Near Wharton in Stafford, fierce winds struck early Thursday, destroying Rolando Lopez’s weekend cottage on Everett Lane. Lopez had been renovating the uninsured home when it was swept off its foundation. Across many county roads, about 20 homes suffered damage, including five with roofs torn off. Wharton volunteer firefighters rushed to help, but no injuries were reported. Officials are still investigating whether a tornado or straight-line winds caused the damage. Meanwhile, local creeks rose but caused no major flooding yet.