A harrowing tale of survival has emerged from Little Rock, Arkansas, as one man rode out a devastating EF-3 tornado in his pest control van. The storm system tore through Pulaski and Lonoke counties on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life in its wake.
According to eyewitness accounts, Cody Coombes was inside the van when the tornado struck, causing widespread damage and debris to be scattered everywhere. Miraculously, the 32-year-old pest control technician emerged from his vehicle unscathed, shaken but alive.
The National Weather Service confirmed that the tornado reached peak wind speeds of up to 165 mph, with estimated fatalities in North Little Rock and Wynne. The storm's impact was felt across a wide swath of the region, leaving thousands without power or access to basic necessities.
Coombes, who has been riding out severe weather events for years as part of his job, expressed a mix of emotions after the ordeal. "It was terrifying," he said in an interview with CNN. "But I've dealt with some crazy storms before. You just try to stay calm and wait for it to pass."
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather events and the importance of seeking shelter immediately when a tornado warning is issued.
As the full extent of the damage becomes clearer, officials are urging residents in affected areas to exercise caution and follow evacuation orders. The storm may have passed, but its aftermath is likely to be felt for days to come.
The footage of Coombes riding out the tornado in his van has sent shockwaves on social media, with many praising his composure under duress. For Coombes, however, the experience was all too real – a testament to the raw power of nature and the resilience of those who face it head-on every day.
The footage can be viewed here: [link]
According to eyewitness accounts, Cody Coombes was inside the van when the tornado struck, causing widespread damage and debris to be scattered everywhere. Miraculously, the 32-year-old pest control technician emerged from his vehicle unscathed, shaken but alive.
The National Weather Service confirmed that the tornado reached peak wind speeds of up to 165 mph, with estimated fatalities in North Little Rock and Wynne. The storm's impact was felt across a wide swath of the region, leaving thousands without power or access to basic necessities.
Coombes, who has been riding out severe weather events for years as part of his job, expressed a mix of emotions after the ordeal. "It was terrifying," he said in an interview with CNN. "But I've dealt with some crazy storms before. You just try to stay calm and wait for it to pass."
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather events and the importance of seeking shelter immediately when a tornado warning is issued.
As the full extent of the damage becomes clearer, officials are urging residents in affected areas to exercise caution and follow evacuation orders. The storm may have passed, but its aftermath is likely to be felt for days to come.
The footage of Coombes riding out the tornado in his van has sent shockwaves on social media, with many praising his composure under duress. For Coombes, however, the experience was all too real – a testament to the raw power of nature and the resilience of those who face it head-on every day.
The footage can be viewed here: [link]
. I mean, who expects to survive an EF-3 in their van? Cody Coombes is a total hero for staying calm and getting out of there alive 
. It's crazy to think he's been riding out severe weather events as part of his job and still manages to keep it together under pressure.
But still, that footage of him just sitting there, calm and collected... it's wild. I guess you've got to admire his composure, even if it was a super scary situation.
i cant even imagine riding out an ef3 tornado in my van lol the guy's got skills for sure but still so scared for him and everyone else who got affected by that storm 
what's crazy is he's been doing this job for years and it doesn't phase him like normal people would 165mph winds tho that's straight up insane 
. As someone who's always glued to their screen, it's not easy to put into words how terrifying this must've been for him. I feel bad for the people who lost power and stuff, though 
. It's just a reminder that Mother Nature's still got some serious tricks up her sleeve 
.
Cody Coombes is literally a hero! I mean, riding out an EF-3 tornado in his pest control van? That's some next-level bravery right there 
. And can you believe he's just chillin' with the footage of it on social media? Like, who wouldn't want to see that video again? 
. I'm sending all my positive vibes to Coombes and the people affected by this storm 
, and I hope they get back on their feet soon 
.
I'm glad Cody Coombes is okay, but I need some more info on this story. 165mph winds, that's crazy! Where exactly was he driving when the tornado hit? Was his van specifically designed to withstand such forces? And what about other people who were in the area? How many fatalities are we talking here? I want to see some actual footage from reliable sources before I believe the whole thing 
. Can anyone provide more context on this incident, please? 
. I mean, the dude was literally inside a death zone and came out alive? That's insane! 
My little ones are always telling me to stay calm during bad weather, but it's one thing seeing it on TV and another to experience it firsthand.
. I'm so grateful for people like Coombes who have the expertise to deal with these situations. And I hope everyone in those affected areas takes this as a serious warning to prioritize their safety above all else 
... gotta respect the storm, but also give props to folks like coombes who keep on truckin' 