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Storms, Floods Shake Midwest

Death toll rises, heavy rains continue

By Caroline Zimmerman, Newser User

Posted Aug 24, 2007 4:50 PM CDT

(Newser) – Powerful thunderstorms, humidity, and sky-high temperatures are making the flooding situation in the Midwest even stickier. The death toll has climbed to 17, and businesses and infrastructure have taken a big hit. Meanwhile, residents are returning home in droves as floodwaters abate, only to find that the electricity is out and they have no way to keep cool.

The storm system hit Chicago last night, tearing the roof off an industrial facility and injuring 40 people, the AP reports. The Des Moines River overflowed its banks. In Ohio, temperatures in the 90s are frustrating cleanup efforts. But one Chicago bartender saw the bright side: "People would not leave. We had $2 margaritas, and people were getting hammered."

Streets are shown surrounded by flood waters Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007 in downtown Findlay, Ohio. Firefighters and a volunteer armada navigated boats through streets awash in waist-deep water Wednesday,... (Associated Press)

In this photo released by Chris Warrington, Goodview and Winona Firefighters help flood victims out of an air boat Sunday morning, Aug. 19, 2007, north of Winona, Minn. Severe storms deluged parts of... (Associated Press)

Fog shrouds the hillside above old farm buildings, surrounded by flood waters, near La Crescent, Minn., Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007. A powerful storm system that swamped the upper Midwest and killed at least... (Associated Press)

Jeff Strain stands outside his home alongside flood damaged possessions as his daughters Jada (in red) and Anna play in the muddy yard Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007 in Stockton, Minn., as cleanup and recovery... (Associated Press)

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Death toll rises, heavy rains continue

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Midwest Flood Death Toll at 16

Flood crests expected over weekend; snow blasts Minnesota, Chicago

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Costs are counted as storms move into Ohio

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Region ravaged by tornadoes, floods

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Downgraded to tropical storm after 2nd landfall

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Storms, Floods Shake Midwest

Death toll rises, heavy rains continue

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

weather • Midwest • Chicago • Ohio • flood • tropical storms • natural disaster • Des Moines River

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Midwest Flood Death Toll at 16

Flood crests expected over weekend; snow blasts Minnesota, Chicago

More Flooding Ravages Midwest

Ohio governor declares state of emergency as waters rise

Death Toll Hits 22 in Midwest Floods

Costs are counted as storms move into Ohio

Midwest Picks Up Pieces After 'Devastating' Storms

Region ravaged by tornadoes, floods

Rain, Flooding Now Dean's Biggest Threat

Downgraded to tropical storm after 2nd landfall

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?