OAKLAND CITY, IN (WFIE) -
Hundreds are still without power Wednesday night in a state of emergency in Oakland City.
A curfew is now in effect until 6:00 in the morning and officials say a lot of storm cleanup is on hold until Duke Energy crews finished their work. The main focus right now is on restoring power.
Duke is working through the night, and officials say until energy crews say it's safe, they don't want residents doing too much work in their yards.
Damaged roofs, busted glass, and uprooted trees can be seen on nearly every street.
"My electric line box is disconnected ripped off the side of my house along with my telephone line. My neighbor has broken windows, uprooted trees in the back yard," said storm victim David King.
Many residents have been getting hot meals at the community center where volunteers are serving up more than 400 plates just for lunch and dinner.
"It's very wonderful. Since they've got so many without power, we really appreciate it," King said.
Officials believe Duke Energy may be able to restore power by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday.
14 News' crew saw several trucks repairing lines in the dark.
A curfew started at 10:00 p.m. and is in effect until 6:00 a.m.
"Duke Energy is looking for down lines and they're making repairs. We don't want anyone to step on a line or near a line and get injured," said Chief Alec Hensley with Oakland City Police Department.
Most of the main roads are now clear. Crews have secured a generator for the water plant, but are asking residents to conserve water and obey the burn ban.
Officials say they still do not have an official count of structures damaged.
The Red Cross has set up a shelter at Oakland City University. Representatives report that seven people staying the night.
Residents say the reality of the situation and the days of cleanup ahead are starting to set in.
"I've never seen nothing like this. It's horrible. It just caught us all off guard," King said.
There's still high security here, so anyone that does visit town to help is required to have a wrist band.
One additional injury was reported on Wednesday. Officials say a volunteer suffered a minor injury.
200 volunteers in total came out and they are invited back again tomorrow. They will be meeting at the fire house at 8 a.m.
The women at the community center tell 14 News they will be serving up breakfast starting at 6:00 a.m. before the long Thursday ahead.
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Damaged roofs, busted glass, and uprooted trees can be seen on nearly every street.
