A powerful storm that swept through the Big Country on Saturday night left behind widespread damage in the small town of Moran, tearing roofs from buildings, flooding streets and knocking out power.
Among the hardest hit was the Red Barn Liquor and Grocery, the town’s only store. Despite significant structural damage, the store has remained open, providing essential goods to residents in the aftermath.
“It was nice and calm. Then we had storm chasers start showing up,” said Moran resident Miranda Hogan. “First round, they said it wasn’t going to be too bad. Second round came through and told us we probably should close up and get out of here.”
Shortly after, strong winds and heavy rain moved in, damaging homes and businesses across the area.
“Here our roof is off. We got some damage inside,” Hogan said. “We have a few houses around without roofs. We have a business over here without a roof.”
At Red Barn, the storm left the building without electricity, but store manager Patricia York said shutting down completely was not an option.
“We found a way to take cards on the phone, and what we can sell, we’re going to sell,” York said. “So, like the cigarettes, any beer that’s still good, we’ll try to push it through.”
York said repairs are underway, with hopes the store will be back to normal within the next two weeks. An electrician is expected to restore power after the roof is repaired and the building dries out.
In the meantime, the store is working to restock basic groceries, recognizing its critical role in the community.
“We’re trying to get more groceries because, again, it’s their only store,” York said. “For the most part, since it’s been here, it’s been a liquor store.”
Even with limited operations, customers have continued to stop by after seeing social media updates that the store remains open.
“For being a Monday, it’s been pretty good,” York said. “We’ve put it out on Facebook that we are still here, so people are still coming.”
As Moran begins to recover, the store’s decision to stay open has become a small but vital sign of resilience for the community.
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