In the last few years, several communities across the state had some damage from the previous two derechos.

Panora Mayor Pat Parker says that because of that damage, the city applied for some grants to get funds to help with projects geared towards mitigating damage if a derecho comes through again. He adds that right now the city is looking to secure funds to bury overhead electrical lines. Parker tells Raccoon Valley Radio that this will help keep the city from losing power in future storms.

“In the event of future derechos or ice storms, getting that stuff underground helps keep it so we’re not having power outages in town.”

Parker mentions that once funds are secured, the intention is to bury all the overhead electrical lines in town.