National Guard still assisting with Davis County storm cleanup

FARMINGTON — The Utah National Guard will continue to assist with cleanup of debris and damage from recent windstorms in Davis County until at least Wednesday, Gov. Gary Herbert said. 

"We still have a lot of work to do," Herbert said during a conference call Tuesday morning with leaders in Davis County and affected cities, as well as state agencies and emergency responders.

In addition to the National Guard, the governor said personnel and equipment from the state departments of transportation and public safety will remain deployed to aid county and city crews and volunteers in cleanup and repairs.

Herbert said he will reassess the continued need for state resources at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

"We need to prioritize our state personnel and equipment, based first and foremost on public safety," he said.

The governor deployed state resources and the Utah National Guard on Sunday in anticipation of a windstorm similar to the one Dec. 1 that blasted the area with hurricane-force winds, blowing over semitrailers, toppling trees, downing power lines, closing schools and creating extensive property damage.

Herbert was concerned about debris from the previous storm becoming airborne, further threatening public safety and exacerbating property damage. Residents were warned to clean up debris before the storm and then stay off roadways once it hit.

The governor called the public response "incredible."

"This was the best of Utah — an all-hands-on-deck effort," he said. "The collaboration and cooperation of various entities has been excellent, and I thank our local leaders, National Guard, law enforcement officers and local volunteers."

— Jared Page