A powerful storm swept through the region late Tuesday night, unleashing wind and rain strong enough to alter the landscape in a matter of hours. Among the most striking losses was the collapse of a 115-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty—an instantly recognizable local landmark that had stood for years as both a novelty attraction and a familiar presence on the skyline. When the storm intensified, lightning flared across the horizon, trees bent under the force of the wind, and the replica endured a prolonged battering before finally giving way. By the time the structure fell, emergency crews were already navigating flooded roads, downed power lines, and scattered debris to secure the area.
Local officials reported that the storm produced damaging gusts, knocking out electricity across multiple neighborhoods and sending branches, signs, and roofing materials flying. Power crews worked through the early morning hours to restore service while engineers were dispatched to the statue site to begin a structural assessment. Early observations suggest that extreme wind pressure may have played the primary role in the collapse, though inspectors are also checking whether age, prior wear, or hidden vulnerabilities contributed. As a precaution, the entire area has been fenced off to ensure public safety.