Several Small Businesses Damaged In Broken Arrow Tornado

The tornado that damaged or destroyed several homes in Broken Arrow also took out several small businesses.

When the tornado crossed the Creek turnpike along Highway 51, a path of damage started in a business area beside an old gas station.

It was a long night for Karen Lee, who knew from television that the tornado was headed for her brother's auto repair shop.

The tornado dropped down and lifted off most of the roof at Master Mechanics. The garage was full of cars at the time and most were slightly damaged.

The business is out of business, for now.

"It's not repairable so they're going to have to tear it down, so his business is homeless and he's going to be looking for a place to go," Lee said.

5/31/2013 Related Story: Broken Arrow Tornado Victims Grateful To Survive

What looks like major damage at Zeeco industries is actually a large, canvas covered metal structure that collapsed on top of some equipment. The company said most of their large plant wasn't damaged, even though it was right in the storm's path.

They lost some machinery, but were on the edge of the more significant damage to the neighborhoods to the east.

The wind flipped a pontoon boat at a salvage yard, before tearing off the side of a building used to store and repair some classic cars. It was left wide open after the storm, and when the owners arrived, other people were already inside taking things.

"You see how the doors are all messed up. They had fallen down, so they put them up and boarded them up, because people were in there looting stuff. Not in there looking...Not looking for survivors or helping," said Heather Cathey.

The damage path really started at the old Curt's gas station. The businesses damaged were all metal buildings that won't stand up to high winds, and the tornado peeled off the covering while leaving most of what was inside intact.

These buildings have enough damage that the owner says he'll have to tear them down, but first they've secured them to keep out any thieves and to try to protect what's left from further damage.

5/31/2013 Related Story: Tornado Damages Homes, Businesses In Broken Arrow