In a shocking display of bravery, one man rode out the storm inside his pest control van when an EF-3 tornado tore through Arkansas. The National Weather Service reported that the tornado, which struck Pulaski and Lonoke counties, had winds of up to 165 miles per hour.
Eyewitness Cody Coombes recounted the harrowing experience from inside the safety of his van. "I've lived in Little Rock my whole life," he said in an interview. "But nothing could have prepared me for that."
As the tornado raged on outside, Coombes rode out the storm inside his trusty van, which is equipped with a protective shell to shield occupants from debris.
"It was intense," Coombes recalled. "I was just trying to get through it as quickly and safely as possible." He said that he had heard warning sirens earlier in the day but didn't realize how severe the tornado would be until it struck.
Fortunately, Coombes emerged unscathed from the ordeal, grateful to have made it out alive. However, his experience serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather events.
The tornado caused significant damage and loss of life in nearby communities, with one person killed in North Little Rock and four people dead in Wynne. The storm left a trail of destruction in its wake, highlighting the importance of taking necessary precautions during severe weather events.
As for Coombes, he remains shaken but grateful to have survived such an ordeal. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of those who live through extreme weather events and the value of preparation and vigilance in staying safe.
Eyewitness Cody Coombes recounted the harrowing experience from inside the safety of his van. "I've lived in Little Rock my whole life," he said in an interview. "But nothing could have prepared me for that."
As the tornado raged on outside, Coombes rode out the storm inside his trusty van, which is equipped with a protective shell to shield occupants from debris.
"It was intense," Coombes recalled. "I was just trying to get through it as quickly and safely as possible." He said that he had heard warning sirens earlier in the day but didn't realize how severe the tornado would be until it struck.
Fortunately, Coombes emerged unscathed from the ordeal, grateful to have made it out alive. However, his experience serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather events.
The tornado caused significant damage and loss of life in nearby communities, with one person killed in North Little Rock and four people dead in Wynne. The storm left a trail of destruction in its wake, highlighting the importance of taking necessary precautions during severe weather events.
As for Coombes, he remains shaken but grateful to have survived such an ordeal. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of those who live through extreme weather events and the value of preparation and vigilance in staying safe.
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela 
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It's amazing to think that one person managed to stay calm and ride out the storm in his van... I can only imagine how terrifying it must have been! The resilience of people like Cody Coombes is truly inspiring, and a reminder for all of us to be prepared for the unexpected. 
. I'm just glad he made it out alive, but I gotta ask, what's with the protective shell in that thing? Did he raid a NASA garage for parts? 
And can you imagine being stuck inside a van while a tornado is tearing through outside? That's like being trapped in some kind of crazy weather-themed horror movie! 
they have tornadoes there all the time right? how does one even prepare for a storm like that 
i mean, that van of his is cool and all but what if the shell breaks or something?! 
anyway, glad he's okay 
, riding out that tornado in his van... I mean, kudos to him for being prepared and all 
Anyway, glad he made it out alive, I guess we should all take note of how crazy our weather is getting and maybe invest in some tornado-proof coffee tables or something 
i feel bad for those who lost loved ones and homes to the storm it's a sobering reminder of how quickly things can go from normal to disastrous 
i hope people take this as an opportunity to review their emergency plans and make sure they're prepared for the worst 
? i mean, i get that everyone loves their little rock but geez, how hard is it to evacuate when there's a warning siren blaring? anyway, glad coombes made it out alive tho, at least he had his trusty van with its fancy protective shell... guess that's one way to ride out the storm 
anyway, gotta give him points for being resourceful and having a cool van, but next time, maybe just wait for the storm to pass or head to a shelter like a normal person? 
with like, super protective gear 
- I'm just thinking about all the things that could've gone wrong and how grateful he is to be alive 
it's a big reminder to always prioritize our safety during severe weather events 
like, prepare those emergency kits and know what to do if you get caught off guard 
. The fact that Cody Coombes rode out the tornado in his van is just mind-blowing 
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. We should always check those weather forecasts and take necessary precautions. It's not just about the van though, it's about being aware of your surroundings and staying safe at home too 
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. But Coombes' story is also a testament to human resilience & the importance of being prepared for severe weather events 
. This incident was just a reminder that we're still not prepared enough for extreme weather events 
. Anyway, I'm glad Coombes made it out alive 
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