On Monday night, Erie News Now reported on the devastating damage caused by severe weather at a farm property located at 7944 Knoyle Road in Venango Township, Erie County. Amid tornado warnings and strong thunderstorms, the farm owned by Sean and Elizabeth Seabury was hit hard, leaving behind a scene of destruction. Neighbors immediately rushed to assist in the aftermath of the storm, doing whatever they could to help.

Following an investigation by the National Weather Service office in Cleveland, it was confirmed that an EF-2 tornado had touched down on the Seabury farm. The tornado caused extensive damage, including the destruction of multiple barns and two silos, the loss of two horses, and the snapping of several large trees. Drone footage captured the scale of the devastation, showing debris scattered across the property and beyond.

Brook and Trevor Phinney, neighbors who live just a field away from the Seabury farm, have stepped up to help the family recover. Describing Sean and Elizabeth as "the kindest neighbors they've ever known," the Phinneys started a GoFundMe campaign to support the Seaburys in rebuilding their lives. Brook Phinney shared how the community came together almost immediately after the storm, with neighbors arriving in droves on golf carts, utility vehicles, and cars to lend a hand. "It was a beautiful thing," she said.

The tornado's selective destruction left the Seabury farm in ruins while sparing nearby homes. Brook Phinney described the experience as "heartbreaking" and "gut-wrenching," adding, "We wish it was us... I mean, it's awful." Roofing contractor Ryan Oglesby, who volunteered to help with cleanup efforts, called the damage "the worst I've seen in a long time," noting that debris was scattered all the way into the tree line.

The GoFundMe campaign has already seen an outpouring of support. In less than 24 hours, nearly half of the $50,000 goal was raised. Trevor Phinney emphasized the importance of the fundraiser, saying, "Not only is it his livelihood, it's the family's livelihood, but it's going to take extreme amounts of money to get things back to maybe where they started."

The storm has also given the Phinneys a new perspective on the importance of weather warnings. Trevor Phinney urged others to take tornado warnings seriously, saying, "Tornado warnings are typically something where we say it won't happen here — and here it is, right? So take those things seriously... it could be life or death literally."

Visiting the scene in person is even more devastating than can be portrayed in our news video. "Smashed cars, overturned tractors, piles of hay, and twisted metal were mixed with chunks of cinder block, painting a vivid picture of the tornado's power. Despite the community's efforts, the road to recovery will be a long one for the Seaburys.

For those who wish to contribute, donations can be made through the GoFundMe page by clicking here. The Seaburys' neighbors and friends are hopeful that the kindness and generosity of the community will help the family rebuild and recover from this devastating event.