WINNSBORO, Texas — The storms overnight Friday left a path of destruction in Wood and Hopkins counties.
Debris tossed from the roof of a mobile home in Como was scattered next to the road --- the satellite dish still intact on the tin roof on the ground, a ceiling fan idling on the ground and part of a power pole snapped off due to strong winds.
"We had some roofs blown off and some trees, but nothing to the extent that I have been able to see tonight," Winnsboro Fire Chief Mark Griffin said.
In his 20 plus years of being fire chief, Griffin said he’s seen some nasty storms, but this one stood out.
Powerlines dangled across town, strong winds blew the roof off a business in downtown Winnsboro – snapping power line poles as drivers tried to manage their way into streets.
"Lots of water because water had come in. Just glass everywhere and glass was knocked over and we’re going to start the clean up process," said Kristie Brian, owner of Farmers Insurance in Winnsboro.
Winds shattered the glass to her business as it blew in debris.
"I’m glad that it happened at night time," Brian said.
A few miles north in Hopkins County, more damage was visible as the sun came out, including heavy damage to the Como-Pickton sports field and a power light completely flattened by the strong winds.
Down the street was Larry McNeal, who was searching for his neighbors and their dogs after the storm.
"My neighbors live here. The first responders told me that they got them out of the house. I don’t know if they got their dogs out or where they’re at," McNeal said. "I hope they’re OK."
And thankfully, they were OK. Hours later, Pamela Teague and her husband showed up to save memories from what is now a pile of debris.
"What can I say, it’s all gone," Teague said.
Their two dogs were found safe.
"They’re my babies and I’m so grateful for that," Teague said.
Despite the destruction, Pamela holds hope.
"When one door closes, another one opens. Got to keep faith, it’s all you can do," Teague said.
No deaths have been reported in the area. The National Weather Service is yet to determine if a tornado or straight-line winds caused this damage.