Click here for updates on this story
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WLKY) — A powerful storm left behind significant damage in Valley Station Sunday, including a tree that split a home in two.
Everyone inside the home made it out safely, but homeowner Barbara Rankin says the experience was terrifying.
Rankin has lived in her Valley Station home for five years. She says she was watching television when the storm hit and initially had no idea what was happening.
“We were watching TV, and honestly, I didn’t hear nothing. Just everything come in on us.”
Rankin says she cares for her two grandchildren. When they realized part of the home had collapsed, they worked to find a way out.
She says the front of the house, including the living room, was heavily damaged.
“The whole front of my house is gone. The living room. And it is torn down. The whole thing.”
Despite the damage, Rankin says she is grateful everyone survived.
“Somebody was watching over us. So thanks to the Lord, we’re out here. That’s what I care about.”
The damage was not limited to Rankin’s home. Downed trees were reported throughout Valley Station, with some falling onto homes and others blocking roadways.
Councilwoman Crystal Bast was out checking on neighbors and assessing where help was needed.
“You hate to see these types of things, but this is what community is about. We’re out here all just pitching in, helping, trying to do what we can, where we can and how we can.”
Residents who see a tree blocking a roadway are encouraged to call 311. Public Works can be dispatched to cut up and remove trees from roadways.
Rankin is staying with family Sunday night.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.