KXO RADIO - High Intensity storm hit Palo Verde Hard

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Written by George Gale
Monday, 17 September 2007
(A High Intensity Wind Storm hits Imperial County)…The storm swept through the County between 7:00 and 8:00 pm Saturday night, knocking down eight power lines in Calexico and two in Holtville. Hardest hit was the community of Palo Verde at the North/Eastern corner of Imperial County. There were early reports of a tornado touching down in the community, destroying homes and mobile homes, displacing 250 residents. The families were set up at the Colorado River Fairgrounds, which was set up as an emergency shelter. Major damage was reported to at least 30 homes or mobile homes. The Imperial County Emergency Services says 13 of the structures have been condemned. The County says the Palo Verde substation was severely damaged, but Edison Power was working to restore electricity to the community. The Irrigation District suffered $200,000 in damages to its solar power system. No serious injuries have been reported. The County Health Department says the water in the community has been tested and cleared for use. The Public Works Department cleared the roadways for emergency access to the community. Supervisors Joe Maruca reportedly signed a Declaration of a Local Emergency and it was faxed to the Governors office requesting state assistance in the clean up. Preliminary estimates are Palo Verde suffered over $10 million in damages. The County Social Services Department is meeting Monday with the displaced and affected residents to provide whatever assistance available.