A strong storm hit a favorite Central Texas shopping destination early Wednesday.

The landmark Stagecoach Inn was not damaged in the storm. But earlier Wednesday, at the spot that claims to be the location Jesse James fed his gang of outlaws, it was a morning to dodge several weather related bullets.

Unfortunately for Ruby Cameron, her car was parked under a giant oak tree when the storm rolled through.

“Cars are replaceable, we are just kind of sad about that tree; we planted it 30 years ago,” said Cameron

Most of the damage in Salado is tree damage. Several hundred were snapped apart. While some fell on top of a few vehicles, most only clipped or missed homes all together.

“I couldn't see anything. I just saw rain -- very, very dark,” said Paige Cameron. “The light came up and I just knew, something had gone through Salado.”

The storm raked through Salado’s business district. A set of stores on the north side of town was hit the hardest. Brick and stone were ripped off the front. Some of the brickwork along the high school gym was also pulled off by the storm.

“I came up to the school and the janitor was crying. She was hiding in the bathroom when all this blew through and it was scary for her,” said Kay Matthews, principal.

Classes were canceled -- the assignment for the day, clean up. Classes will be held on Thursday. Most of the structural damage is to roof tops. Scaffolding at a construction side was twisted apart.

“I heard a rumbling like I’ve never heard before, so my dogs panicked, I felt a little uncomfortable, jumped into the closet and it was over in about 10 to 15 minutes. And when I came out this was the surprise,” said Walt Tollefson, homeowner.

Power lines were cut and electrical transformers ripped off their poles. Store owners had little choice but to lock their doors for the day, but others came to town to find work, like P.J. Nicholson. She and the army of landscaping and tree trimmings workers who have arrived expect to be busy.

“None stop, just chop and pull, chop and pull, move to one place to the next,” said Nicholson.