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Tornado Levels 37 Homes, Damages 112

POSTED: 10:31 am EDT July 15, 2004 UPDATED: 6:47 pm EDT July 15, 2004 CAMPBELLTOWN, Pa. -- A tornado touched down in Campbelltown, Lebanon County Wednesday afternoon, leveling 37 homes, severely damaging 34 and leaving 78 others with less severe damage. The National Weather Service determined Thursday that an F3 tornado caused the damage. Based on structural damage, the National Weather Service estimated the winds to have been 175-200 mph. Meteorologist David Ondrejik said that the tornado appears to have touched down about 3 p.m. Wednesday and that it was on the ground for 10 to 15 minutes, leaving a trail of destruction 7.5 miles long. The last time an F3 tornado was recorded in Lebanon County was June 1970.

At least 16 people were injured during Wednesday afternoon's severe weather. The most seriously hurt was Jody Lenington, 36. She is listed in critical condition at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Lenington was trying to save her dog. Lenington's parents, Joe and Lois Novosel, were salvaging what they could from their daughter's leveled home while praying for her recovery. "She saw it coming. She knew she couldn't get to the basement, so she jumped into the powder room," Joe Novosel said. More than 30 homes were leveled in the Country Squire Estates development in Campbelltown. Another 30 plus homes had major damage and almost 80 had less severe damage. The winds ripped off roofs, picked up vehicles, blew a bicycle into a second-story window, and scattered lawnmowers and children's swimming pools.

Jim Machinga and his family were home when the tornado blew apart their two-story residence, scattering their belongings in every direction. "I'm just thankful we're all here looking back on it say how amazing it was," Machinga said. Down the road from Campbelltown in Quentin, more than 200 trees were uprooted at Fairview Golf Course. The landscaping around hole No. 1 was destroyed. Damage is estimated at more than $100,000.

Strong Winds Causes Damage In York County

Flight Systems in Fairview Township saw some of the worst damage in York County. Repairs were being done to its roof Thursday. Strong winds also damaged the West Shore School District's administrative building across the street. The building was left with holes in the roof and on the sides of the structure. Trees were blown down and several cars in the parking lot were damaged. "We patched areas of the roof where we had pretty extensive leaks, but right now we are trying to assess whether or not it is going to take further action and replace portions of the roof or the entire roof," said Suzanne Tabachini, with the West Shore District. Despite damage to the building, the school district headquarters remained open for business.

PennDOT Checks Out Roads

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has had crews out checking for damaged roads. There has been no major structure damage reported on primary roads. Most of the trouble spots are in northeast portion of Lancaster County. Road crews are out filling in washed away areas and clearing downed trees.

Insurance Tips For Victims

The state Insurance Department has some advice for filing a storm related damage claim. Policyholders should contact their insurance agent as soon as possible to schedule a visit from a claims adjuster. Take plenty of photographs of the damage and have a damage inventory list to accompany the photographs. After taking the photos, temporary repairs necessary can be made to prevent further property damage. The Insurance Department said there are no homeowner's policies that cover flood damage. In Pennsylvania, damage from flooding is only covered by a separate flood insurance policy.

Original article - http://www.wgal.com/weather/3532155/detail.html

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