‘We’ll be OK’: Business owner optimistic after tornado damages her shop

August 24, 2026 - 01:20

Columbia residents are still sorting through the wreckage Friday morning after an EF-1 tornado carved a path through the borough's downtown area on Thursday afternoon. Among those hardest hit was a local shop owner who, despite significant damage to her storefront, says she is not letting the storm break her spirit.

The owner, who asked to be identified only as Maria, stood outside her boutique on Main Street, surveying the shattered windows and a collapsed awning. Inside, overturned display racks and water-damaged merchandise told the story of the brief but violent wind event. "We will be okay," she said, her voice steady. "It is just stuff. We have insurance, we have our health, and we have the community. We will rebuild."

The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado touched down just after 3 p.m., with winds peaking near 90 miles per hour. The storm uprooted trees, peeled roofing from several buildings, and scattered debris across multiple blocks. No injuries were reported, but several businesses remained closed Friday as crews worked to board up windows and clear streets.

Maria said she has already received offers of help from neighboring shop owners and regular customers. She plans to reopen a temporary pop-up location next week while repairs are made to her permanent space. "This town has always been resilient," she added. "We have been through floods and fires. A little wind is not going to change who we are."