Residents say wind is no stranger to Huntingdon but they never expected to see it destroy parts of their neighborhood.
Ralph Shultz has lived in his home off Rt. 22 since 1952.
He said things haven’t changed much over 65 years but on Thursday morning he walked onto his front porch to a new view.
“It’s just unusual to see anything like this,” Shultz said.
Around 1 a.m. powerful winds ripped off the roof of Mill Stone Manor Motel Bar and Grill.
Contractors said it was a clean sweep as the roof flew off the building and into the parking lot.
Several cars were totaled and 21 of 27 motel rooms were evacuated.
Marge Cutright, Director of the property, said when she saw what happened she was in shock.
The motel is owned by the Swigart Museum and she oversees the lot directly.
She said guests were not upset and she’s thankful there were no injuries.
“Nobody was upset. Everybody was fine just one of the men said ‘gee I have to get to work in two hours, I guess I can just stay up,'” Cutright said.
Later that afternoon crews set up tarps to secure the rooms and make sure there was no other water or wind damage.
“The guests were very cooperative and that is a big help and we hope to back in business as soon as possible,” Cutright said.
Contractors said things should be cleaned up by later next week and by then the motel can open the first floor and restaurant to the public.