Strong wind gusts from a brief thunderstorm knocked down a large section of a shopping center’s awning near the intersection of Scherm Road and Lewis Lane on Saturday afternoon, with the awning landing on several parked vehicles. No injuries were reported, and the building itself was not damaged.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m., according to property manager Jim Estes. By 3:30 p.m., the vehicles had been removed after individuals on site were able to lift the awning enough for drivers to back them out, Estes said. He added that those involved were encouraged to contact their insurance providers.
The awning collapsed along the east-facing side of the L-shaped shopping center, which is anchored by Carnival Cafe on one end and Price Less Foods on the other. Businesses in the center also include a laundromat and 270 Tactical. The awning above Carnival Cafe remained intact, but the rest of the stretch down to the corner was knocked loose.
Crews were still working Saturday afternoon to clean up the area.
