Home Destroyed During Height Of Severe Thunderstorms In Hudson Valley

The incident took place around 3 p.m., Tuesday, June 8, in Orange County when a series of storms with high winds moved through sending the large tree crashing into the home at 8 Carpenter Road in Chester.

The owner of the home, Rick Collazo, told Rockland Video he and his wife had just arrived home when the tree fell on the back of the residence, his two sons, one who is autistic, were inside at the time.

"It doesn't look good, we may have lost the house completely," he said. 

Chester officials have deemed the home inhabitable.

Collazo said he wasn't sure what the family was going to do, but was relieved that his sons were okay.

"If they had been in the back bedrooms or bathroom they would be gone," he told Rockland Video.

The family cat, "Jinks," was killed.

Additional strong storms are forecast for the area on Wednesday, June 9, according to the National Weather Service.

The service residents should expect additional thunderstorms in the afternoon and early evening with the potential for heavy rainfall which may produce localized flash flooding. Gusty winds and lightning strikes are also threats.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Kingston and receive free news updates.