‘Trees are falling every day now it seems': More than 500 calls related to storm damage in Milwaukee, mayor says
CBS 58 MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – It seems as though the Milwaukee area can’t catch a break from severe weather. On Monday, April 27, another round of storms toppled over trees all over the city.
Ben Wilson has lived in the Bay View neighborhood for around 10 years. He said a large tree fell outside his home and landed on his nearly 20-year-old Honda Element. It cracked the windshield and dented the side of the vehicle. Wilson had it towed away on Tuesday.
"Initially, I was just shocked the car was not imploded,” Wilson said. “It’s frustrating, but way worse things could have happened. It could have hit our newer car, it could have hit a person.”
On Tuesday, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said the Milwaukee Department of Public Works has received nearly five hundred emergency calls for downed trees and branches due to severe weather.
“I greatly appreciate the quick responses from city crews to this unusual weather event.” Johnson said. “I ask everyone to be cautious and patient as crews address storm damage. Stay clear of downed wires, fallen trees and other potentially dangerous situations.”
Officials with the City of Milwaukee say you can report issues to the Unified Call Center (UCC) to submit service requests to solve problems related to storm damage.
Wilson’s children painted faces on what was left of the tree in his front yard. It’s their memory of what has been an active month of severe weather in their neighborhood.
“Trees are falling every day now it seems,” Wilson said.
In an update to her constituents, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic said approximately 44% of calls were classified as critical, including whole trees down and branches fully blocking roadways. Forestry crews are working extended hours to help with the cleanup.
