PORTLAND, Ore. — High winds across the Portland metro area knocked over trees during this weekend's winter storm, leaving two people dead and numerous homes destroyed.
One person died Saturday in Southeast Portland when a tree fell on a parked RV, taking down power lines with it, and started a fire. And in Lake Oswego, a man died after a tree fell on his house and crashed through the second floor.
Other families who survived similar incidents said they know how lucky they are.
Mason and Jacqueline DePasse were at home, having a movie night with their two kids, when the high winds caused trees to crush into their Beaverton house.
"Two trees criss-crossing that just absolutely obliterated the bathroom and closet," Mason said. "If we had been in either of those rooms we'd be dead. ... We were very fortunate. Our neighbors were amazing. They came right over and had a generator so we stayed with them last night."
PHOTOS: Downed trees across Oregon as winter storm hits
Not everyone was left unscathed. Up in Bethany, Steve Mishler said he was hit by a tree just steps away from his house.
"I got a big black-and-blue spot on my back because it actually hit me," Mishler said. "I was right at the corner of my house when it came down. I had pushed a branch over to the side and I took about two steps that way and all of a sudden, just bang, and I'm on the ground."
Dogwood Park, a tight-knit neighborhood in Bethany surrounded by trees, was completely ruined by the storm.
Bob Stinslin said he's lived here for over 40 years and has yet to see damage this bad.
"It was over a period of two hours," Stinslin said. "One tree after another just kept coming down and every time we thought this would be the last one, here comes another one."
People affected are leaning on friends and family for a place to stay. They said they know it will be at least a year until things begin to resemble what they once were.
"Our neighbors will stay with us for another several months until we get building contractors to start the renovations. But I think it's going to be a week before we see power because no one has shown up yet."
