ROCK HILL, S.C. — Three days after strong storms battered parts of York County, clean-up is still underway.
The supercell thunderstorm produced winds up to 90 mph as it moved across the area late Saturday afternoon. The winds, which were the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane, toppled trees and damaged homes.
For Kirk Douglas, who lives in Rock Hill, the days following the storm have been somewhat of a blur.
He'd only just moved into his home a year ago on Rockwood Drive before it was destroyed by a large tree over the weekend.
"I heard a crackling sound," Douglas said. "By the time I heard it and got up, the tree had just fallen all the way in the middle, cut my house in half. It took everything I could to get out. I ran over to the door. I couldn’t get out the door because it was blocked, but I climbed out the window."
Douglas has been staying with family, as he works through the next steps and says his faith is keeping him strong.
"My life literally passed across my face when I was climbing through the window," Douglas said. "I'm not sure what I'm going to do."
Elsewhere in the neighborhood, Lattoya St. Hill and her family are doing what they can with limited resources. She said a deep freezer has been keeping their food cold after they lost power the night of the storm. After days in the dark, she hoped Tuesday would be the time power returns.
"By it being everybody [impacted], it was hectic because you basically have to wait your turn," St. Hill said. "I don’t have anywhere to really sit. Like, that was my spot."
As she pointed to what was a "comfort zone" in her backyard, she was nearly brought to tears. Her backyard furniture, including chairs, was blown into their trampoline by a strong wind.
"I come out here. I do my work and everything. Now, I can’t," St. Hill said. "That came out of nowhere. Nobody really talking about it, like, they’re downplaying it to me. Again, people still do not have power.”
The cost of damage to some cars alone could be $20,000 or more, according to Bobo's Body Shop.
Andy Brackett is a manager there and said it could take a month or more to complete all the repairs from calls they've received.
"[I've spent] 45 years in the business," Brackett said. "I’ve never seen hail damage like this. Glass broke. Sunroofs broke. Cars just beat all to pieces. 2023 model cars being totaled from hail damage.”
While the storm did not affect everyone, those that were affected saw major damage. Strong wind left the windows at American Freight blown out and boarded on Albright Road, along with the top of a gas station bent down, pinning a car in its position next to a gas pump.
On Jones Avenue, the Redeeming Life Christian Center also suffered major damage. The church is the site of the first school to integrate in South Carolina. While, on Monday, the historic building seemed to be okay, the storm toppled trees and damaged buildings elsewhere on the center's campus
A large tree destroyed two trailers, formerly used as portable classrooms. The trailers were being used as storage when they were destroyed.
"I really wanted to cry, but then I recognized, you know, everything happens for a reason," Bishop Eric Gailliard said. "Even though we may not like it, you’ve got to find a way to maintain your joy in the midst of the storm. Find a way to maintain your joy. Keep your peace. Keep your joy. So, now we have to clean up, but guess what? Something new is going to happen.”
The church is awaiting details from insurance and accepting volunteers and donations. Its Cash App is $RedeemingLifeHOM and can be found here on Facebook.
York County's Amateur Radio Society (YCARS) is also looking toward clean up, after losing both antenna towers, critical to their broadcasts, along with several trees.
Rock Hill severe thunderstorm damage
"To see it on the ground and know that we can’t use it and the amount of energy that went into funding this ... it was heartbreaking," John Gendron with YCARS said.
The organization supports nonprofits, helps with emergency communications, and teaches young people about science and technology.
They're waiting to hear from their insurance company on what damage will be covered and also accepting donations through their website.
As clean up continues, Douglas said he's leaning on the positive and is thankful to be alive.
"If somebody could just say, ‘God bless you. You made it.’ That would be even more helpful to me than them doing anything other than that," Douglas said.
On Tuesday, the Rock Hill community continued to rally around each other. Several local nonprofits and businesses gathered at the Farmacy, with over 100 volunteers to donate food and supplies in the Southside neighborhood.
Community partners including Victory Gardens, Kounter, and The Mercantile helped cook fresh meals for people who are still without power. The Farmacy is an urban farm and a source of healthy, fresh food for people living in Southside.
"This is really what Rock Hill is about when people are in need," said Jonathan Nazeer, CEO of Victory Gardens.
Organizers said they are currently assessing the biggest needs in the community and will plan another event to give back to people reeling from the storm damage soon.
York County has also setup a hotline for anyone needing assistance with storm cleanup. Residents can call 803-250-3673.
Tips to avoid storm contractor scams
As many people are cleaning up after Saturday’s severe storms, The Better Business Bureau is issuing a warning to watch out for so-called “storm chasers.” The BBB said after a storm, people will come out to try and take advantage of homeowners looking for some help.
WCNC Charlotte highlights some things you should look out for so you’re not left asking "where’s the money?"
These storm chasers appear to be normal contractors who offer repairs on homes, but The Better Business Bureau said you should be careful about who you trust.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
“First we want to definitely say that not all storm chaser, not all storm chasers are scammers,” Juliana O’Rork with the BBB said. “But we do want to make sure everybody is aware that sometimes they can be, and that you should make sure they have the licensing requirements for the state that you live in, and that you are getting all the information you need from them.”
O’Rork with the BBB said most of the time, these storm chasers will use sales tactics that just sound too good to be true.
“They might offer that the work will be done really quickly,” she said. “Big promises, of course, and so those are going to be some of the red flags you want to make sure you look out for.”
O’Rork said before hiring anyone for a job, go to the BBB to make sure the business is accredited.
Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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