PORTLAND, Ore. — A family of five in Kelso has been displaced from their home due to a tree that fell during a windstorm Tuesday night that saw gusts up to 45 mph in the Portland metro region.
Around 7:46 p.m. on Tuesday, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a fallen tree with power lines down on a house near Union Way. The family inside were able to safely exit the home and get inside a neighbor's house, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue said.
Residents in the area were advised to remain inside until responders arrived. The utility company in Cowlitz was able to shut off power to the area to secure the downed power lines.
The mother told KGW that her 19-year-old daughter, Elena, and 4-year-old daughter, Zuri, were inside the home when the tree fell.
"Just sitting watching TV on the couch," Claudia Ramos, the two girl's mom said. "Then next thing you know, pitch black, she's waking up, hears Zuri crying."
Ramos said Elena doesn't remember much, just that it went pitch black, as well as shielding her younger sister Zuri and hearing her cry. She says Elena started pulling some of the fallen debris off of her sister when a neighbor ran inside to help get both of them out and to safety.
Ramos says she wasn't home at the time and was taking her son to get a haircut.
"I'm sorry; it's just a lot," Ramos said emotionally. "It is because I wasn't here to protect them. It's hard, but I'm just thankful they're okay. It could've been worse, but they're alive."
She says her 19-year-old had a concussion and a sprained ankle, while her younger daughter made it out with only cuts and scrapes.
"She's definitely shocked," Ramos said of her daughter Elena. "She's trying to be strong, I can tell, but she's definitely hurting."
The family and their dog are now staying with family in the area in the interim. The American Red Cross has been contacted and will assist the family with housing and other needs.
Ramos said the family was renting the home and has renter's insurance. She said their belongings inside were likely a total loss.
Fire officials estimate the tree size to be 3 feet in diameter.