Arkansas tornado death toll rises, dramatic rescue caught on video

A tornado caused a “mass casualty situation” in Vilonia, Arkansas, after ripping through the town on Sunday, a spokesman for the Faulkner County Sheriff’s office said. The spokesman said the number of casualties was not immediately known with the latest figure at sixteen. The tornado also struck the nearby town of Mayflower.

Aftermath of Arkansas tornado photo/screenshot The Weather Channel coverage

ABC News featured a dramatic rescue video from the aftermath. The video, shot by resident Tammy Moffitt, shows storm devastation near Center Hill, about 50 miles northeast of Little Rock. The relatives were hiding in a closet with homeowner Karla Stracener emerging and walking across what used to be a door to her home. She was wearing her pajamas.

“My parents are in their 80s,” Stracener said as Stracener ‘s mother was next, stepping across the debris, a flashlight guiding her feet. Stracener’s father was rescued minutes later. Two men walked with him, providing support. They asked him questions, making sure he was OK. “Who’s the president of the United States?” someone asked.

“Heaven only knows,” he said, laughing. Check out the full video below.

The tornado that touched down around 7 p.m. Sunday about 10 miles west of Little Rock grew to be half a mile wide and remained on the ground for much of that route, authorities said.

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management confirmed at least 16 deaths from the tornado – 10 in Faulkner County, five in Pulaski County and one in White County.

At least a dozen twisters that tore through the central and southern United States on Sunday, leaving behind damaged structures and downed trees and power lines.

Tornadoes were also reported in parts of Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri on Sunday afternoon and evening, causing some damage but no known injuries, according to local officials and the weather service.

The American Red Cross has opened two emergency shelters and is supporting four community shelters for residents displaced by tornadoes in three Arkansas counties.

Brandon Morris, spokesman for the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, said crews were clearing debris as soon as the sun started to come up Monday, including scenes like this one near Mayflower.

Photo is a screenshot of the coverage by The Weather Channel. To see the aftermath from that clip – visit HERE

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