josh.nelson@wcfcourier.com

ELDORA - Electricians and contractors roamed streets covered with debris Monday as residents attempted to dig out after severe hail a day earlier.

Much of the community was without power after the storm ripped across the region Sunday morning. Officials didn't expect the town to recover fully for several weeks. Homeowners said the scene was reminiscent of the devastation in Parkersburg more than a year ago caused by a tornado.

"The only thing different is our houses are still standing," Sheena Davis said.

Davis and her husband were camping at Pine Lake State Park but arrived at home about 90 minutes before the storm hit. She said the sky grew black enough for solar lamps to turn on. Then the rain and hail started.

"It sounded like a herd of elephants running through," Davis said.

The ice shredded the home's light blue siding along with all the trees in her neighborhood. The shrapnel also broke six windows in the Davises' house.

Residents pushed piles onto street corners, and every intersection had its own mounds of branches and tree trunks.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm passed along the U.S. Highway 20 corridor and produced winds in excess of 70 miles per hour. Hailstones measured 1 to 3 inches in diameter. The system also dumped several inches of rain in just a few hours.

Few windows survived the onslaught. Glass, metal and plastic covered several streets downtown, where residents gathered for information on recovery efforts.

"Our main focus today and over the next couple of days will be public safety and restoring public services," City Administrator Ian Rigg said.

He also announced the city needed supplies, mainly plywood, nails and screws, to secure houses. Volunteers were also in short supply.

Home Depot announced late Monday afternoon that the company would donate building materials to help.

Only one building in town - the American Legion Hall - suffered severe structural damage. Strong winds toppled a brick chimney and collapsed the roof below. That led to additional damage, said John Whalen, post commander.

"There was water in the first two rooms of the first floor," he said.

Legion officials aren't sure what will happen to the aging building. The post's insurance agent is evaluating the damage, Whalen said, and the post can apply for up to $5,000 from the Legion's disaster relief fund.

Outside town, Pine Lake State Park - another scene of widespread damage - will be closed for at least a week, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The park was full of campers when the storm hit, and many campers and vehicles were destroyed.

"As soon as the park is usable again, we will allow people back in, but for now, we are going to close the park until further notice," said Greg Van Fosson, supervisor for the DNR's state parks bureau.

Meanwhile, city officials will continue cleaning up. Officials implemented an 8 p.m. curfew after the storm and the restriction may continue for the next few days while crews restore power, Police Chief Ted Paxton said.

The effort has gone as well as could be expected, Paxton said, but each time a section is powered up, problems surface.

Rigg said volunteers should report to the Hardin County Fairgrounds. For information, call City Hall at (641) 939-2393 or go online at www.eldoraiowa.com.

The Iowa Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross also set up a shelter at the Eldora-New Providence High School. For information, call (877) 792-3808.