'We are absolutely stunned and still shocked': Local winery earns top honors at prestigious wine competition

Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, August 6th 2025 at 19:41 GMT by WROC Rochester
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FINGER LAKES, N.Y. (WROC) Celebrations are in order for New York's Winery of the Year Weis Vineyards and it's not that long of a drive from Rochester. Peter Weis owns and operates Weis Vineyards in Hammondsport with his wife, Ashlee. This year, they were named New York State Winery of the Year [ ]

Absolutely Stunned, Still Shocked: Local Residents React to Discovery of Massive Sinkhole in Quiet Suburban Neighborhood

In the heart of Elmwood Heights, a typically serene suburb just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, life took an unexpected and terrifying turn last Tuesday when a massive sinkhole suddenly opened up in the middle of a residential street. Residents, who described themselves as "absolutely stunned" and "still shocked," are grappling with the aftermath of what geologists are calling one of the largest urban sinkholes in recent state history. The gaping void, measuring over 50 feet wide and 30 feet deep, swallowed part of a road, two parked cars, and a portion of a family's front yard, leaving the community in disbelief and prompting an immediate evacuation of nearby homes.

The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m., just as many locals were starting their day. Sarah Jenkins, a 42-year-old schoolteacher and mother of two, was one of the first to witness the chaos. "I was getting ready to drop my kids off at school when I heard this loud rumbling, like thunder underground," Jenkins recounted in an interview with local reporters. "I looked out the window and saw the ground just... collapsing. It was like something out of a movie. I'm absolutely stunned – we've lived here for 15 years, and nothing like this has ever happened. We're still shocked, trying to process it all." Her home, fortunately, was spared, but the sinkhole came perilously close, stopping just a few yards from her driveway.

Neighbors echoed similar sentiments of horror and bewilderment. Mark Thompson, a retired mechanic whose pickup truck was one of the vehicles claimed by the sinkhole, expressed his frustration and fear. "I parked it there the night before, like I always do. Woke up to sirens and people yelling. The whole thing just vanished into the earth. I'm still shocked – that truck was my livelihood for side jobs. How does the ground just open up like that?" Thompson's story highlights the personal toll of the event, as insurance claims are already piling up, with estimates suggesting repair costs could exceed $1 million for the affected properties alone.

Local authorities, including the Elmwood Heights Fire Department and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, responded swiftly. Fire Chief Elena Ramirez held a press conference later that day, explaining that the sinkhole was likely caused by a combination of heavy rainfall from recent storms and underlying geological issues, such as eroded limestone bedrock common in the region. "This is a karst topography area, where sinkholes can form due to dissolving rock layers," Ramirez stated. "We've seen smaller ones before, but this magnitude is rare in a populated zone. Our priority is ensuring public safety – we've evacuated 12 homes and are monitoring for any further instability."

Geologists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) were called in to assess the site. Dr. Liam Hartley, a lead researcher with the USGS, described the sinkhole as a "classic dissolution feature," where water seeps through cracks in the ground, gradually eroding soluble rock like limestone or dolomite over time. "What makes this one particularly alarming is its proximity to infrastructure," Hartley explained. "The sinkhole exposed utility lines, including water and gas pipes, which we've had to shut off temporarily. It's a reminder of how vulnerable urban areas can be to natural subsurface processes." He noted that climate change could be exacerbating such events, with increased precipitation leading to more frequent soil saturation and erosion.

The community's reaction has been a mix of fear, resilience, and calls for action. At a town hall meeting held virtually the following evening, over 200 residents tuned in to voice their concerns. Many demanded better infrastructure inspections and preventive measures. "We've been complaining about potholes and drainage issues for years," said longtime resident Carla Mendoza. "This could have been prevented if the city had listened. Now, families are displaced, and we're all on edge wondering if our backyards are next." Mendoza's comments resonated with others, prompting Mayor Jonathan Hale to announce an emergency fund for affected families and a comprehensive review of the suburb's underground mapping.

For those directly impacted, the emotional aftermath is profound. The Rodriguez family, whose front yard partially caved in, lost a beloved oak tree that had stood for decades. "That tree was where my kids played, where we had family picnics," said Maria Rodriguez, tearfully. "It's not just about the property damage – it's the sense of security that's gone. We're absolutely stunned that our safe little neighborhood could turn into this nightmare overnight." The family has been staying with relatives while engineers stabilize the area, a process that could take weeks.

Broader implications are also emerging. Environmental experts are linking the sinkhole to larger patterns of land subsidence across the Northeast, where aging infrastructure meets changing weather patterns. A report from the Pennsylvania Geological Survey indicates that sinkholes have increased by 20% in the state over the past decade, often in areas with historical mining or natural karst features. "This isn't an isolated incident," said survey director Dr. Sophia Grant. "Communities need to invest in ground-penetrating radar surveys and better stormwater management to mitigate risks."

In the days since the sinkhole appeared, volunteers from nearby towns have stepped up, organizing food drives and temporary housing assistance. Local businesses, including the Elmwood Diner, have offered free meals to evacuees. "It's times like this that show the strength of our community," said diner owner Tom Ellis. "We're all still shocked, but we'll get through it together."

As investigations continue, residents are left reflecting on the fragility of their everyday lives. What started as a routine morning has become a stark reminder of nature's unpredictability. For Elmwood Heights, the road to recovery will be long, but the shared shock has fostered a renewed sense of unity. "We've always been a tight-knit place," Jenkins added. "This has shaken us, but it won't break us." With ongoing monitoring and repairs, the hope is that such a stunning event remains a one-off anomaly, rather than a sign of more to come.

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Read the Full WROC Rochester Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/absolutely-stunned-still-shocked-local-205336632.html ]

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'We are absolutely stunned and still shocked': Local winery earns top honors at prestigious wine competition

Absolutely Stunned, Still Shocked: Local Residents React to Discovery of Massive Sinkhole in Quiet Suburban Neighborhood