Storm damage adding up

McCOOK, Neb. -- A hailstorm that caught the majority of McCook by surprise early Thursday morning left a slew of damaged vehicles in its wake, including several belonging to the city.

The fire and police departments were able to minimize the number of their vehicles damaged, thanks to the expanded indoor bay space provided by the new city building.

Two police vehicles assigned to investigators were damaged while parked at their homes and one squad car received a dent on its hood, according to the police department.

The fire department's command vehicle was similarly damaged while parked at a residence during the storm, all other fire department vehicles were stored indoors.

Four city pickups were damaged by hail at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, as was one belonging to the Water Department. None of the vehicles had glass broken.

"We also had some rain water in the brine pump at the Water Treatment Plant, but it did not cause any damage," said Utilties Director Jesse Dutcher. Dutcher said the damaged vehicles were still road worthy but would need repairs.

The Public Works Department was not as lucky, four windshields were broken on city vehicles at the Street Shop and several were dented.

City staff is still assessing the damage and inspecting city property for additional occurrences, as well as working with their insurance carrier.