COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Teller County residents are still picking up debris after an EF-1 tornado touched down Friday afternoon. The tornado was about 1,200 feet wide and hit between Cripple Creek and Divide.

A home owned by County Commissioner Dan Williams was in the middle of the tornado’s path. He was inside his home when the tornado struck. Williams told 11 News that despite this horrific experience, it was incredible to see the community come together to help him get things back in order.

“Most of them told me what I didn’t expect, that they’re always there for us, so now it’s our turn. I had a few emotional moments because of that,” Williams said.

Williams usually represents the other end of the chain in such situations and tries to help others, but after the tornado destroyed parts of his property in a matter of moments, he found himself in distress.

“The next morning, cars came up the driveway, all my neighbors, friends. It wasn’t just ‘Hey, there’s food here,’ but capability. You can see the shovel loader over there, chippers, extra tractors,” Williams said.

There is a lot to do.

“I bet there are probably 500 trees down here,” Williams said, looking out over his property.

Branches, needles and debris cover Williams’ once-cleared property, but despite the new challenges that come with clearing the debris and trees, Williams is grateful to be OK.

“Gratitude, humility, gratitude. I have a solid home with just a few minor damages… But everything can be repaired. You can’t replace people,” Williams said.

Williams told 11 News it will likely take years to completely clean up his property and get it back to normal, but he’s happy to take it one day at a time.

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