Winds Peel-Off Roof of Mena Home During Tuesday Night Storm

BY LEANN DILBECK & MELANIE BUCK –

The home of Junior and Ginny Long sustained damage during Tuesday night’s torrential rains, when the roofing to a section of their second-story was peeled off by the wind. The home is located just behind Maple Street Apartments on the corner of 4^th Street and Port Arthur. Fortunately, it was before the 9-1-1 system was debilitated by lightning and they were able to complete their distress call.

“I heard it when the roof blew off but I didn’t know what it was,” said Junior. Upon realizing what had occurred, he ran upstairs and “water was pouring out by the bucket full.” Jenny stated, “I was grabbing totes and dumping out dresser drawers to catch the water but I just wasn’t fast enough.”

The Mena Fire Department responded and according to Mena Fire Chief John Puckett,  “It was raining down around a light in their living room. They were trying to keep it mopped off their hard-wood floors but it was coming down almost faster than they could keep up.” In addition to the Fire Department, about fifteen friends and family came to their aid. They are thankful for all who responded.

Puckett said his department was able to get some tarps stretched across the area that would help until daylight and repairs could be made. The Longs confirmed that they did have insurance to assist with repair costs.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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