Twice in one day residents in Mercer and Trumbull counties had to make a run for their basements, wondered if a tornado touched down and were left surveying damage to their properties.

Storms Monday afternoon and again Monday night brought flash flooding and downed trees that blocked major roads throughout the area. Sirens blared about 2 p.m. and then again six hours later, warning residents tornadoes had been spotted.

Officials at The National Weather Service, Pittsburgh, could not confirm if a tornado touched down, but they said storm damage was widespread. The worst, according to the weather service, was reported in Jefferson Township and portions of Venango County.

Residents of a mobile home park on the edge of New Lebanon in northeastern Mercer County believe it was a twister that left their properties in ruins.

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