A man narrowly escaped a devastating EF-3 tornado in Little Rock, Arkansas. Cody Coombes, who was driving his pest control van, became a human shield against the storm's fury as it tore through Pulaski and Lonoke counties.
The National Weather Service confirmed that the tornado had reached peak winds of 165 mph, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The tempest claimed one life in North Little Rock and four more lives in Wynne, leaving families shattered and communities reeling.
Coombes told CNN he found himself at the center of the storm as his van, which serves as a mobile pest control unit, was parked on Main Street when the tornado struck. With winds that could strip away human flesh, Coombes chose to seek shelter inside his vehicle instead of risking being torn apart by flying debris.
"I just went, 'This is my home, I'm going in'," he said. "I figured if anyone was going to be safe, it would be me and the van."
The harrowing experience left Coombes shaken but alive, thanks to the protection afforded by his trusty vehicle. As the dust settles on Little Rock, residents are grappling with the aftermath of one of the most destructive storms in recent memory.
"It's a miracle that Cody made it out alive," said a local resident who wishes to remain anonymous. "He's lucky he was in that van when the storm hit."
The EF-3 tornado serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present dangers posed by severe weather, and Coombes' bravery serves as an inspiration to all those affected by this disaster.
As authorities begin to survey the damage, residents are left to wonder how their lives will recover from the devastating impact of this tornado.
The National Weather Service confirmed that the tornado had reached peak winds of 165 mph, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The tempest claimed one life in North Little Rock and four more lives in Wynne, leaving families shattered and communities reeling.
Coombes told CNN he found himself at the center of the storm as his van, which serves as a mobile pest control unit, was parked on Main Street when the tornado struck. With winds that could strip away human flesh, Coombes chose to seek shelter inside his vehicle instead of risking being torn apart by flying debris.
"I just went, 'This is my home, I'm going in'," he said. "I figured if anyone was going to be safe, it would be me and the van."
The harrowing experience left Coombes shaken but alive, thanks to the protection afforded by his trusty vehicle. As the dust settles on Little Rock, residents are grappling with the aftermath of one of the most destructive storms in recent memory.
"It's a miracle that Cody made it out alive," said a local resident who wishes to remain anonymous. "He's lucky he was in that van when the storm hit."
The EF-3 tornado serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present dangers posed by severe weather, and Coombes' bravery serves as an inspiration to all those affected by this disaster.
As authorities begin to survey the damage, residents are left to wonder how their lives will recover from the devastating impact of this tornado.
Cody Coombes is literally a superhero for seeking shelter in his van during that crazy storm. I mean, can you even imagine being out on Main Street when that EF-3 tornado hits? it's like something straight out of a movie, but unfortunately, the destruction was all too real. 
I feel bad for the families who lost loved ones and the communities that are struggling to rebuild. 
it just goes to show how unpredictable severe weather can be and how important it is to stay safe during those situations. my heart goes out to everyone affected by this disaster 
Omg, I'm still shaking just thinking about that dude being in his van like a human shield 
. Glad he made it out alive tho, that's insane luck 
. You gotta wonder how many people were in other areas that didn't have access to a mobile shelter like his van 
. We're all sending our thoughts and well wishes to Little Rock right now 
. It's crazy how one person can become a hero by chance 
.
This is insane 
. How could that van be a lifesaver in the middle of a tornado? 
I mean, Cody's vehicle was like his own personal safe haven 
. The fact that he protected himself and... well, probably other stuff too 
... inside that tiny space is just incredible 
.
. But at the same time, Cody's bravery is seriously inspiring 
. I wonder what his van would look like if he just... like, parked it in a tornado alley or something 
. Anyway, I'm just glad he made it out alive! Fingers crossed for everyone affected by this disaster 
anyone would've been dead if he wasn't in there 
and that's just wild 
I'm still shook by that story about Cody's van becoming a human shield 
Some people's bravery is wild, fam 
.
The fact that he was able to protect himself from those 165mph winds is just amazing. It's like something out of a movie.
.
I mean, it's not like he was expecting a storm to hit Main Street outta nowhere, right? 
But seriously, how did no one else in the area have a backup plan or something? Like, that van is literally parked there all day and nobody thinks "oh no, storm incoming"? 
And what about the families who lost loved ones? That's just heartbreaking 
.
.
, and I think we can all learn from his quick thinking in that situation 
. Fingers crossed that everyone will get back on their feet soon 