Storm damages prompt localized emergency proclamation; crews report major utility and tree losses

Imperial-area officials described storm-related damage and response work during the city council meeting, reporting snapped trees, localized flooding and significant utility damage in some neighboring jurisdictions. Chief Nance said Hopeville—an adjacent jurisdiction—sustained heavy damage and that officials there and at the county level proclaimed a major emergency. He also reported that about 298 power poles were sheared or knocked over in the affected area, and that replacement costs were roughly $25,000 per pole. "In total, from the final count we have was 298 power poles that were, sheared or knocked over. My understanding those are about $25,000 each to replace," Chief Nance said. City crews and county partners have been clearing debris and removing hazards from roads, with city staff praising crews for quick response and cleanup. Public Works and county fire officials discussed sandbag availability; staff said they would attempt to provide sand at Station 1 and possibly at Station 4, but that deliveries and sand availability had been a challenge after previous storms. Council and staff also discussed large street trees that were damaged; the city plans to remove hazardous canopies and stumps and replace those trees with a different, more resilient species, not the same variety previously planted. No request for state or federal disaster assistance was finalized during the meeting; Chief Nance said the damage appeared isolated and the chance of obtaining higher-level assistance was “not real high,” though staff said they will pursue state-level declarations as appropriate.