“They are heartbroken” – Hail tears apart house near Whiting, IA

WHITING, Iowa (KTIV) – Damaging winds and piercing hail have damaged several homes in Monona County, including one that may no longer be habitable.

The Derochie family says once the winds changed, hail the size of a softball shattered windows in their home and even shredded the home's siding. If the homeowner considers the home a total loss, that family may have to move after 21 years.

Britt Derochie was stuck in his car under a tree, helpless as hail hit his parents' house.

This hail was strong enough to knock out almost every window, even destroying several sheds and tossing medium-sized twigs inside while the rest of his family hid in the storm cellar.

This family was devastated.

“They are heartbroken,” Derochie said. “They didn’t think this would happen in the 21 years they lived here. »

Everyone has just a few minor scrapes and bruises from being caught in the hail storm at this home just outside of Whiting, Iowa. But it's not clear whether the house will remain habitable, and moving after 21 years could prove a daunting task.

“Yes, all the windows on the north side of the house (are damaged),” Derochie said. “(The) sidings all burst.”

The Derochie family wants others to learn from their experience: take the weather seriously and get back to a safe place as soon as possible.

“(Because) I got stuck in the storm cell, or the hail storm, last night,” he said.

Other homes in the area were also damaged, but perhaps less severely. The Derochies have electricity, but their roof will need to be inspected as soon as possible.

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