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Columbia residents picking up pieces after overnight storms

After severe weather ripped through a neighborhood near Lake Katherine, residents are beginning to clean up their yards and repair their homes.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — After severe weather tore through a neighborhood near Lake Katherine on Thursday night, residents are beginning to clean up their yards and repair their homes.

Michael Quinn, a homeowner on Shady Lane in Columbia, recalls the severe weather that hit his home overnight.

"I just moved to the middle of the house," Quinn said. "From there, made a few phone calls, and water was coming through the roof."

Quinn's house was hit by a tree. Today, he and his family are out assessing the damage.

"I lost five trees. I think I have a couple more leaning over," Quinn said. "And the one that was on the roof. This one right on the side of the house. All in all, very lucky. It was very lucky. It was crazy, it was quick. It just came in and it was gone."

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Quinn wasn't alone. 

Neighbors all along Shady Lane are left dealing with the damage from the severe storms. Terry McGovern was at the gym when he got a call from his wife. 

"She said ‘You need to come home, there’s a tree on the house.'"

A tree ripped through his kitchen and living room. It knocked out power and is leaving his family in a difficult situation. He doesn't know yet how long it will take for repairs to be made.

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"Really, you don’t have an idea with something like this. It could be 3 months, 6 months. I think it depends on materials and supplies."

The 1,000 year flood in 2015 wreaked havoc in the same neighborhood, and McGovern said it brings back similar feelings.

When asked about his reaction to hearing the news, he said, "It was a little shocking to say the least. There’s a storm going on, there isn’t much you can do. You’re pretty powerless."

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