Thousands of Ohio Valley residents dealt with the aftermath of Friday night's storm that ripped through the area, trying to keep cool from the heat and clear out tree limbs in their yards.

Strong winds, rain and some hail came down, and it tore up almost every county in NEWS9's viewing area. FEMA officials are responding to the aftermath. Residents sent in photos and video of what happened in their neighborhoods.

"We were down in the basement, and we saw the power line over here arcingand the transformer arcing,”said Tommy Marling, a Shadyside resident. "It was pretty intense and intimidating."

Church members at Somerton United Methodist Church worked to salvage what they could, after the winds blew the roof off and onto the roadway.

"The sad part about it is, they are trying to cover it right now. If they can't cover it and we get another storm or rain, it probably going to be beyond saving," said Grag Plumly, a church member. "The church, of course, has been here since 1873."

Reports said at least 20,000 homes were without power in Ohio and Marshall counties Saturday afternoon. While crews work to restore power, Emergency Management Director Lou Vargo said residents should take care under the heat advisory this weekend.

"If you can,just stay in the air conditioning if you do have power. If you don't have power, maybe go to the mall, go to the Highlands, do some shopping," said Vargo. "We're also talking to the Salvation Army (about) having cooling stations."

Reports said it could take about a week for homes to get power back. Vargo said to keep flashlights, battery-poweredfans, and drinking water at hand.

Stay with NEWS9, WTOV9.com and WTOV9 Mobile for continuing coverage.