Pioneer Drive residents assess damage after storms topple trees

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Several trees were brought down by severe weather on Pioneer Drive, damaging sheds, vehicles, and boats.

One homeowner’s mother-in-law said a tree split and fell in the family’s yard during the storm.

“So our daughter in law called to check on us, and we were without power. I asked if they were okay, and she said, ‘Yeah, we’re fine, but there’s a tree on our garage.’ Then, two doors down, there was a tree on a car and a boat. We’re just happy nobody’s hurt,” said Melinda Walraven.

Further down the road, neighbors pointed out a boat and truck crushed by another fallen tree.

They told us the vehicles belong to local football coach Joshua Payne.

Neighbors said Payne was out of town when the storm hit and learned about the damage through a phone call.

Despite the destruction, residents say they are grateful no one was injured.