Residents of Highmore continue to pick up what’s left behind after Category Four hurricane winds thrashed the city and surrounding area early Monday morning. High winds up to 131 miles an hour roared through the community leaving heavy damage.
Highmore Public Information Officer Cathy Stevenson says there were some minor injuries but did not have a set number. With the town out of power, one of the most pressing needs was dealing with damage to a local nursing home. “Our nursing home did have to be evacuated this morning due to damage to their facility,” said Stevenson. “But we have had great response from our neighboring communities to assist in that, to get all those residents of our nursing home to a different and safe location.”
A grid search was conducted through the city and impact area within Hyde County to check resident safety and medical needs. Hyde County Emergency Manager Jim Stevenson says the response to help Highmore has been amazing. “Gettysburg, Falkton, you know, Gann Valley, pretty much within 60 miles of us we’ve got the people here or have had,” he said. “I’ve got offers from all four corners of the state.”
Governor Larry Rhoden toured the damage in Highmore Monday afternoon. Rapid City, Pierre and Eastern Railroad crews were in Highmore clearing fallen trees from railroad tracks in the city. Outside of Highmore at least 12 wind turbines collapsed due to winds measured by the National Weather Service of 131 miles an hour near Holabird and Highmore.
Thanks Zach Nelson KCCR Radio