A severe storm struck the Dufflin family farm in Järlåsa outside Uppsala on Thursday, flattening their century-old barn while leaving children’s plastic toys untouched outside, according to homeowner Anna-Cecilia Dufflin. No humans were injured in the sudden severe weather event, but the family suffered extensive property damage and lost significant items stored within the collapsed structure.
The Sudden Storm in Järlåsa
The incident began when the family sat down to eat dinner outdoors on their property. Sensing rain approaching in the air, they changed plans; Anna-Cecilia went inside to bathe the children while her husband planned to drive a vehicle into the barn to work on it, as stated by Anna-Cecilia Dufflin.
Before her husband reached the barn to retrieve the car keys, Anna-Cecilia asked him to stay inside to help with the children. Roughly ten minutes later, a violent storm broke out across the area, bringing thunder and hail that Anna-Cecilia described as the most extreme weather she had ever witnessed.
Did You Know? The destroyed barn was approximately 100 years old, featured reinforced heavy timber beams that had been strengthened a couple of years prior, and had previously hosted the family’s wedding reception.
Barn Collapsed Into ‘Plockepinn’
Stepping outside, the family discovered that their renovated timber barn had completely collapsed, leaving the structure looking like a game of pickup sticks, or “plockepinn.”
Oddly, surrounding elements on the farm remained completely undisturbed by the violent gusts that leveled the heavy wooden building. The children’s plastic toys stayed in place on the yard, and a shovel left leaning against a light post did not fall over. An adjacent storage magasin, which the family considered to be in worse structural condition and had spent more resources repairing, also weathered the storm without damage.
Insurance Assessments and Next Steps
On Monday, representatives from the family’s insurance company visited the property to inspect the ruins. According to Anna-Cecilia Dufflin, the insurance inspectors stated that the property damage could be compared directly to a fire because everything inside the collapsed structure is likely ruined.
The family currently considers it unsafe to enter the wreckage, which contains valuable equipment including two refrigerators, a car lift, and various tools. A possible next step involves using an excavator to clear away the heavy debris safely. Because her husband decided to come inside for the car keys just ten minutes before the storm hit, a potential tragedy was averted by a narrow margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the storm occur?
The storm struck the Dufflin family farm located in Järlåsa outside Uppsala.
What items were lost inside the building?
The family stored two refrigerators, a car lift, and tools inside the structure, which insurance representatives report are likely destroyed.
Were any people hurt during the severe weather?
No, nobody was injured during the storm, as family members were safely inside their home when the structure collapsed.
What unexpected weather events have you experienced near your home, and how did your property hold up?