A harrowing tale of survival has emerged from the heart of America, as a man's quick thinking and resourcefulness proved to be the key to riding out a devastating EF-3 tornado in Little Rock, Arkansas.
According to eyewitness accounts, Cody Coombes was traveling in his pest control van when the twister struck, causing widespread destruction and chaos throughout Pulaski and Lonoke counties. But instead of seeking shelter elsewhere, Coombes made the bold decision to hole up inside his vehicle, hoping that its sturdy frame would provide him with some protection from the storm's fury.
As the tornado tore through the area, the National Weather Service reported estimated peak winds of 165 mph, causing catastrophic damage and claiming several lives. One person was killed in North Little Rock, while four others perished in Wynne. The full extent of the devastation remains to be seen, but it's clear that Coombes' bravery and situational awareness likely saved his life.
In an interview with CNN, Coombes recounted his harrowing experience, saying that he was able to calm himself down by focusing on his breathing and trying to remain as still as possible. He also took advantage of the fact that the van's metal frame provided a degree of protection against the tornado's powerful winds.
Coombes' remarkable story serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather events, but it also highlights the importance of being prepared and taking calculated risks in situations where one's life is at risk. The footage of Coombes riding out the tornado has been widely shared on social media, with many praising his bravery and quick thinking.
As we reflect on this harrowing experience, it's clear that Coombes' decision to seek shelter in his van was the right one – albeit an unconventional one. His story will undoubtedly serve as a cautionary tale for those living in tornado-prone areas, but it also serves as a testament to the human spirit's ability to persevere in the face of extreme adversity.
According to eyewitness accounts, Cody Coombes was traveling in his pest control van when the twister struck, causing widespread destruction and chaos throughout Pulaski and Lonoke counties. But instead of seeking shelter elsewhere, Coombes made the bold decision to hole up inside his vehicle, hoping that its sturdy frame would provide him with some protection from the storm's fury.
As the tornado tore through the area, the National Weather Service reported estimated peak winds of 165 mph, causing catastrophic damage and claiming several lives. One person was killed in North Little Rock, while four others perished in Wynne. The full extent of the devastation remains to be seen, but it's clear that Coombes' bravery and situational awareness likely saved his life.
In an interview with CNN, Coombes recounted his harrowing experience, saying that he was able to calm himself down by focusing on his breathing and trying to remain as still as possible. He also took advantage of the fact that the van's metal frame provided a degree of protection against the tornado's powerful winds.
Coombes' remarkable story serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather events, but it also highlights the importance of being prepared and taking calculated risks in situations where one's life is at risk. The footage of Coombes riding out the tornado has been widely shared on social media, with many praising his bravery and quick thinking.
As we reflect on this harrowing experience, it's clear that Coombes' decision to seek shelter in his van was the right one – albeit an unconventional one. His story will undoubtedly serve as a cautionary tale for those living in tornado-prone areas, but it also serves as a testament to the human spirit's ability to persevere in the face of extreme adversity.
, ridin' out that EF-3 tornado like he was just cruisin' down the highway on a Sunday afternoon 
. I mean, I've heard of people gettin' caught in bad weather before, but this is crazy talk! His van's metal frame must've been like a tank or somethin' 
. And let me tell you, I'm glad he was able to stay calm and focused on his breathing – that's some serious mental toughness right there 
. It just goes to show that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade... or in this case, when life gives you a tornado, you ride it out like Coombes 
!
! I mean, who else would think to ride out a tornado in their van? 
. He's basically a tornado-repellent superhero! 
HE SAW THOSE TORNADO WINDS AND RODE THEM OUT LIKE THEY WEREN'T EVEN THERE! I MEAN, WHO ELSE COULD SAY THEY SURVIVED AN EF-3 TWISTER IN THEIR VEHICLE? IT'S MIND-BLOWING TO ME. I GUESS YOU COULD SAY HE WAS PREPARED FOR THE WORST AND CALLED UPON HIS INNER STRENGTH TO GET HIM THROUGH IT. ANYWAY, IT JUST GOES TO SHOW THAT EVEN IN THE MOST DEVASTATING SITUATIONS, THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE AND A WAY TO OVERCOME THEM.
but seriously, it's kinda impressive that he stayed calm and used the metal frame to protect himself. 
does make you think about how prepared we are (or aren't) for these kinds of situations...