In the moments leading up to a devastating tornado that obliterated her family's home in Arkansas, Misty Drope experienced an eerie silence. "There's a silence that happens before a strong storm hits you," Drope shared in an emotional interview with Good Morning America on Monday. Realizing the impending danger, she instinctively voiced her concern, saying, "Oh no, this is not good."
Standing outside what remained of their residence in Paragould, Misty, along with her family members Bruce and Keely, grappled with the aftermath of the tornado that ravaged their neighborhood over the weekend. This catastrophic event marked the second time in less than a year that a tornado had struck their area.
"You're so thankful you're alive," Bruce expressed, highlighting the gratitude that often accompanies such harrowing experiences. Tragically, at least 40 people lost their lives as a result of the severe storms that swept across more than two dozen states during that weekend.
The recent tornado outbreak was particularly severe, impacting at least nine states and resulting in over 970 severe storm reports. Among the hardest-hit areas was Missouri, where twelve individuals were confirmed dead due to tornado-related incidents.
In Tylertown, Mississippi, an EF-2 tornado with wind speeds reaching up to 111 miles per hour caused significant destruction, claiming the lives of at least three people. The tornado wreaked havoc on the local Paradise Ranch RV Resort, where many cabins were reduced to mere rubble, leaving behind a chaotic scene of twisted tree branches and scattered building materials.
Despite the devastation, the manager of the Paradise Ranch RV Resort reported that there were no fatalities among the campers, largely because most cabins were unoccupied at the time. Looking ahead, the manager mentioned that approximately 250 campers were anticipated to arrive the following week, indicating a resilient spirit in the face of adversity.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Please check back for further developments on this tragic tornado outbreak that has impacted so many lives across the region.
