National Weather Service confirms weak tornado caused damage in Stonelick Township

STONELICK TOWNSHIP, Ohio - The National Weather Service surveyed storm damage in Clermont County on Saturday morning, after strong winds moved through the area on State Route 131 and Belfast Road in Stonelick Township.  The National Weather Service found that a weak tornado, category EF-0, did cause the damage.

Michele Wilson and her husband were in bed when the tornado tore the roof off their home.

"Scariest thing in the world," said Wilson. "I haven't been to bed yet. I can't close my eyes. It was a horrible feeling."

Wilson's daughter and two grandchildren, ages 5 months and 3, were asleep in the next bedroom. Part of the roof also came crashing down on all three of them.

"To go back in there today to see all that stuff on top of my kids and my grandkids," said Wilson fighting back tears. "It's just scary and I thank God we are all alive."

The tornado also caused substantial damage to Zack Bowling's home located right next Wilson's home. He and his wife were also asleep when he heard what sounded like a bomb going off.

"It literally picked the roof up off the house and the big loud kabooms I heard were the roof coming down on top because it literally pulled it loose from the framing on the blocks."

Bowling's three year old daughter, Charlotte, was screaming for him to come help her. "She said, 'Daddy don't let it get me.' That's what she kept saying. She was screaming and crying. You know when you hear stuff like that it really gets to you. My whole life is my wife and my daughter," said Bowling. "The house, I don't care about the house. I'm just glad they are OK."

On Saturday, the Stonelick Fire Department assisted the residents with removing items from the damaged homes.

For Wilson, this was supposed to be a day of celebration. Her son just returned home from a deployment in Afghanistan.

"We were trying to have a get together and I had a big welcome home Lance Cpl. Jacob Wilson sign on the front porch just waiting for him but now that dinner won't get to happen. I don't know what we will do," said Wilson.

While the banner was found in a pile of rubble, the United States Marine Corps flag was still flying from the front porch. It has a rip through part of it but still remained in place despite the strong winds.

"I can't explain it," said Wilson. "I really can't, but it stayed flying."