Man rides out tornado inside van. See the footage
Cody Coombes recounts riding out a tornado in Little Rock, Arkansas, inside his pest control van. The National Weather Service reported that an EF-3 tornado had roared through Pulaski and Lonoke counties with estimated peak winds of 165 mph, killing one person in North Little Rock and four people in Wynne.
On May 10, 2023, a devastating tornado swept through the heart of Arkansas, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The National Weather Service classified the storm as an EF-3 tornado, with estimated peak winds of 165 mph. The tornado struck Pulaski and Lonoke counties, including the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock, where it caused significant damage and claimed the lives of five people. Among the harrowing stories that emerged from the aftermath of the disaster was that of Cody Coombes, a pest control technician who bravely rode out the storm inside his van.
Cody Coombes, a 34-year-old resident of Little Rock, was working in the outskirts of the city when the tornado warning was issued. As the skies darkened and the winds began to howl, Coombes found himself trapped in his van, which was parked near a residential area. Faced with the daunting prospect of seeking shelter in a building that might not withstand the storm's fury, Coombes made the decision to ride out the tornado in his vehicle.
"I knew I had to stay put," Coombes later recounted. "I didn't want to risk getting out of the van and trying to find a safe place. I figured my best chance was to stay inside and hope the van could withstand the winds." Coombes' van, a modified pest control vehicle, was equipped with a reinforced steel frame and a high roof, which may have contributed to its ability to withstand the tornado's onslaught.
As the tornado approached, Coombes could feel the van shuddering under the force of the wind. The rain came down in sheets, and the air was filled with debris and flying debris. Coombes described the experience as "surreal," as he watched the world around him disintegrate before his eyes. "I could see trees being uprooted, roofs being torn off houses, and cars being thrown around like toys," he said. "But my van held up, and I was grateful for that."
The tornado's path through Pulaski and Lonoke counties was marked by widespread destruction. Homes were leveled, cars were overturned or crushed, and power lines were downed, leaving thousands without electricity. In North Little Rock, one person was tragically killed, and in Wynne, a small town to the southeast, four people lost their lives. The death toll could have been much higher, as the tornado struck during peak working hours, catching many people off guard.
In the aftermath of the disaster, emergency responders and volunteers worked tirelessly to rescue trapped individuals and provide aid to those in need. Cody Coombes, who emerged unscathed from his ordeal, was among the many who offered their assistance. He joined a crew of volunteers who distributed food, water, and blankets to those who had lost their homes.
"I'm just glad I made it through," Coombes said. "But I'm also saddened by the loss of life and the devastation this tornado has caused. I'm grateful to be alive and able to help others."
The tornado that struck Arkansas on May 10, 2023, was one of several powerful storms that swept through the region that day. Meteorologists had warned of the potential for severe weather, but the intensity of the tornado caught many by surprise. The National Weather Service issued a statement acknowledging the severity of the storm and emphasizing the importance of preparedness and awareness in the face of such threats.
"Tornadoes can be unpredictable and dangerous, and everyone should take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety," the statement read. "This includes having an emergency plan, knowing the signs of an approaching tornado, and staying informed about weather conditions in your area."
As the people of Arkansas begin the long process of recovery, the story of Cody Coombes serves as a testament to the resilience and courage of those who faced the storm's fury. His decision to ride out the tornado in his van not only saved his life but also highlights the importance of preparedness and adaptability in the face of natural disasters.
In the days following the tornado, the community rallied together, offering support and assistance to those in need. Local businesses donated supplies, and charities organized fundraisers to help with the recovery efforts. The outpouring of goodwill and solidarity has been a beacon of hope in the midst of tragedy, reminding everyone of the power of unity in the face of adversity.
As the dust settled and the search for survivors continued, the stories of courage and resilience emerged from the wreckage. Among them was the tale of Cody Coombes, the pest control technician who braved the storm inside his van. His experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of tornadoes and the importance of being prepared for such events.
In the weeks that followed, the memories of the tornado would linger in the minds of those who lived through it. For Cody Coombes, the experience would be one he would never forget, but it would also serve as a source of strength and inspiration. As he continued to help his fellow Arkansans in their recovery, he knew that he had been given a second chance at lifeтАФa chance to make a difference and to honor the memory of those who had lost theirs in the storm.
The tornado that struck Arkansas on May 10, 2023, was a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of Mother Nature. It left a trail of destruction in its wake, but it also revealed the indomitable spirit of those who faced it head-on. The story of Cody Coombes, the man who rode out the storm inside his van, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a call to action for all of us to prepare for the next time a tornado threatens our safety.
