On June 22, storms tore through the Burke neighborhood.
BURKE, Va. — More than a week after powerful storms tore through Burke, some families are still trying to recover.
For Tony and Adrienne Toledo, the recovery is far from over. They spoke to WUSA9 shortly after the storm ripped the chimney off of their home the night of June 22. They were one of the many homeowners in the area impacted by the storm.
Standing inside what remains of their living room Wednesday night, Tony Toledo described the damage.
“Right now we’re standing in the middle of the living room and it’s just completely opened up,” he said.
The couple said they’ll never forget where they were as the storm intensified.
“We basically stood right here between the stairs with the children,” Tony Toledo said. “Just staring straight out here where the chimney and the walls were moving up and down violently looked like it was alive. Just terrified not knowing if the house was gonna come down.”
The family’s home was among many damaged by the storm that swept through the area. More than a week later, a giant tree just a block away remains where it fell as crews continue repair work throughout the neighborhood.
At the Toledo home, construction crews are working to repair the damage, but large holes remain in the house. With extreme heat this week, the family says living conditions have become difficult.
“It’s super hot. It’s definitely dangerous,” Tony Toledo said. “You know, for the kids being here, that was definitely a no for me.”
The Toledos have insurance, but say the costs are still adding up.
“With deductibles, that’s a big upfront cost. Also, things that are not covered, that’s always out of pocket,” Tony Toledo said. “Our contractor is telling us about two months of repairs to this house.”
While the storm has passed, the family says the recovery continues.
“We didn’t plan for it, of course, nobody can ever plan for something like this,” Tony Toledo said. “Just the aftermath. I want people to see the aftermath of what things like this can happen.”
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They told WUSA9 the experience continues to affect them financially, but also emotionally.
“It was just a really terrifying experience. I mean, even just hearing thunder now is so different for me. It’s really taken a toll on me,” Adrienne Toledo said.
The family has started a GoFundMe account for anyone interested in helping them get through the next few months. They also expressed gratitude to their neighbors and the community who’ve stepped up to help everyone who was impacted.