In a recent and unusual occurrence, localized wind in the form of a cyclone with eye of the storm centered around NITT campus, caused considerable damage to many small and medium industrial units. Present paper gives details of investigations carried out to assess the mode and causes of failure. Personal visits, photographs and discussions with local citizens form the data for the study. After classifying the damaged structures into small and medium units, component level investigations based on failed portions were carried out. The details reveal possible causes of failure and methods to prevent such occurrences in future. © 2010 American Society of Civil Engineers.