TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — A family, a business, and other residents are still reeling from the Aug. 17 storm in the Tahlequah area. Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office believes it might have contributed to a fatal crash as well.
The stray August 17 storm extended to Wagoner County that morning, as 2 News Oklahoma previously reported a man was lucky to be alive after his massive backyard oak tree crushed his home.
But that same storm carried into the Tahlequah area, including to Debbie Brooks’ family home.
“It uprooted the whole tree (and) slammed it down onto our laundry room here,” Brooks showed 2 News on Aug. 23. “Our sunroom is there. Part of the garage is gone (and) our bathroom. And they were hiding in that bathroom.”
WATCH: Tahlequah grandmother recounts family’s near-disaster in Aug. 17 storm:
Tahlequah grandmother recounts family’s near-disaster in Aug. 17 storm
Brooks referred to her son, daughter in-law and their baby, who hid for cover when the tree crashed through.
Just blocks away, authorities believe the same winds and low visibility could have contributed to a fatal head-on crash on State Highway 82.
Across the road from the Brooks home, part of the roof and a huge chunk of the ceiling gave way at The Speckled Hen Flea Market, the worst damage owner Bill Campbell has ever been dealt.
“There was no one here. That actually occurred on Monday,” Campbell said. “And on Mondays and Tuesdays we are normally closed. So thank the Lord for that. I can only imagine what it would’ve been like if we had been open.”
Electricity was eventually restored to damaged areas of Cherokee County by Aug. 20.
The weight of the last week is not lost on Brooks, who said her family is lucky to be okay despite now facing major repairs and a less than sympathetic homeowner’s insurance response. All this while they remain living in the house.
2 News Oklahoma
“If it’s straight wind and hail then our deductible is 10% of the value of our home,” Brooks said. “So it’s $46,000.”
“I’m not glad it’s us but it could’ve been Miss Joyce next-door,” Brooks said. “It could’ve taken everything. And she’s in a wheelchair. So the Lord did watch out for her on that, and if it takes a part of our house we just have to figure it out.”
The homeowner’s family has since started a GoFundMe to help with critical roof, yard, fencing, ceiling, furniture, and drywall repairs.
“I know there’s a way,” the Tahlequah resident added. “There’s a reason why everything happens, so we just have to not question and pray about it. But it’s just been crazy. Like, no, it’s not sunk in.”
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