By MIKE CORN

mcorn@dailynews.net

LURAY -- High winds swept through parts of Russell County on Tuesday night, downing tree limbs and toppling a church bell tower in Luray.

The damage, mainly confined to the Luray area, was a result of straight-line winds, according to Keith Haberer, emergency management director for Russell County.

He surveyed other communities in the county -- Lucas and Waldo -- to ensure no other damage was caused by the storm.

In the end, he determined Luray bore the brunt of the storm.

Rain fell in much of Russell County, but amounts generally were less than an inch. Rain also fell in Hays, but the reports were spotty, ranging from a trace to 1.18 inches northeast of the community.

The Luray Methodist Church bell tower, made of limestone, was the most significant report of damage. It collapsed at about roof level, Haberer said. The bell, however, remained aloft, no longer surrounded by the limestone.

In addition, tree limbs as large as 10 inches in diameter were broken off by the winds. A conveyer belt used to move dry fertilizer was overturned and twisted.

The awning at the entrance of the Yellow Dog Saloon in Luray was blown down as well, Haberer said.

At the height of the storm, fire department personnel were storm spotting and reported winds of approximately 70 mph, perhaps as high as 75 mph.

Hail also was reported in Luray, but there wasn't any apparent damage, he said.