Family says downed tree narrowly missed 18-month-old’s window in overnight storm
By Chantelle Navarro
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CHOCTAW, Oklahoma (KOCO) — The word “gratitude” echoed across Choctaw Monday after overnight storms damaged homes, downed trees and knocked out power for residents.
One couple’s roof was severely damaged, torn off by the powerful winds. Down the street, a tree narrowly missed a baby’s window, highlighting the dangers residents faced.
Dennis Bachhofer, a Choctaw resident, recorded video of his 16-foot tree crashing into the front of his house around 4 a.m.
“It actually sounded like a thud and just like a bunch of hail hitting the house,” Bachhofer said.
The tree landed just inches away from his 18-month-old daughter’s window.
“Our daughter’s room is right there. So, that was our first thing, was making sure she was fine,” Katie Lambert said.
The KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team reported wind gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour in the area.
Lambert described waking up to their house shaking.
“I looked outside, and I literally saw the mist just like going in circles. It was so crazy,” Lambert said.
A few houses down, Matthew Dowling, who works for Affordable Tree Service, was busy clearing a neighbor’s yard after more trees fell.
“While I’m cutting this up and getting this off their house, this piece fell on my trailer,” Dowling said.
Dowling said this was the first of six calls he received Monday. For him, it’s a job. But for others, the cleanup process has been challenging.
“It’s actually a bit frightening, you know, and it’s just us. So, it’s actually going to be real difficult actually trying to get it all hauled off and get it taken care of. We’ve been burning all morning,” Bachhofer said.
“Especially because we’re kind of out of pocket right now with, like, you know, proper funds, especially with a tree this big,” Lambert said.
Despite the challenges, Bachhofer expressed gratitude.
“We are 100% grateful for sure. For sure,” he said.
Residents are reminded that code enforcement may issue fines if downed trees are not removed within 10 days. Disaster relief services are available to assist those in need.
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