The storm system that moved through the tri-state area Saturday night left only minor damage behind. But winds that followed Sunday created a major headache for utility companies and homeowners.
EPB officials said about 4000 customers were without power throughout Sunday evening. One power line went down on Gold Point Circle early Sunday. It sent campers at Chester Frost Park looking for others roads in and out of the area. A tree was blown over near the one thousand block of West 37th Street and more power lines were knocked down in several areas on Signal Mountain. The National Weather Service reports wind gusts got up to 50 miles per hour or higher. And in Collegedale, the Vaca family saw first hand the strength behind those kinds of winds. Mom Liz Vaca says, "It felt like tornado weather." A tree slammed into Liz Vaca's home. It left a gapping hole in the roof. Liz Vaca says, "My husband said I'm worried about that tree because it doesn't look good. It was swaying so hard. It was swaying towards the house and I said hopefully it won't fall. 20 minutes later we get a call and my daughter says 'mom the tree has fallen." Briana Vaca was home at the time. Briana says, "The next thing I know I hear a boom and my brother was in his room playing video games and that's what I was concerned about. I ran outside to make sure he was okay and surprise." The Vaca's have insurance and say despite the damage they will sleep at home tonight. Liz Vaca jokingly adds, "If it doesn't rain tonight." EPB officials said power should be restored to customers by 7 Monday morning.
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