The tree landed against a power line, causing the line to arc. Power in much of the downtown area was out briefly, but came back on within a few seconds after the incident. City crews and Excel Energy crews cleaned the debris, but the road was blocked for a time, adding to the downtown traffic congestion caused by the closing of the Stillwater Bridge because of the high water on the St. Croix River. Traffic on Hwy 35 coming into Hudson was backed up all the way to the freeway exit. Drivers reported it taking nearly a half hour to get through the downtown area at the peak of the rush.
Rain also cause a section of the ceiling to collapse at the Willow River Elementary gymnasium.
X 4 ft. section of the ceiling collapsed. School was closed Thursday as official deal with potential asbestos issues. We want to make sure everything is okay. Asbestos experts were expected to visit the school Thursday morning. No school is scheduled Friday or Monday because of Easter.