A split tree on the lawn in front of the Kenosha County Courthouse.

Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman and representatives of the fire, police and county government held a press conference a little after midnight at the Civil War Museum concerning  the storm that hit eastern Kenosha County Thursday evening.

An intense thunderstrom about 10 miles out over Lake Michigan, combining with another weather system caused the damaging

City and county officials meet with the press regarding Thursday evening's storm: (from left) Jennie Tunkieicz, assistant to County Executive Jim Kreuser; Kenosha Police Lt. Thomas Hamm; Kenosha Fire Department Chief John Thomsen; and Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman.

winds, estimated to be between 70 and 80 mph.

The storm did result in one fatality. Lt. Thomas Hamm, spokesman for the Kenosha Police Department, said a motorcyclist was killed when he was hit by a falling tree in the 7600 block of 25th Avenue. The 31-year-old man from Kenosha was not identified.

Two people who suffered injuries from fallen power lines were not seriously injured, said fire Chief John Thomsen. The fire department also responded to eight roof fires and one structure fire.

Some 22,000 people were reportedly without power, said Jennie Tunkiewicz, assistant to County Executive Jim Kreuser.

Most of the fallen trees, branches and electrical wires were east of 30th Avenue. Bosman said some 70 plus public works employees were working tonight to clean up.

Bosman could not give a firm estimate of how long that work might last.

“We’re assessing the damage,” Bosman said. “It’s something that has to be done, the clean up has to be done.”

Downed wires can be very hazardous, officials warned.

“Be patient, but be very cautious,” Bosman said.

Citizens are being urged to stay away from downed power lines. Call WE Energies at 1-800-662-4797 for assistance with power lines.

The officials said no requests for shelter had been received so far.

Here is video from the press conference: