses and at least eight apartments were made uninhabitable, leaving dozens of people displaced and storefronts boarded or taped off.
  • One resident, Cindy Wagner, reported her building’s roof was torn open and about 11 people from her seven-unit building are displaced.
  • The American Red Cross opened a shelter at Horicon City Hall where 11 people stayed overnight while first responders and public works crews begin damage assessments and debris removal.
  • Officials expect repairs to be expensive, insurance assessments and local fundraising are under way, and more severe weather could complicate cleanup and rebuilding efforts.