Storm Eowyn: Community rallies around County Tyrone couple after heavy winds blows off roof and causes structural damage

Tracy McMahon and her husband Tam were in their County Tyrone home when the roof was ruined and structural damage was sustained to their property in the early hours of Friday morning.

Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident as the high winds caused havoc, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Tracy, who was also inside the house with her two dogs, said: "We were in bed at 4.30am and we heard this thudding noise and we got up and then suddenly it went quiet.

“However, once another big gust of wind happened there was another big noise and that’s when we noticed the roof had came off at the front end of the house.

"We looked at the outside camera and we could see the fibre glass insulation on the ground, so we knew there had been damage to the roof.

"We moved into the kitchen and could more banging and thudding noises. We made sure to turn off the electric as we were worried that the water could hit the wiring and perhaps start a fire.”

Unfortunately, the couple had not renewed their house insurance, leaving them without coverage for the repairs.

As a result, Tracy's sister Charlene set-up a GoFundMe page to help with her sibling's plight with the £10,000 target almost being hit already.

"We are thankful for everyone’s support whether that’s through donating, sharing the page or just kind words in general,” Tracy acknowledged.

"We are trying to get contractors sorted as we know there will be quite a lot of work to get the house sorted.

"My brother is currently keeping us at present until we get things finalised.

"Due to damage in general across the country, we realise it’s going to be difficult getting someone to carry out the repair works, so we plan to get the roof secured first and then sort the rest of the house when it is possible thereafter.”

The GoFundMe page can be found HERE.