Residents Rally to Aid Tornado Cleanup in Southwest OKC
A tornado struck a southwest Oklahoma City neighborhood near SW 81st and S Country Club on Friday night. Neighbors and homeowners spent Saturday morning helping with cleanup.
Residents rallied to provide aid in the tornado cleanup across Southwest OKC. Volunteers worked yard to yard clearing debris and securing damaged homes.
Local accounts and damage
Duane Divelbiss helped neighbors across the street. He said many fences that once stood were now flattened across several yards.
Divelbiss recalled hearing the storm Friday evening. He compared the noise to a passing freight train.
Ethan Owens, with JOE Roofing and Home Repair, noted a large powerline that fell through a yard. He is assisting a homeowner who suffered interior water damage.
Owens said a significant roof hole allowed rain inside the house. Crews are using dehumidifiers to remove moisture and limit further damage.
Jaxon Bolch, also with JOE Roofing and Home Repair, offered condolences to affected families. He said losing a long-held home is especially painful.
Owens and Bolch estimate repairs for the water-damaged house could take at least a month. They continue coordinating cleanup and repairs.
Community reaction and next steps
Community members who spoke with Filmogaz.com said they felt shocked and saddened. They also said they were grateful the damage did not appear worse.
Officials urged residents to report storm-related damage at damage.ok.gov. Volunteers remain on site helping neighbors as recovery continues.
