EAST GRANBY, CT (WFSB) – Connecticut towns are still in the recovery process following a powerful storm on Friday.
The storm, a severe microburst, left a trail of destruction across the region.
A microburst is a localized column of sinking air within a thunderstorm that can produce damaging winds.
Intense winds caused flipped planes and caused significant damage at the Simsbury Airport.
The airport was not the only area affected, as residential neighborhoods also faced substantial impacts.
Crews were hard at work cleaning up residential areas.
“I haven’t seen damage like this since October 2011 snowstorm,” said Brad Schmitt of Schmitt Tree Service.
In the town, trees were uprooted, lawns destroyed, and power lines knocked down.
“One of our neighbors, his son was in his bedroom when the tree collapsed. Luckily, he only suffered scratches. When something like this happens, you’re just glad that everyone walked away from it,” said Matt Broderick, a Simsbury resident.
Nicholas Grosse escaped death when a massive tree crashed through his home, splitting it in half.
He recounted the terrifying experience, saying, “Another piece of the ceiling fell down and I lifted up my hands and I happened to catch it and push it out of the way. I made it downstairs thinking I was going to the garage. When I opened the garage door, I had no garage. I peaked my head out and saw sky.”
“I thought I was going to die. I thought I was going to die, and I was saying small prayers,” he continued.
Small prayers, but sizeable courage. He was able to escape safely using a backdoor.
Now, the house he had known for four years is unrecognizable.
“To the left of the hole here right in the middle where you see the buckets. That was the office. As you can see there’s nothing left to that,” he said.
Crews were able to retrieve a few items from the wreckage, but most is a lost cause.
“Everything upstairs is gone. This is all the stuff downstairs,” continued Grosse.
In the wake of this disaster, the community has rallied to support Grosse.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help repair the damages to his home. It has raised a little over $3,000. Click HERE to donate.
Additionally, a local car dealership in East Granby has stepped in to loan Grosse a vehicle after both of his cars were destroyed by the fallen tree.
The storm’s aftermath has highlighted the town’s support in times of crisis.
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