LIGONIER, Pa. — People and families are working to put their lives back together days after a tornado damaged more than two dozen buildings, businesses and homes in Westmoreland County.
Officials said an EF-1 tornado touched down around 5:25 p.m Friday near Ligonier, about 50 miles southwest of Pittsburgh.
Forecasters said the storm packed winds with maximum speeds of 105 mph and traveled a path up to 300 yards wide for about eight miles.
Preliminary information from the National Weather Service said 27 structures, 14 mobile homes and two businesses were damaged.
The Antiochian Camp in Fairfield Townshop was damaged when an old tree came down on a brand-new cabin.
"When the tornado hit, as you can see, it took the roots and all and it landed right on our brand-new cabin that was just finished a week ago," camp director Anthony Yazge said. "We're supposed to have campers here in two weeks and we're working as hard as we can to get the camp ready."
High winds ripped the roof off one home. No injuries were reported.
Cleanup crews were working in Hermitage Circle in Ligonier picking up tree limbs, branches and stumps.
"It's not like the stereotypical movie and TV show where you see the cloud and you run and hide. It just blew right over us and hit our neighbors right behind the tree line," Ligonier resident Patrice Ferlan said.
The damage caused by Friday's storm is estimated at more than $100,000, authorities said.
Officials said the tornado was the 37th to hit Westmoreland County since 1800.
Westmoreland County is now tied with Crawford County for having the most tornadoes in Pennsylvania.
In wake of the EF-1 tornado Friday night in Ligonier, the National Weather Service is promoting weather awareness and the Skywarn program.
A basic Skywarn class is planned for June 6 at 6:30 p.m. in Indiana at 85 Haven Drive. Officials said citizens do not have to pre-register, just show up at the class.