Chris

AM Thunderstorm and a PM Threat

At about 4AM a thunderstorm passed directly over Northside Chippewa Falls. A check of the rain gauge showed 1/2″ of rain later that morning.

After humidity upwards of 80% during the day more storms threatened in the evening without much relief from the swelter.

Weather radio out of Chanhassen, MN reported a tornado in Pierce County near Prescott at 10:07PM and warned of possible hail near the Minnesota border as well as severe thunderstorms north of Rice Lake.

Meanwhile, back in Chippewa Falls, the rain came after 11PM bringing more comfortable conditions.

Update: The next morning’s reading was 7/10″ of rain.

Sandhill Cranes on County Hwy P

You might hear their whoop in the distance or read about them in Aldo Leopold’s writings, but sometimes you are lucky enough to spot sandhill cranes out in the open, like these two local residents off of County Hwy P in Lake Hallie.

Canadian National Train Crosses the River

A train on the historic Soo Line Bridge passes South over West River Street.

The long train finally disappears East of Canal Street.

Canadian National runs the Intermodal rail that passes through Chippewa Falls. It is rare to spot a train crossing the Soo Line Bridge, which was built in 1917. This one headed South across the river and turned East, perhaps towards Sault Ste Marie at the Michigan and Ontario border.

Intermodal Terminal at 1160 West River St.

Off and On Rain in Chippewa

A young resident experiences rain falling from a roof.

Chippewa residents experienced heavy rain early morning, then lighter conditions until after two when another cloudburst and thunder began.

By 1PM North side Chippewa had received 1″ of rain

Update: Wednesday morning, the rain gauge had totaled 1 1/2″ for Tuesday.

Pedestrians Get a Jump on Park Ave Trail

While motor vehicles are still blocked from using Park Avenue, pedestrians are beginning to enjoy the new paved trail. A trail has connected Eau Claire to Hallie for years, but it stopped at Spickler’s Auto Salvage. Recent work has extended that trail all the way through Park Avenue, creating a connection all the way to Lake Wissota area trails and beyond.