HILLIARD, Ohio — The storm that tore through certain areas of the state has left communities in shambles. 

What You Need To Know

• The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado ripped through Hilliard


• Bonnie Rice’s home on Hilliard Rome Road took the brunt of it


• Strong winds caused her garage to collapse and took out part of her roof


• Gayle Williams with the Vallery & Dorn Insurance Agency gives advice for homeowners affected by the storm

Bonnie Rice is still processing what has happened to her home on Hilliard Rome Road. 

“We’re the only house on this road that got hit,” she said.

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado ripped through Hilliard. 

Strong winds ripped apart Rice’s home, taking out parts of her roof. Her garage collapsed. Trees, several branches, and a street sign blew onto her property. 

Rice was home when it happened. 

“I was watching out the front window,” she said. “10 minutes later I saw it coming across a field, and it was like a locomotive. And I said, ‘Run for the basement. Run for the basement now’. We got down about five steps, and then I heard all the windows, and then in 5 minutes it was over, and then we walked back up, and the whole house was gone. It’s just gone.”

While families like Rice’s are left picking up the pieces, it’s a busy time for insurance companies. 

Gayle Williams is a customer service representative and insurance agent for Vallery & Dorn Insurance Agency. They assist homeowners dealing with storm damage. 

“I haven’t seen anything to this level in a long time,” said Gayle Williams. “I’ve been doing insurance for about 27 years.”

She said insurance claims can be key here.

“So, if it’s just minor things, a few missing shingles, maybe a tree down,” said Williams. “I wouldn’t jump the gun to go turn in a claim. I would definitely call the agent, get their advice, get an estimate out there to see what kind of damage they have. But if it’s a major claim, then definitely call your agent, start the claim, let them know the details. Maybe take some pictures if their stuff is damaged.”

And in immediate cases, Williams explained, “If they don’t have a place to go right now, we will put them into a hotel. Or they could rent a home depending on the damage.”

In Rice’s case, there’s a lot to recover, but she tries looking at the upsides. 

“We’re safe,” Rice said. “That’s the most important thing.”