UPDATED Friday, October 26, 2012 --- 10:55 a.m.
COLBY, Wis. (AP) -- A farmer who lost cows and buildings on his property near Colby narrowly escaped after a silo began collapsing around him.
Thursday's severe thunderstorm destroyed several barns in Marathon County, including the one of Terry Schmitt's property. Schmitt was working inside the silo when it began to shake violently. He hurried down the chute and just got out the door when the silo collapsed.
The Schmitts were able to rescue about 30 of their 50 cows from the collapsed barn. The Marshfield News-Herald (http://tinyurl.com/8nodjcz ) says the Schmitts lost a couple other sheds on their property.
The National Weather Service says damage in the area was caused by straight-line winds of 70 to 80 mph.
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Information from: Marshfield News-Herald, http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com
Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.
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Posted Thursday, October 25, 2012 --- 10:30 a.m.
WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) -- Strong thunderstorms moving through central Wisconsin have destroyed several barns and caused power outages.
Marathon County emergency management director Steve Hagman says the severe weather has damaged about a half-dozen rural properties near Colby, including several barns which were leveled. Hagman inspected damage in the area Thursday. He says there are no reports of any injuries.
The National Weather Service reports wind gusts of up to 50 mph with heavy downpours and hail.
Wisconsin Public Service Corp. says nearly 4,700 customers lost power because of the storms.
Severe thunderstorm warnings were posted for Marathon, Lincoln, Langlade and Oneida counties Thursday morning.
Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.
