May 8, 2009

Family members have identified the woman killed when strong winds destroyed her home.

Carole Jacobsen, 54, of New Albany, was killed early today when winds destroyed her mobile home. The mobile home was across the street from the town's United Methodist Church which was also destroyed.

Jacobsen was at home alone when the storm hit.

The National Weather Service has estimated the winds from the storm were at 80-100 mph, with some areas possibly having winds of up to 120 mph.

Altoona has also reported roof damage at several locations. Many sheds and outbuildings have been reported destroyed in rural areas throughout the county.

Numerous power lines and poles are down in the county, and Fredonia is without electricity at this time. Other damage includes reports of many trees down. Rain has caused some localized flash flooding.

Neodesha appears to have little damage, and Neodesha emergency responders are assisting in other areas. The Wilson County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated at the Law Enforcement Center in Fredonia.