Several cars were damaged Friday afternoon as strong gusts of wind ripped debris off the WWII-era torpedo building next to Tom Madsen Airport.

The state-owned historic building overlooks the airport’s long-term parking lot. Ports director Peggy McLaughlin says five cars in the lot were struck by flying scraps of wood.

"It’s very fortunate that there were not people standing there today when that went," she says. "There were major, probably eight- to 10-foot pieces of lumber that were blown clear across the parking lot -- like, four-by-sixes."

The strongest gust of wind recorded at the airport as of 5 p.m. today was 69 miles per hour. Both the high wind advisory and the Department of Public Safety’s category one travel advisory have been extended until midnight Friday night. The travel advisory means drivers should use caution due to the wind.

The city is trying to now trying to clear the long-term airport parking lot and cordon it off, at least until the storm blows through. McLaughlin says they’re tracking down locals who might be able to move the cars that are still there. Anyone with access to a car parked in the lot is asked to relocate it as soon as possible.

The WWII-era torpedo building is fenced off and marked with a sign that says “dangerous building -- possible flying debris -- keep out.” McLaughlin says the building has caused problems like this in the past. This incident, she says, is the worst one in a while.

"In some ways it was predictable, as we look at that building deteriorating year after year," she says. "[I’m] slightly frustrated that we can’t move the process a little further down the line to secure that building, or demolish it, which has been a little controversial in the past."

McLaughlin says she hopes this latest incident might be a catalyst to re-opening that conversation.

"That whole area is just so busy with people, particularly at this time of year," she says. "It’s just crazy to think about people standing in and around that area, and what could be happening."

One of the damaged cars from the long-term lot belongs to City Manager Chris Hladick. McLaughlin says they’re still confirming the owners of the other vehicles. Several other cars parked at the bowling alley building across the street were also damaged by the same debris.