Published: June 27, 2008 04:33 pm      

Thunder vendor back after being swamped by storm

Vendor J.R. DeSteffano of Williamstown, N.J., has been attending Johnstown’s Thunder in the Valley since its beginning.

Today, as he set up rows of sunglasses, he talked of packing up and leaving early. Despite four 50-pound weights, DeSteffano's tent was blown over and merchandise scattered during Thursday night’s severe wind and thunderstorm.

“I might stay,” he said. “But they’re talking about another storm.”

Compounding his worry is concern for his wife, who was blown off her chair and under a table, DeSteffano said. Although she initially refused to go to the hospital, he wondered if he should take her today.

She was unable to help him with setting up the damaged tent and stayed in the hotel with lacerated arms and painful ribs.

This was the second time DeSteffano has been hit by a bad storm.

The last time was four years ago at a show in Delaware.

“They say three strikes and you’re out,” DeSteffano said. Well, one more time and I am out.”

Cindy Burns, a neighboring vendor, came by to lend moral support.

Burns, whose tent also suffered damage in the storm, said that she was impressed with how the city came to their aid.

“They came. They hugged the vendors and helped out. That means so much,” she said.

DeStaffano agreed and said the fire company was very helpful.

“They pulled right up and shined the lights on us,” he said.

AccuWeather is calling for a possible thunderstorm throughout the day.