Des Moines Public Works is working to help neighborhoods north and west of the Iowa fairgrounds after significant storm damage early morning Wednesday, July 30.
A news release from the city of Des Moines says officials were notified around 1 a.m. of reports of downed trees and blocked roadways. Power lines also were knocked down into the roads from fallen trees and debris.
From Tuesday to Wednesday, 1.30 inches of rain fell in Des Moines, according to the Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Most of that fell early Wednesday morning, with 0.72 inches falling since 12 a.m.
The city will allow curbside collection of storm debris starting Thursday, July 31, from East University Avenue north to Easton Boulevard, and from East 29th Street to East 41st Street, until the affected areas are cleaned. Collected curbside debris must be no longer than 10 feet and must have a diameter of 24 inches or less.
Residents also can drop off their yard waste and tree debris at the Compact Center, 1601 Harriet St., on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s free with proof of Des Moines residence. SCRUB guidelines apply.
Public Works Director Jonathan Gano said the goal is to have everything cleaned up before the start of the Iowa State Fair next Thursday, Aug. 7.
“We’re ready to respond to storms whenever they strike, and that includes the cleanup that comes after,” Gano said. “Our team is proud to offer this curbside cleanup for residents in the affected area to help them clean up from this damaging storm.”
Downed trees blocking the road or sidewalk can be reported at DSM.city/Report, with the myDSMmobile app, or by phone at 515-283-4950. Downed power lines or outages can be reported to MidAmerican Energy online or by calling 888-427-5632.
Chris Meglio is a reporter for the Register. Reach nim at cmeglio@gannett.com or on X @chris_meglio.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Storm damage cleanup underway in neighborhoods near Iowa fairgrounds
Reporting by Chris Meglio, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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