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Tornado Survivor Shares Harrowing Experience Riding Out Storm in Arkansas Van.
A harrowing scene has emerged from the heart of America, as a man recounts his terrifying experience riding out a powerful EF-3 tornado in Little Rock, Arkansas. Cody Coombes, who was inside his pest control van when the storm struck, told CNN that he managed to survive the ordeal by hunkering down and waiting for it to pass.
The National Weather Service reported that the tornado had roared through Pulaski and Lonoke counties, bringing with it estimated peak winds of 165 mph. The storm left a trail of destruction in its wake, claiming one life in North Little Rock and four people in Wynne.
Coombes described how he was driving home from work when the tornado suddenly appeared on the horizon. "I thought it was just a big cloud at first," he said. "But then I heard the sirens and saw the funnel cloud coming straight for me."
Without hesitation, Coombes steered his van into an alleyway to avoid being swept up by the tornado's deadly path. He reported that the storm raged on outside for what felt like hours, with winds howling and debris flying everywhere.
Miraculously, Coombes emerged from his van shaken but alive. "It was a really scary moment," he said. "But I knew I had to stay calm and wait for it to pass."
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the devastating power of tornadoes and the importance of seeking shelter when severe weather warnings are issued.
Watch Cody Coombes' harrowing account of riding out the storm in his van, exclusive on CNN.
A harrowing scene has emerged from the heart of America, as a man recounts his terrifying experience riding out a powerful EF-3 tornado in Little Rock, Arkansas. Cody Coombes, who was inside his pest control van when the storm struck, told CNN that he managed to survive the ordeal by hunkering down and waiting for it to pass.
The National Weather Service reported that the tornado had roared through Pulaski and Lonoke counties, bringing with it estimated peak winds of 165 mph. The storm left a trail of destruction in its wake, claiming one life in North Little Rock and four people in Wynne.
Coombes described how he was driving home from work when the tornado suddenly appeared on the horizon. "I thought it was just a big cloud at first," he said. "But then I heard the sirens and saw the funnel cloud coming straight for me."
Without hesitation, Coombes steered his van into an alleyway to avoid being swept up by the tornado's deadly path. He reported that the storm raged on outside for what felt like hours, with winds howling and debris flying everywhere.
Miraculously, Coombes emerged from his van shaken but alive. "It was a really scary moment," he said. "But I knew I had to stay calm and wait for it to pass."
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the devastating power of tornadoes and the importance of seeking shelter when severe weather warnings are issued.
Watch Cody Coombes' harrowing account of riding out the storm in his van, exclusive on CNN.
. I mean I know it's not easy surviving a tornado, but come on! A pest control van is basically just a glorified garage on wheels... doesn't seem too storm-proof to me 
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It's not like it's a rare occurrence or anything. And what really gets me is that there was already a warning system in place... but apparently nobody knew where to seek shelter 
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oh man, that's crazy! i mean, you've got this guy driving home from work, thinking it's just a big cloud at first, and then BAM! tornado hits and he's gotta think fast to get to safety 
. I can imagine being in his shoes (no pun intended) and having those winds howling outside and debris flying everywhere... it's like something out of a movie 
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. It's like, we know tornadoes are a thing, but it's not until you're right in the middle of it that you realize how powerful they can be 
. anyway, I hope Cody gets the help he needs after going through this traumatic experience 
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I'm still getting chills thinking about that storm! I can only imagine how terrifying it must've been for Cody to see that funnel cloud coming straight for him 
. Tornadoes are always on my mind thinking about those old storm chasers like Reed Timmer...
anyway, I hope the dude who died in North Little Rock's family is getting some support, that's just terrible 
. coombes is definitely one lucky guy, but you have to wonder if his van was even designed for that kind of storm or what...
meanwhile, the destruction is just heartbreaking... watch the video link: 
. The National Weather Service's warnings were clearly sounded, but it's clear that many people are not always equipped with the necessary knowledge or resources to respond effectively in such situations 
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