Kentucky tornado survivors recount moments of terror and loss

Residents of Mayfield, Ky., tried to make sense of the devastation on Dec. 11 after a tornado tore through their community, destroying homes and businesses. Read more: wapo.st/31NhPw4. Subscribe to The Washington Post on KZbin: wapo.st/2QOdcqK
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[@charliej766]

I have a family member who always criticizes me when I give money to the homeless. The last time she did this I told her “If or when this happens to you, wouldn’t you want someone to be kind” Her response was “I own my home, how could I ever be homeless?” I just shared this video with her bc right now there are hundreds of Kentuckians who own a home but are currently homeless. Be kind to one another folks bc you never know when you’ll be the one in need of a little kindness.

[@yasmin8851]

Amen!

[@killapicklepiratepanda7373]

True your never guaranteed life when nature calls

[@kturby5489]

Amen! I hope this video opens the eyes of your family member and that the Lord touches her heart. We’re ALLLL just a paycheck away from homelessness and devastation.

[@jeanalexander4101]

Well said ,Very true Charlie we never know when we would be in need so we should help other's in need.

[@oAgL214]

One day she'll understand the meaning of your question. When we go around life with that attitude, life eventually slaps us across the face. It's a matter of time.

[@f-inotm-ediaofficialtube2830]

I'm an Ethiopian no clue about tornado but really felt sorry for the loss in life and property in the US due to this tornado. May god give eternal peace for the dead and do pray for their strength who try to survive.

[@gemini-vibes6118]

Thank you for caring. Take care of yourself.

[@brettosowiecki8759]

My Fiancee and I lost everything in the wild fires in Gatlinburg in 2016, when we got back to the house a few days later it was still smoldering. It looked like a warzone in what was such a beautiful little town. Dolly Parton really saved our butts helping out like she did. Never want to experience hell on earth like that again, my heart goes out to all of those that had to live through this tornado experience.

[@juliaweber212]

I'm sorry. Hope you are doing better now

[@deneenjeffries2768]

Dolly is a wonderful lady

[@dieterrosswag933]

Any insurance?

[@elisabeasley317]

I'm about 7 miles from Gatlinburg, That wildfire was horrible ..so sorry you went through that, my daughter and grandson had to evacuate their apartment ....I was truly worried that that fire was going to spread further than it did.

[@hyy3657]

global warming is more serious then expected

[@JanelleSpeaks]

she lost every "thing" but has her life. Count your blessings.

[@lovesilk1]

It's more than merely 'things' though. They invested themselves, spent time, money, energy into creating this space that apparently was geared toward helping others. Abrupt and sweeping change is incredibly challenging. But it is not for naught. There are certainly blessings to be found in spite of the loss.

[@x0311ofone]

My daughter and I was caught out in the storm with a warming and you could tell something bad was about to happen. I stopped a 5 star and banged on the door asking for them to let us in for safety and they just peeked around the corner and ignored us. I did not have time to beg them to open that door so I took drove another couple of blocks as fast as possible because we needed a safe building to be in where we was and a local fire department let us in. Thank god for them and for 5 star their corporate office will be hearing from me.

[@MrEhamburglar]

What's the place that ignored you?

[@jeanalexander4101]

That's sad that house you stopped at ignored you. Glad you made it to safety

[@annacrunkleton4711]

@@jeanalexander4101 agree that’s kinda fucked to be ignored

[@hellohello9008]

@@MrEhamburglar a FiveStar gas station I believe

[@TheWholeEntireCake]

@@hellohello9008 Ohh ok thank you. As a new England era I didn’t know what 5 star was.

[@Sheppy99]

2:55 Anybody else cringing as that woman stands there talking in an unstable building? Yikes. Feel so bad for everyone there. :(

[@PetsNPatients]

On top of everything else going on, so devastating.

[@sagittarius84buena19]

Guys be thankful that you both still alive , house things can replace but lives never replace.. be thankful ... Prayers for all

[@truckupgf]

My heart goes out to them. I lost everything in a house fire. It really sucks losing everything and having to start all over.

[@honeyfarah9534]

The country that helps everybody in the world going through these tornadoes, breaks my heart may God be with them 😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔

[@alaynaelder2800]

It’s so crazy to think that this was happening just 3 hours away from me and end up only having a bad storm. I’m so grateful that the tornados didn’t reach where I live and my heart goes out to all the people that lost their homes, families, and their pets 😢

[@killapicklepiratepanda7373]

Three hours? I live less than hour from Mayfield 😭

[@Writerdust]

@LOU Montana I think you’ve lost your marbles. Trump also responded well it’s what presidents do. And you can’t just go there and help you have to have some skill or some reason for being there... you can’t just go and “help people,” it has to be organized. You think Biden is good? Our economy was booming when Trump left office but now it is near collapse with heavy New Deal solutions on steroids in the predictable style democrat spending... with Dems thinking that the feds can just print more money and it’s gonna be OK. Pollyanna Democrat huh? Dems spending has gone exponentially up. It’s just a matter of time before economy and our country collapses way to go DEM heroes. FYI i’m not a big fan of the way the Republicans are imitating the Democrats either!

[@karenmbbaxter]

I am glad those ladies and their dogs are okay.

[@dieterrosswag933]

But what about the cat? His name was Timothy, but also know as 'face cratcher'

[@gagsdoublej4254]

Excuse me Sir/Madam Are you saved? If you died tonight are you going to heaven? Jesus loves you Watch Sid Roth’s

[@dieterrosswag933]

@@gagsdoublej4254 No one will go to heaven Frank. Especially you

[@gagsdoublej4254]

@@dieterrosswag933 Blessings and thank you You are a person born to be loved Trust Lord Jesus, and your house will be saved Jesus loves everyone even Jesus loves your enemies Heaven is real and hell is real

[@gagsdoublej4254]

@vixrai Life is very short and there is no time for fussing fighting with my friend Come to me, all you who are weary burdened, and l will give you rest Jesus loves you Watch Perry stone

[@christinalynn8143]

Heart of hearts goes out to the innocent people negatively impact by this disaster.

[@vv7299]

how about the guilty ones

[@TheWholeEntireCake]

What constitutes a guilty person impacted from the disaster? I’m pretty sure that no individual caused the disaster. Wouldn’t all people impacted be innocent people?

[@juliaweber212]

Makes you realize things can be gone so fast

[@mirandabri834]

@@TheWholeEntireCake whenever you can begin to understand that God is not mocked and that it is by us humans and our sin(s), that the judgment and wrath of ALMIGHTY God/Jesus Christ is poured out upon the peoples; then you can begin to understand that something you'd consider as "the normal" is actually an abomination against a Holy and just God; therefore his judgment is justified and he is to be Revered!! The problem is that man believes that he knows what is good and evil; but the Precious Bible says different. God's ways are the ONLY WAY AND HE WON'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY. It is indeed very sad but sometimes God will do things as such to get OUR ATTENTION...... I would ask,,, Does he have Your attention mam

[@lcfflc3887]

How exactly this people returning to their homes survived? it's hard to believe with no basement??? hiding inside a bathroom? what..?

[@juanitacruz6015]

As if things aren’t bad enough. Sorry for your losses. Stay strong. Help is on the way.

[@simplelangperorock]

I could not even imagine the heartbreak the affected people are feeling right now. My heart goes to them.

[@lydiamcpherson7925]

This is so devastating and awful. So sorry for all the people affected by these tornadoes. May God bless all of you!! Prayers for all! 🙏🙏🙏

[@luzamerica007]

🙏

[@gregorybaker6851]

My prayers are for all the people killed and injured in the storm

[@ruthpullis9279]

It's up to 100 and still counting rest in peace people.

[@raselislambangaliyoutubers8902]

Extremely traumatic event, Broken my Heart😢😢😢😢

[@prestondaniels3890]

Rest In Peace to everyone who passed and my prayers to everyone who lost someone or something ❤️🕊

[@totofromoz5412]

Absolutely stunned & saddened by the scale of the devastation & loss. Sending love to you US brothers & sisters, from Oz.

[@verakrasniqi3257]

I feel for these ppl ,my house was burned during a war that took place in my native country on 1999 we lost everything,but something to be thankful for we survived 🙏 Gods power is much stronger than we think 🙏

[@ocdpzildjian]

This breaks my heart. Sending love and healing to everyone affected by mother nature’s fury 🙏🏼♥️

[@puudavis2007]

My love and prayers to all of you and those suffering from this disaster😢

[@malato43]

I’m a fellow Kentuckian and my heart and prayers go out to all of you. God bless you

[@elisabeasley317]

Hope you are doing OK...Prayers for everyone who is affected by that Tornado...it was brutal for sure.

[@MD77SA]

This is the town I grew up in and where my brother and mother still live. I am thankful they are still alive and my prayers go out for all.

[@lauriegoodner1388]

My heart and prayers are with you all that were in this crazy situation I'm so sorry for your losses and praying for you ALL!!🙏💪😭💔

[@user-dg8uc5ud8q]

1й2 он ф

[@cabdicaligacnagaab4104]

Rubaayadsaadocali

[@cabdicaligacnagaab4104]

Sexy

[@ikeherbst9356]

I echo your kind words Laurie this is devastation unsurpassed!! Its gut wrenching, all the best, love from Swaziland - Africa (south)

[@crispinjimenez9926]

@@cabdicaligacnagaab4104 bo

[@Aqu181]

my Heart go's out to all you guys in the USA from me in new Zealand 💖

[@londonknight5485]

RIP to those who lost their lives and my condolences to their families 🙏

[@angelfirelite]

I'm crying for these people and I'm sick, but, this crushed my heart , Just let's pray and Love one another ~ God Bless~

[@dieterrosswag933]

Go help. God bless you on the way

[@dieterrosswag933]

@LOU Montana and who paid for it? The rich, as allways

[@dieterrosswag933]

@LOU Montana half of the working population, pay average 2,6% taxes. Rich 40% And then there are a huge part that don't work at all.

[@tammyfowler9994]

So incredibly sad. I'm so sorry for everything you guys are going through. I'll take a hurricane any day. Sending love and prayers from Corpus Christi, Texas

[@dlangley012]

May God gives the survivors of this horrid tornado strength and courage to move forward in your recovery. My sympathy to those who lost family members and friends.

[@dangermode9762]

This went around my town, and good thing it did. I am sorry for anyone who was injured or died from this. God bless.

[@dieterrosswag933]

Go help

[@esmeraldagreen1992]

Why was it a good thing?

[@jennix8666]

I'm just in shock at this, I'm from Kentucky and actually only live about 20-30 minutes from one of the towns that were hit (Bowling Green, KY). We had little to no damage at all. One business has a broken front glass door from the winds Friday night but nothing like whats happened other places.

[@jennix8666]

@C C No, I haven't heard any news about Elkton yet if it didn't get hit as hard like Bowling Green, Mayfield and other place it probably won't be in the news.

[@gidonricardo8629]

You are all so heart broken and I am sorry for what they are going through. My prayers are with you all.

[@andreaberryman5354]

I'm SOOOOO SOOOORRY YOU GUYS!!!! 😭😭😭😓😔💔 Washington loves you!!!!

[@tobiasdontmatter1868]

Don’t let this distract you from the fact that the Ghislaine Maxwell trial is going by uncovered.

[@karmarules9850]

Sending love to all the folks in dire need. I wish I had more to give you. So sorry for your losses!!

[@bonniewugsie5950]

I am sorry everyone , heartbreaking! Esp with the holidays coming, please be safe, keep safe and warm. With the covid and now this. Just overwhelming!

This is absolutely horrid. My heart goes out to everyone who lived in homes that were damaged or know people who did. My prayers go out to you 🙏

[@dieterrosswag933]

Prayers prayers prayers... stfu

[@peacemakeful]

Sad my prayers going out for everyone affected and there family.

[@deneenjeffries2768]

So sorry for these people… devastating….no time to get out of the way 😢

[@troychaidy1991]

Sending Prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@nevergivingupmission1370]

Prayers to them , and prayers to all of the poor and less fortunate people who suffered these tornadoes . I can only imagine 🙏

[@phyllisduran9092]

Lots of hugs n'🙏 prayers 🙏 ❤ 💖 from across the miles. 🙏

[@lanceowens5902]

I'm from Eastern KY in the Foothills of the Appalachian mountains I'm 47 only one time has a big tornado come through and what it did. God bless Mayfield KY praying for you all especially those who lost loved ones I'm so sorry for you and my heart goes out to you all!!!

[@maskedemotions]

My family was keeping tabs on the storm all of last night. Its heart breaking praying for those familys.

[@elisabeasley317]

This is just Horrible...I feel so bad for everyone who has been affected ...praying they all get the help they need to get through this tragedy.

[@AS-ud4no]

Как жаль этих людей, без вещей без 🏠 остались, самое главное они живы, берегите детей,,, Природа жестока

[@user-gh1ng8wf2s]

Го

[@lizardchosimbastedanko5195]

Babushka

[@ineedtwo5360]

Это не время для боли или слез, пора вставать и начинать восстанавливать

[@AS-ud4no]

@@ineedtwo5360 вас забыли спросить

[@slowedtopurrfection35]

Why are all these comments arrogant and Negative Just wow man stay strong ✊🏻

[@kennethgoins4661]

Because it is the internet and most of the people here are not affected by it in anyway. No different than any other video on this site.

[@shaunhp897]

Prayers to those families. This so sad ❤️

[@joyful_tanya]

Praying for the folks of Mayfield. I lived there in 2016 and my daughter moved from there, to Murray in March. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@francesgutierrez91]

My prayers are with you all 🙏🙏🙏

[@Dezznutz99]

Prayers to the people affected by this tragedy 🙏

[@suzanturner369]

I have experienced a severe tornado in Oklahoma. What you see in the video is only a small part of the damage. You really have to live there to comprehend the loss. Buildings and things just disappear as if they never existed. Everyone is in shock, just glad to be alive. The real work of dealing with the loss and rebuilding is a long process. Sending my prayers.

[@Frankie-so3by]

Sending love from the UK ❤️🇺🇲

[@luqueedapace4441]

Praying for you all😓❤️. So sorry.

[@LillianArch]

My deepest sympathies. I'm so sorry this happened to everyone.

[@lameiraangelo]

Heartbreaking!

[@princess.desire]

sending hope and strength their way 💔

[@NYC1927]

Get to work Mitch! Your people need you! May god bless all the Good Folks who were affected by this.

[@sumghai777]

How come there r no footages of search n rescue activity? Nobody seems to be concerned of trapped or buried victims? The vibe is off in these videos

[@runjennierun07]

cops are turning people away from search and rescue. of course theres people trying to search and rescue

[@yurmabeechaudits3522]

Search and rescue was busy looking for 100 trapped employees in the candle factory. Other places were searched at break of dawn

[@kiranchhetri2366]

Prayers to those family

[@johnRedfern]

Prayers 🙏

[@HomoPinguin]

God bless you, all of you who have survived and quickly have shock under control and can have a new home. In thoughts of all deceased, injured and shocked citizens of the USA.

[@hobog]

was there something wrong with the warning broadcasts, or was the strength of these tornadoes such a sudden surprise?

[@terrimobley6067]

It was hard to watch from Texas knowing our neighbors were afraid and in danger. We are continuing to pray. 💕

[@jurabegonline]

My sincere condolences

[@curvy6c1]

Prayers and hugs to all victims 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏,I am in California now but still own a home in Fulton county in Hickman which is 30 minutes from Mayfield .

[@curvy6c1]

@LOU Montana And also nobody threw them a paper towel like trump in Puerto Rico☃️❄️

[@barbsyorkies]

Iam happy for u to be alivee I cant amazed this..may god be with u now...all of yOUU.

[@mrt2683]

2:02....SMH "loose everything".....your alive thank God for that and be thankful many are no longer alive after this storm

[@chastitylampkin6028]

I am so sorry to everybody that is hurting in Kentucky right now , my heart goes out u guys, glad these 2 women has their 2 beautiful sweet angel black puppies with them in their arms, hope other sweet animals r found and able to get help, lord how mercy, can this world ever get a break from pain and sadness it's almost Xmas for crying out loud lord Jesus come to earth 🌍🌍🌍 hurry up ❗🌹🌹🌹🌹😭🌹🕊️🕊️🕊️🌹😭🌹🕊️🌹😭 this is another sad Xmas 🎄🎄😭😭😭😭🌹💔💔💔💔💔😭 this world is really catching so much hell all over ,poor Kentucky I am drinking grape 🍇 wine 🍷🍷 for Kentucky for my nerves for these sad video's

[@aponiaa]

It's always so heartbreaking to hear of these tragedies, but when it's in your own state, only a couple of hours from where you live... it literally hits close to home. I can't even begin to imagine this sort of loss and my heart goes out to the people who were affected by this.

[@user-el6nz8lw2q]

ໂໂໂໂໂໂໂໂໂຢໂຟໂໂໂໂຟໂຟໂຢໂຢ

[@reggieterry6720]

This looks like an ef5 tornado the highest on Fugeti scale. Winds had to have been between 200 and 260 mph. I looks like the Joplin MO tornado in 2011 and the Moore Ok tornado of 2013. This was a very strong tornado

[@PlayNiceFolks]

I'm not sending any prayers, and I'm not sending any thoughts. I sent 50 dollars to a relief fund.

[@LucDutra92]

You may not be sending the prayers but the fact that you are sending the financial aid shows that your thoughts are there also.

[@wetcanoedogs]

the Dr told the other side of this that is not being covered.we see storm damage but in the local hospital it was just waves of injured people that they fought to heal.

[@brookebunn]

This is so devastating

[@inspiration4utv905]

May God heal the hearts of all the people who suffered from these tornadoes that occured in thier towns and give everyone peace of mind while having to endure what they've lost. God bless you all and may he continue to keep you all safe, covered, and protected while going through this season in your lives. 😇❤️🥰🙏🙌

[@moxievintage1390]

Prayers for all, and *PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING!* I have been a weather geek for years, and I have NEVER, EVER seen such destruction. A lot of the meteorological components to this event have never been seen before! The debris fallout was ...MASSIVE..I mean I STILL can't believe what I was seeing on radar! The rotation omg~ SO fast and SO destructive. One for the history books, the loss of life during this storm alone is going to be 10 X the YEARLY number! Hug your Babies and Children! Plan ahead as best you can! We are all God's creatures....... **PLEASE, consider donating your money, your time, your resources, or alllllll of it! 🇺🇸🌪🙏🏽

[@petef.1601]

Moxie, can you ask your imaginary friend in the sky why he let this happen or if this was a hit job on the poor people of Kentucky for some made up sin?

[@qlitch]

​@@petef.1601 you sound really pathetic looking through the entire comment section and replying to people just sharing concern, get a life dude

[@chrisvincent5750]

@@qlitch he shows his ignorance. Apparently he thinks if your from KY,your poor

[@peacefulpeds5623]

Where is Mitch McConnell?

[@0627thecavie]

At home smiling he is

[@danbrownellfuzzy3010]

He thought it was fake

[@Steve-cn9of]

His sharpie told him different😂

[@GenerallyGoodMusic]

Hiding in his turtle shell, of course.

[@0627thecavie]

@@GenerallyGoodMusic right on

[@Ganymede569]

Man I can't imagine how heartbreaking it is to see one's hometown was ripped into pieces like this.

[@joesantana6429]

God bless everyone

[@lindagreene6739]

Praying for yall 🙏🙏❤❤

[@petef.1601]

do you REALLY care Linda? I mean , just two hearts and two praying hands? A real christian would have used at least three hearts when trying to look like they care while doing nothing.

[@mskrisl7535]

Prayers for strength and healing.

[@leandroguarteche241]

My condolences for the victims.

[@francesgutierrez91]

My prayers are with you all 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@petef.1601]

way to go frances, it's like your helping while you are absolutely doing nothing at all

[@tiffanynguyen6241]

Prayer to all the people

[@D33Lux]

It strange how nature is. At 1:30 you can see drywall bits and insulation on the stairs, and then they pan right into that room where stuff is all over the place and the windows were untouched. How bizarre!

[@annapolis97]

Devastating

[@kimray9988]

God bless everyone.....

[@miadebrecin1071]

This people need immediate help. Food,medical help, money, shelters!🤦‍♀️

[@maries6103]

God help all these poor people ❤️

[@lindaboadu356]

Praying for yeah all.

[@jolaharvel7852]

I think we knew something was wrong here in southwest Michigan even without watching the news. We had incredibly high winds knocking out electric and everything else. When we turned on the news and heard about all these tornadoes, we understood we were feeling the edges of the storms. Our hearts and prayers go out to these people.

[@Shaleqa_Adenan]

May God be with you all!

[@petef.1601]

didn't your god make this tornado? Keep your god, he seems like a jerk

[@wywardmoose]

God bless all of you.

[@theonemodifier]

I feel very fortunate, it passed over me in Arkansas but did not do a thing to the town I live in. I think maybe mountains help, they don't seem to hit mountainous regions. My heart it goes out to the people who lost loved ones.💙

[@carikshawn4201]

Thank GOD you all are ok and blessings to those who lost their lives...I can speak for Houstonians that our hearts and prayers are with you and God protected you... we all will be sending money to help you get restarted...

[@deundresellers5319]

Feel sad they lost the house 🥺

[@kristinwinkler1393]

How awful

[@515ventures3]

My god, if i lived down there, i would be living in an underground bunker. I couldn't stand living in the heart of tornado alley!😳🌪