PORT ORCHARD — Work crews began work to rebuild portions of the Bethel Square shopping area after it was severely battered by an EF-2 tornado that struck Port Orchard Dec. 18.

Signage, exterior siding, roofing, windows and electrical systems were either swept away or damaged.

The shopping area has been closed and without power since it was hit by the twister. Sections of the building’s roof and mechanical systems were torn away from the structure.

The Bethel Square shopping center sign damaged by the recent tornado awaits repairs. (Bob Smith | Kitsap Daily News)

A trail of debris from the tornado demonstrates the path it took heading northeast from Bethel Avenue. (Bob Smith | Kitsap Daily News)