(PHOTO LINK AT END OF ARTICLE) Things are finally getting back to normal in Bay Ridge, one year after a devastating tornado touched down there.

The elite force 2 tornado wiped out dozens of homes one year ago today, with winds topping out at 135 miles per hour. Dozens of home and buildings were seriously damaged by the storm, as well as many cars parked along the streets.

It’s something residents say they will never forget.

Insurance paid for most of the repairs, and more than $700,000 in federal disaster aid went to nearly 900 Brooklyn residents and business owners.

Bichasdei Hashem the storm struck early in the morning when no one was on the streets – literally saving countless lives.

PHOTO LINKS: Click HERE to see the original story, and photos taken by YWN one year ago.

(YWN Desk – NYC / NY1 / YW-112)