Neighborhoods in the City of Frisco are in the process of cleanup following early morning storms that brought 1.25” hail, damaging winds, and lightning strikes.
In the Hollyhock subdivision, two homes were set ablaze after being struck by lightning. Michael Youseff, who had just taken out the trash, experienced the intense lightning strike at approximately 7:24 a.m., describing it as a sudden and startling event.
Jeny Harding, along with her husband and young daughter, sought shelter in a closet upon hearing emergency sirens triggered by the hail and high winds. Despite believing the storm had passed by 7:30 a.m., they were taken by surprise when lightning struck nearby, creating a loud explosion akin to a transformer blowing.
Moments later, Harding smelled smoke and discovered her neighbor’s house engulfed in flames. Youseff quickly joined efforts to douse the fire with a water hose until firefighters arrived within minutes.
As the situation unfolded, Harding had to rush to her own home to ensure the safety of her baby, all the while comforting her neighbors who had also evacuated safely.
The storm’s peak recorded wind gusts reached up to 80 miles per hour, resulting in fallen trees, broken branches, and debris strewn across the neighborhoods.
Kate Shepard, a pregnant mother, found her home near 121 and Coit Road damaged by a large tree limb that pierced through her living room. With quick thinking, she gathered her children and attempted to contain the water flooding into her home using plastic bins.
Frisco firefighters were kept busy responding to various emergencies, including downed power lines, road debris, and rescuing individuals trapped in elevators. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries from the storm.
Despite the damage incurred, Harding maintains a perspective of gratitude for their safety, recognizing that material possessions can be replaced. She remains focused on working with her insurance company to assess the extent of the damages, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety above all else.
