A devastating hailstorm wreaks $150,000 worth of havoc on this family’s home: “It sounded like gunshots going off”

Extreme weather has left a deadly path of destruction across the Midwest, South, and Plains this year, and this Nebraska family was able to broadcast the severity of the storms to the rest of the country, which has not been exposed to the dangers.

Hail the size of golf balls fell on communities in Nebraska and Iowa on April, 17, and the Pettit family captured the damage to their homes.

Chelsi Pettit posted a video to TikTok of the storm and its aftermath to TikTok, where it has been received over 45 million views.

“It sounded like gunshots going off in every direction,” said Pettit in an interview with PEOPLE. Those who have seen the video can attest. The broken windows, the damage to gutters, siding, and the roof, are a reminder of the strength of Mother Nature, which can drift from memory until an event shatters that security.

Assessing the damage and rebuilding

The video was shot at the TikToker’s parents’ home, but her’s suffered a similar fate. She is still waiting for an estimate on how much the repairs will cost, with that received by her parents totalling $150,000.

As the family begins to asses and rebuild, they feel lucky that they were all together. Chelsi, her husband, and their pets decided to weather the storm at her parents’ house because theirs doesn’t have a basement, and a tornado watch had been activated in the area. “Homes can be fixed, and plants can be replaced,” said Chelsi to people when detailing their gratitude and explaining how the storm had taught she and her family many lessons. “Stay on top of the weather and always prepare for the worst,” is Chelsi’s advice to those confronted by severe weather.

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