In the aftermath of the devastating tornado that struck Valley View in Cooke County, residents are grappling with the loss of lives and homes while also finding stories of survival and hope amidst the wreckage.
For Pastor Joshua Fowler and his family, the ordeal began with frantic prayers as the tornado tore through their home on Love Trail.
“As the house went boom – like hit by lightning or something,” Fowler recounted, describing the terrifying moment when the roof was ripped off and debris rained down.
Despite the chaos, everyone inside, including relatives visiting for the holiday weekend, emerged unharmed, prompting a profound sense of gratitude amid the material loss.
“I’m thankful that we’re all safe and we’re all here,” Fowler expressed, emphasizing the importance of family above all else.
Their home stood near a gas station on Lone Oak Road, which bore the brunt of the tornado’s fury as numerous individuals sought shelter inside. Miraculously, despite injuries, no fatalities occurred at the gas station.
Further down Lone Oak Road, Brenda Snow experienced the tornado’s destructive force firsthand, as it uprooted her double-wide home within moments of receiving a phone alert.
Snow recounted the harrowing experience of feeling the floors vibrate beneath her feet and rushing to safety with her daughter, narrowly escaping the tornado’s grasp.
While Snow’s home remained standing, her neighbor, Amber Lidster, wasn’t as fortunate. Lidster’s residence, along with cherished belongings, was reduced to rubble, yet her faith and community spirit remain unwavering.
“Faith and her community will be her calm after the storm,” Lidster affirmed, emphasizing the importance of support from loved ones and the community during this challenging time.
As residents begin the daunting task of rebuilding their lives, Lidster encourages donations to local churches and organizations to aid storm victims, emphasizing the value of tangible support in times of overwhelming need.
