SANGER, Texas — Severe weather Saturday destroyed dozens of campers and boats parked at the Lake Ray Roberts Marina.
At least three people were inside RVs when the storms passed over the park. Marina staff told WFAA several residents went to the hospital, but they have been released with injuries that did not threaten their lives.
"You realize you're in flight and you're just hoping the landing is going to be favorable," said Donald Wyley, who told WFAA he clung to a mattress inside his RV when wind picked up the camper and flung it about 150 feet.
The trailer landed on top of at least two other RVs. Wyley's only injury is a cut on his elbow.
"That was an experience," he said Sunday. "I'm lucky to be alive."
Residents spent the day untangling their belongings from their neighbors'. The storm blended family keepsakes with strangers' furniture and kitchenware.
Volunteers helped clean debris off the access road and parking lots. Necessary demolition work will not begin until insurance adjusters survey the damage.
About 300 yards from the RV park, the storm flattened one boat dock and damaged at least two others. Dozens of people visited Sunday, hoping the boats they'd left in their slips survived the storm.
Many boat owners could not locate their vessels. Others found their boats floating in the middle of Lake Ray Roberts.
"It's just a mangled mess," said Triana Burroughs, who visited the marina to look for her parents' boat. "Their boat could be way out there somewhere and we don't even know it yet."
The storm ripped roofs off nearby homes and cut in half once-proud trees. Utility workers made repairs to downed electricity distribution lines Sunday.
The Salvation Army and other volunteers passed out water and food to people at the marina. Staff said cleanup will likely take months.