Inola Home Destroyed; Other Buildings Damaged In Overnight Storm

Homes, barns and even a coal train were damaged by the severe storms that moved through Inola early Thursday morning.

News On Meteorologist Michael Grogan was tracking the storm as it moved in on April 18, 2013 and he said it appeared to be a tornado.

The damage in Inola was widespread. While there are no physical injuries to report, people there are hurting.

Under the rubble of what used to be Terri Howell's home lies 14 years of memories.

"This is where the foundation was. It just picked it up and flipped it over. It's crunched. They lost everything. Everything they had was in there," said Terri Howell.

Across the street those same winds knocked down box cars. Most people in Inola have damage to barns and outbuildings.

"It's not serious damage compared to what I've seen on the TV this morning. I'm thankful what happened out here didn't happen at the house and no one got hurt," Tim Crum said.

"It is heartbreaking. Everything can be replaced, but my son can't. I'm glad him and his best friend and their friend are okay. I worked hard to pay for this, you know? I worked hard. It took me a long time," Howell said.

It will take a lot of time and money to restore what the storm destroyed, and while the people in Inola seem overwhelmed by the work, those who have suffered damage say they are ins pried and touched by the help they've received.