Local officials reported that the storm produced damaging gusts, knocking out electricity across multiple neighborhoods and sending branches, signs, and roofing materials flying. Power crews worked through the early morning hours to restore service while engineers were dispatched to the statue site to begin a structural assessment. Early observations suggest that extreme wind pressure may have played the primary role in the collapse, though inspectors are also checking whether age, prior wear, or hidden vulnerabilities contributed. As a precaution, the entire area has been fenced off to ensure public safety.
