Storm cleanup underway in Hillsborough

GIBSONTON - Shredded aluminum and downed trees are what dozens of neighbors in southern Hillsborough County are now dealing with trying to clean up.

"The rain hit and the wind just tore through," Donna Knouse said.

Those living in and around the Hacienda Heights Mobile Home Park in Gibsonton say they felt and heard it all.

"It took my awning and when it ripped it off - just threw it over the top and just rocked it," Knouse said.

Some severe weather came through Thursday afternoon, hitting fast and hitting hard.

"Because the wind was so bad and the rain was like sideways," Doris Rapattoni said.

Some had windows blown out.

"The roof is all gone, the screened in porch," Haram Rapattoni said.

Others lost entire rooms.

"So we were out there trying to struggle to hold the windows up against the wind and the rain," Doris said.

Many lost trees or had their homes damaged by trees. The scramble now is to clean up before the next storm rolls in.

"A lot of uprooted trees and debris scattered everywhere," said Kevin Naper who works for JW Tree Service.

Clean up crews and residents are moving quickly. Naper says it will take three or four days to clear everything.

Neighbors say they were pounded by rain and hail.

"Everything was just dripping," Doris Rapattoni said.

But it was the wind that packed the worst punch.

"With hurricanes you get a couple weeks notice, she said. "This is stuff like you get in Missouri just sudden."

Even those residents that were missed and got little damage are sweeping and bagging. They're helping others, clear the sidewalks and streets of debris left behind.