Jerusalem Artichokes 8 foot tall & collapsing - can I trim tops?

My jerusalem artichokes are very tall and have been caught by the wind, they are collapsing sideways and blocking a path. I gather you're not supposed to harvest until Oct/Nov but can I trim the top 4 feet or so off just to stabilise them - or would that inhibit growth of the tubers which I eventually hope to harvest?

Many thanks for taking the time to read this...

I have read that trimming them to half their height at this time of year (to prevent them from flowering) will actually IMPROVE the yeild so chop away!