TEMPLE, Texas — The storm that hit parts of Central Texas late Wednesday afternoon caused extensive damage to dozens of homes, businesses and structures in Temple.
A neighborhood on Parkfield Lane in West Temple received the brunt of the storm as at least 30 homes have roofs that were destroyed, downed powerlines, and fallen trees spread across their area.
Abbie Rurup and Gavin Ethridge live on that street and said when the storm hit, it shook the floors, the walls, and the ceiling of her home. So they both decided to hide in their backroom closet until the storm was over.
"Whenever I first walked out of the house, [a] whole side row of houses and their roofs were almost completely gone," Rurup explained. " I just broke down."
Ethridge added that their windows were blown out in their living room and kitchen and there's a downed powerline in their backyard. They will be staying with family for the time being.
"You always like hear about it and see it in movies," Ethridge said. "But for it to actually happen here… definitely just happy and blessed that we're okay."
For mother of two, Shadavia Blakemore, living at Midtown Apartments in West Temple, the ceiling in her apartment fell in her living room, bedroom, and children's bedroom.
“I mean it was just loud, the wind kept picking up and I don't know it was just harder than what I normally hear," Blakemore explained. "It started sounding like a train and the winds just got too heavy and like I knew a tornado outside."
Insulation covered nearly all of her apartment floor. She has to quickly pack her bags and relocate to her moms home.
"I am upset because I have to leave my apartment and it's caved in," Blakemore added. "I guess it's bittersweet because I mean, my lease is about to be up. We’re safe, that’s the most important thing.”
Emergency crews will be responding to affected areas as cleanup is now underway.
