IOWA DERECHO 2020
Where to get help: Resources for residents after the derecho
On Monday, Aug.10 Iowa was hit with a derecho — hurricane strength, straight-line winds — that leveled homes, businesses and left thousands without access to food, power or internet.
Because fact-based, useful information about the derecho recovery and its impact locally is crucial to the safety of our community, we're offering unlimited access to The Gazette's most important coverage of the storm and its impact here.
Send us your stories: Share your experiences here.
Stay updated: Sign up for The Gazette's daily newsletter and get daily derecho updates.
Find financial help: Learn how to apply for FEMA aid and other financial help for storm victims.
Donate to help storm victims: Support local agencies and resource groups with a donation
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Replanting the landscape: Taking the long view of woodland recovery
The Gazette is working with the Linn Landowner Forum to present a weekly series of columns about elements landowners should consider when replacing trees and plants lost in the Aug. 10 derecho. The series will focus on recovery, the importance of native plants and other topics. Eighth in a ...
Alliant Energy works to repair 'thousands' of Cedar Rapids streetlights damaged in derecho
CEDAR RAPIDS - About 400 miles away from home, Logan Berns and Nick Meyer spent their afternoon earlier this month in northeast Cedar Rapids repairing streetlights. ...
Texas workers helping with derecho recovery will be paid
Workers from Texas who said they had not been paid for nearly a month of construction work in Cedar Rapids will be paid by a Colorado company overseeing the project. ...
For one Cedar Rapids couple, a slow recovery after derecho, COVID-19
The Aug. 10 derecho toppled a tree that fell on top of William and Myrtle Ross' mobile home in Cedar Rapids. ...
Texas workers say they haven't been paid for Cedar Rapids construction work after derecho
CEDAR RAPIDS - Texas workers who came to Cedar Rapids to help with construction after the August derecho say they haven't been paid by a contractor for nearly a month. ...
Since derecho, Cedar Rapids has seen 8 debris fires, most intentionally set
CEDAR RAPIDS - Since the Aug. 10 derecho, Cedar Rapids firefighters have been called to eight fires involving storm debris, all of them intentionally or accidentally set by people. ...
Backyard woodlands: An important forest resource
The Gazette is working with the Linn Landowner Forum to present a weekly series of columns about elements landowners should con-sider when replacing trees and plants lost in the Aug. 10 derecho. The series will focus on recovery, the importance of native plants and other topics. Seventh in ...
Cedar Rapids begins final pickup of nonorganic derecho next week
CEDAR RAPIDS - Crews will begin the final pickup of nonorganic storm derecho debris - such as shingles, fences and siding - next week in Cedar Rapids. ...
United Fire Group reports $88 million loss from Aug. 10 derecho
The Aug. 10 derecho created $88 million in losses for Cedar Rapids-based insurer United Fire Group, which already had plans to exit the personal insurance business. ...
Collins Road Square recovering from derecho
CEDAR RAPIDS - After sustaining serious damage from the Aug. 10 derecho, repairs are nearing completion at the Collins Road Square shopping center across from Lindale Mall. ...
New Marion grant program to help in derecho recovery
The Marion Chamber of Commerce has announced a new local grant program for Marion businesses and residents. ...
Insurers pays Iowans more than $1.6 billion in derecho-related claims
Iowans have received more than $1.6 billion from insurance claims because of the Aug. 10 derecho as of Nov. 2, the Iowa Insurance Division said Monday. ...
Central Furniture Rescue expands mission to help families displaced by derecho
When Starr Wheeler, 21, walks into her new apartment on Cedar Rapids' southwest side, she smiles. ...
Replanting the landscape: Join the 'unlawning' movement
The Gazette is working with the Linn Landowner Forum to present a weekly series of columns about elements landowners should consider when replacing trees and plants lost in the Aug. 10 derecho. The series will focus on recovery, the importance of native plants and other topics. Sixth in a ...
Trees Forever CEO discusses efforts to 'ReLeaf' across Linn County
CEDAR RAPIDS - Linn County communities are swiftly beginning work to replant trees after the Aug. 10 derecho destroyed much of the area's lush tree canopy. ...
Derecho help still available for Cedar Rapids area residents
CEDAR RAPIDS - Residents continuing to grapple with the aftermath of the Aug. 10 derecho have a number of resources available to help meet their needs: ...
6 families with housing vouchers still await homes after being displaced by derecho
HIAWATHA - LaKricia Browning traded a house with a yard that was close to family for an apartment in Hiawatha. ...
Renters: You might qualify for funds if derecho affected you
More than $1 million is available to assist eligible renters affected by the Aug. 10 derecho, the Iowa Finance Authority board announced Thursday. ...
Large tree debris pile burning at Tait Cummins Park
CEDAR RAPIDS - If you see a fire burning in the next few days at Tait Cummins Park in southwest Cedar Rapids, don't be alarmed. ...
Linn-Mar students sign up chain saw artists for auction
MARION - A group of Linn-Mar students involved with Iowa BIG are backing a project to turn tree debris into art to raise money to plant new trees. ...
Cedar Rapids looks to hire manager for its tree replanting initiative
CEDAR RAPIDS - The city will recruit a full-time employee to help turn over a new leaf on replenishing trees downed in the Aug. 10 derecho. ...
Replanting the landscape: Cedar Rapids companies help employees and their yards recover from the derecho
The Gazette is working with the Linn Landowner Forum to present a weekly series of columns about elements landowners should consider when replacing trees and plants lost in the Aug. 10 derecho. The series will focus on recovery, the importance of native plants and other topics. Fifth in a ...
Grants coming for workers impacted by derecho
DES MOINES - Gov. Kim Reynolds on Friday announced up to $3 million in federal disaster recovery funding that will be used to create employment opportunities and provide humanitarian assistance in communities impacted by the Aug. 10 derecho storms. ...
With only days left to apply, FEMA says $28 million given in derecho relief
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $28 million in derecho relief to Iowans, the agency said Wednesday. ...
Homes in new Cedar Rapids affordable housing complex already spoken for as soon as they open
CEDAR RAPIDS - Rickey Osby, 65, says he's never lived in a brand-new home before. ...
Replanting the landscape: Turn the derecho disaster into opportunity
The Gazette is working with the Linn Landowner Forum to present a weekly series of columns about elements landowners should consider when replacing trees and plants lost in the Aug. 10 derecho. The series will focus on recovery, the importance of native plants and other topics. Fourth in a ...