The Scariest Tornado I’ve Ever Chased - Rolling Fork, MS

[@lauraallmon6199]

Rolling Fork is my home. My mother's home, grandmother's home, and father's home were in the direct path of this tornado. They are all alive, and my mother's home will be able to be saved. As you drove back through town before storm hit, I saw cars of people I knew who were working at Family Dollar or eating dinner at the Mexican restaurant. Gwen, her daughter, and friend survived, but were buried under debris for an hour. Pam was working at Family Dollar along with 2 other women. Pam survived, but the 2 women were killed. Pam sustained many injuries, including a broken back, but was able to crawl out of the debris and make her way to a storm chaser by Highway 61. We are thankful so many more didn't perish. It's is a miracle, with all the damage. Thank you for taking the injured to the hospital. I was angry when I first watched the footage. Why didn't you stop and warn them? There we no warning, no alarm. No one knew until it was there. My mother had just enough time to make it to the hallway before windows imploded. That is more of an issue to take up with our weather alert system in our community. I was able to get into town by 10:30pm and crawl through debris to enter my mother's house located on South First Street close to the Methodist Church. The damage is suffocating and unfathomable. God bless "Rolling Stone". You are good at your job. You have a kind heart, obviously moved by severity of loss my community suffered. Thank you again for helping those in need. Rolling Fork is grateful to you and your crew. #rollingfork #tornado #ROLLINGFORKSTRONG

[@FreddyMcKinney]

Laura, thank you for sharing this. I debated on whether or not to show the footage of us driving through town, as it is deeply troubling to me. Ultimately, after talking with friends and family, decided to share that part as it's possibly the last footage taken before it struck. I really wish I could go back and warn those people, and honestly that will haunt me forever. In the moment we just didn't comprehend how bad it was going to get. I am so sorry for what you and your community have had to endure. Rolling Fork is full of amazing, kind-hearted people. Everyone we talked to that night and the following day was genuine and down to earth. Praying for all of you.

[@TN-rf7nt]

There WERE predictions and warnings from the Storm Prediction Center and the NWS via NOAA. But, as I understand it (and frankly you folks would know better), there are no community storm shelters, and people don't have basements because the water tables and the ground aren't suited to them. There aren't enough good radar systems in the SE and there are not enough tornado whistles and not enough people and funds to set them up and set them off in bad weather. Building codes aren't up to snuff in the SE USA and, I'm sorry to say this, but this part of the country is too poverty-stricken to afford to upgrade. Because you don't have to worry as much about the snow and ice that we do up north, you can "get away" with more flimsy buildings. One storm chaser running through the town 3 minutes before a deadly tornado warning people isn't going to help anyone. What WILL help is long-term investment, strict building codes, fewer jobs being outsourced to China so there is economic development in the area so people can afford those higher building codes, and government spending to improve infrastructure like radar, tornado whistles, and community shelters. What people in the area can do--everyone from business owners and managers and residents, is take these storms seriously and evacuate people to storm shelters well in advance of the storms rolling through. Sure, maybe you lose an hour or so of productivity hunkering down for a tornado that may not even show up, but you save lives. Also, the residents and business owners MUST hold their Congress critters accountable. This storm didn't need to be this devastating. Unless and until state and federal level elected officials get booted out of office by their constituents because they didn't push for better infrastructure and business development to support better jobs and better buildings, we'll just keep seeing this level of devastation over and over again in the South.

[@paulstejskal]

@@FreddyMcKinney you had no time. At least you were there to start SAR. Wow. Well done. Don't beat yourself up. We don't know how we will react when we are in a dangerous situation.

[@paulstejskal]

@@FreddyMcKinney actually now that I think of it your phone was doing the emergency alerts as you were driving through the town the first time. There was a warning but there was no sirens. That isn't your fault. The emergency people should have turned on the sirens.

[@lonememe]

@@paulstejskal That blows my mind that the sirens didn't go off. Don't storm chasers usually call local news to report confirmed tornadoes? It seemed like at least 5-10 minutes between when they sighted it outside of town to when it hit town.

[@frtd12345]

Seeing the tornado slowly approaching, briefly illuminated in the dark by flashes of lightning has to be one of the scariest things imaginable.

[@TheRealJAYDOSS]

Been a nightmare of mine for years

[@ณัฐพล-ฏ4ด]

Seeing the tornado slowly approaching, briefly illuminated in the dark by flashes of lightning has to be one of the scariest things imaginable.

[@ณัฐพล-ฏ4ด]

Many of these building will be completely destroyed minuters later

[@ณัฐพล-ฏ4ด]

TheRealJAYDOSS

[@Kanefan701]

when seeing this I'm reminded of the Drive-in scene from Twister 1996.

[@jordanhansen4717]

We don't know each other, but I was driving the old blue carolla that stopped directly behind you in Rolling Forks across from the lone house without a roof and jumped right in to help as well. What a horrific thing it was to be digging people out of rubble and finding bodies. I hope as a chaser I never see something like that again.

[@YoshiCHEEP]

Dang

[@thebanman2293]

Dang

[@JamesFeed_]

Dang

[@dryerlettuce1047]

Dang

[@Ethanisselfaware]

ahh man i broke a chain...

[@elleret]

Until now, I never realized how fortunate it is to be able to see the tornado. Night tornadoes are whole new level of terrifying 🌪️

[@iamfuckingyourwaifuandther2743]

There have been monster invisible tornadoes during the day.

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

This is one of the scariest-looking tornadoes I have seen. It is right up there with the Mayfield KY EF4 and the Greensburg KS EF5 in terms of how terrifying they appear. The Mayfield tornado was a very organized and intense wedge. This one was flat-out erratic and angry.

[@RoyaltonDrummer922]

We had a tornado warning late last night (about midnight) and I was trying to look outside to see if I could see anything abnormal in the sky and I could barely see anything

[@sabishiihito]

They're always visible on radar, which is why people should be watching weather coverage when there is severe weather forecast for their area. Relying on visible confirmation or sirens is a bad idea.

[@elleret]

@@RoyaltonDrummer922 Yikes!

[@fluffyyote]

I didn’t really consider that storm chasers could also be there to rescue people from rubble after a storm pases by. I don’t know why, it just never occurred to me. Thank you and all the other storm chasers for your amazing work. And I pray that those affected by the Mississippi tornado will pull through and be okay. 💛

[@quietreader4190]

A lot of storm chasers have previous experience as first responders (EMT, police, etc) and others are at least CPR trained in case things like this happen and people need rescuing.

[@QTEila]

@@quietreader4190 Yup, usually storm chasers are there first before any one else due to their proximity.

[@Vee_9001]

I think just like anything it’s a hobby first, but in this case it’s a hobby that puts you in a place where people can and do get injured.

[@Elysian777]

All professional chasers I have ever seen stop and go into rescue mode the second they encounter damage. They all carry EMS kits and supplies like chainsaws, prybars, etc. Most of them have emergency medical training. Often they end up being the ones to alert the noaa so that it can send the warning to the towns.

[@RandomSwiftie13]

I think they are one of the first responders in the aftermath, they usually know exactly what happened and where it happened, they are a huge help for 911 operators to be able to get to the right locations in time.

[@kaitlynk1517]

My uncle was in his liquor store. It was the only business that was still standing. We’re fortunate he’s safe. Growing up going there and seeing it now is gut wrenching. I wish I could’ve gone to help but I’m so grateful people like you were there to support everyone. It’s brought a new fear to me that I hadn’t really been a part of before last week.

[@josephnewell8101]

Is secoy your uncle? Dang that’s crazy

[@kaitlynk1517]

@@josephnewell8101 he’s my dad’s best friend but yes he’s my honorary uncle 😊

[@josephnewell8101]

@@kaitlynk1517 awww. That’s so scary. I’m glad he’s ok.

[@lauraallmon6199]

@Kaitlyn K Yesterday, when we came home for Easter service and work on the house, I noticed the liquor store did not have a scratch!!! But Kiona's PT building had a lot of damage. We were laughing about how God knew we were all gonna need a drink during this time!!!

[@kaitlynk1517]

@@lauraallmon6199 the judge has you covered hahaha

[@persephoneblack888]

You never realize how small you are until you stand in the presence of a monster like a tornado. It's only then that one finds themself in awe and amazement at the power of nature.

[@ChevisPreston]

I’ve been in a few, but only really learned this last year. Was in an ef4 last spring. Came within 1/4 mi. I had no cover or shelter and the weather service alert saved my life that day. I could smell it earlier in the day and knew it’d be bad, but… Ended up laying down in a ditch against a buried boulder. Long before I saw it, I heard it like a roaring train made of warhorses . Watched and listened for half hour as it knocked trees over, leveled homes, and threw insulation all over for miles. Never underestimating one of those again. I’d like to consider myself fairly calm when it counts, but I about lost my marbles watching that thing howl past me and pelt me with ice along the way. It’s a situation you have zero control over. If you’re near cover great, but even then, nothing is stopping it from turning and coming for you. Completely powerless. S/o to the 100+ lines man that came out next day. Never seen so many power lines repaired so quickly.

[@khmershakur9197]

It could be disguised as " God "

[@fmccloud]

@@khmershakur9197 Nah, unlike gods, tornadoes are real and are worth of being awed by their real shear power.

[@starblade1]

​@@fmccloud found the redditor

[@paulfranzen7810]

I can tell you surfing big waves does the same thing. I mean really big waves. It's probably a lot like being in a tornado after you fall on a giant wave.

[@stevecagle2317]

One of the most powerful weather videos I've ever seen. You showed the human aftermath better than any newscast as you went from chase to rescue mode. Excuse me now, I have something in my eye 😢

[@juniordaddyman]

Thanks for being a good human!

[@raspberrybitch4299]

This sentiment is exactly why I'm going into journalism and photography. I'm sick of the news seeming like a disconnected, uncaring and petty bunch of elites all bunched up in a newsroom to most people. I want to make journalism the way it's supposed to be. Raw, on the ground, straight to the truth.

[@deirdrepasko9965]

@@raspberrybitch4299 and helping folks out in the Immedient aftermath!

[@DanRustle]

Nignt Nados are my newest fear. They are scary af

[@lacosta0892]

These night time tornadoes are probably the scariest weather events you can witness, and they unfortunately seem to becoming more common now than before

[@kenthompson5723]

These night time tornadoes ... seem to becoming more common now than before --------------------------------------------------------------------------- They may "seem" more common, but it's also true that with the gazilliion storm chasers out looking for them, they're just being mentioned in the news more, and shown on videos as a result of newer technology.

[@AugustoV8Cesar]

before was no camera on every1 hands due to phones....

[@D-Vinko]

@@AugustoV8Cesar Statistically, worse tornadoes are more common now. This is not based on "phones", this is based on actual weather data tracked since aroundabouts 1890.

[@AugustoV8Cesar]

you didnt read the main coment at all@@D-Vinko

[@asdefull]

theres a reason why people that lives inside natural disaster prone areas believes climate change more than "safe" people

[@frostalt1894]

I have a major fear of tornadoes and just bad weather in general, props to you for being able to deliberately chase one of the most powerful kinds of natural disasters ever

[@EdwardNewgate58]

I never used to worry too much, as someone who grew up in Florida, aka Hurricane County. However, since moving to Texas, I've become extremely paranoid of the weather this past Spring. A couple months ago, we had a very strong severe thunderstorm hit my town, and it was horrifying. I was taking my usual quick nap before work, and it got really dark outside. Next thing you know, it started to lightly drizzle and the storm sirens went off. This was like third time that happened this year. The first time, I was a bit shaken, but not too worried. The second I was a bit concerned. I thought, "there's no way I'm going to get lucky a third time." As I don't have a car, I tried to order a Lyft so that I could go to work, so that should anything happen, at least I'll be around other people, as I live alone. No drivers were responding, and as I looked out my back window, I thought I saw a funnel cloud forming a couple miles off. I'm not entirely sure if I did see one or not, but I wasn't going to take any chance. The streets were flooding, rain going sideways, hail falling from the sky, and it was as dark as an early evening, at 3pm! I haven't been this terrified since sitting through Hurricane Wilma with my mother back in Florida. I honestly thought I was going to die. Since then I've been constantly checking weather report and watching the sky every time it's the slightest bit cloudy. I hate this so much. What's worse is that I was told by several people that the town I'm in doesn't usually get tornadoes, but to have three tornado warnings in one year, let alone one season? Since that day, we've had a couple of nasty storms hit us in the middle of the night, and as you can imagine, it's nightmare inducing. Because had a funnel cloud touch down, there would've been no way for me to see it in the dark and heavy rain. I used to enjoy watching thunderstorms and always found them fascinating. But these last few months have ruined that for me. Sometimes at work, certain noises scare me, because I think that the sirens are going off again. Even strong breeze on a cloudy day send me into a panic. I'm a total wreck now. One thing's for sure, never again will I underestimate the power of weather. Not that I ever did, but I have always taken it for granted, as I have slept through hurricanes growing up. I hope to get over this someday, because I want my love of thunderstorms back.

[@kenthompson5723]

@@EdwardNewgate58 "since moving to Texas, I've become extremely paranoid of the weather ... A couple months ago, we had a very strong severe thunderstorm hit my town, and it was horrifying." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As a life long resident of Texas and Oklahoma, I can tell you that your paranoia is not justified. Despite the scary weather, your chance of actually being in a tornado is extremely low. Don't confuse severe thunderstorms, lightning, or heavy rain with tornados. Even tornado warnings from the national weather service are usually overblown (so to speak). The number of people who die in tornados in both Oklahoma and Texas are miniscule compared to the total number of people who experience "severe" weather. And most tornados are quite small and short lived. Tornados as strong as the one in this video are quite rare. Realistically, people who live in Texas and Oklahoma would not continue to live where they do if large, destructive tornados were as common as rain or thunder or the forever blowing Texas wind. 😊

[@deathbloom27]

​@@kenthompson5723statistics aren't going to many people feel better because the real reality is that it DOES happen. If you can't tell him that it will never happen to him, which you can't, then his paranoia is justified. That's the whole reason behind being paranoid about this stuff.

[@kenthompson5723]

@@deathbloom27 You make exactly the same argument that could be applied to winning the lottery. Substitute being hit by a tornado with winning the lottery. Most people FAIL to win the lottery because they do NOT understand statistics, just as most people FEAR tornados because they do NOT understand statistics. So trying to ease peoples' fear of tornados is futile, because they think, incorrectly, that statistics do not apply to them. Most people are egocentric, seeing themselves as the center of the universe. In these peoples' MINDS, whatever wonderful reality that "could" happen to them (winning the lottery) WILL happen to them, and whatever dreadful reality that "could" happen (being struck by a tornado) WILL happen to them. Both idealism and paranoia are delusional, and a function of ego.

[@lami_8586]

​@@deathbloom27 Personally, statistics and comparisons have always helped soothe my paranoia when it gets bad, because while I'm not typically afraid of bad weather and even find it fun to experience at times, there are moments where I overthink and get irrationally afraid (to the point where my concerns are things I would _never_ be able to have any control over). It's true, there are probably as many strokes of good luck as there are bad ones, but just being able to hear numbers and real recounts and assurances from other people every once in a while helps me keep my calm about the things that only mother nature has any say on. It's like forcing me to see the full side of the glass, y'know? (Also, as someone who's recently moved to Texas, reading that comment has made me feel a lot better haha)

[@itsmewhatshisface9386]

Tornado at night, can't imagine the added feeling of terror that brings, to what's already terrifying enough when in person. One thing for sure, you chasers have 🍒 of steel tell you that much

[@laurenorourke2442]

Almost 2 years ago, there was a ef3 tornado 40 minutes from my house that touched down at 11:30 pm. My brother, his friend, my two friends, and I all had to shelter in our basement bathroom. It was horrifying and the power was flickering too. Nighttime tornadoes are so so scary

[@brandonohara4122]

Bro for real. I've been through many hurricanes living in South Florida my entire life and some of them even came at night but we knew that they were coming unlike these people not really having much of a warning

[@katto1]

@@brandonohara4122 so we're going to have a beautiful day today and tomorrow is going to have some showers

[@amarisbutlr]

@@laurenorourke2442bro one time this past june it was 15 minutes from our house at 1 am right by our old house. makes me feel glad we moved because one of my moms friends daughter got her house destroyed while she was in it from it because the sirens played after the tornado

[@laurenorourke2442]

@@amarisbutlr I’m so so sorry!!! That’s so scary. I have family in AL that survived the 2011 super outbreak and I can’t imagine being in that position no matter the time of day. But I’m glad everyone was safe and made it out alive!

[@danielbierwirth2190]

That was one of the most heart wrenching videos I've seen. It was sadly beautiful the way you ended it. I'm glad you were there to help those people. Thank you for making this.

[@selwyn-pr6nu]

God Bless You Freddy and all of those who helped with search and rescue that night . My heart goes out to the people of Rolling Forks, Silver City, and Amory!

[@smartfck4]

Why would God do this to people?

[@apstephens97]

​@@smartfck4 God is dead

[@Dogsrule777]

I second that Freddy. Bless you man for helping people when nobody else can in such intense conditions. ✊🏽☮️

[@smoothartist8987]

@@smartfck4 God is neither Good nor bad he is Just

[@potatothatisspicy]

@@smartfck4 Adam and Eve introduced sin into the world, which brought with it pain and destruction, but God gave up his only son to die for us to forgive OUR sins. You also may forget that he did this so we could spend eternity in heaven with him.

[@Mexican_Marauder]

You said "lower MS valley." We call it the Delta. This thing started right across the river from my house in Lake providence. All of you storm chasers that stopped and helped are heroes. Thank you for helping our people.

[@Hollowsmith]

2:42 is one of the most haunting 10 seconds in tornado film history. You're looking at buildings with people in them where the buildings will be gone in some tragic cases the people inside them will be dead just 10 minutes later, with the storm that will kill them rolling into town in the background. Chilling footage.

[@Studio23Media]

I once woke up at 2am not realizing I was 1/8th of a mile from an EF-3 tornado. The lightning as you're driving through Rolling Fork is EXACTLY like what I saw that night. The only time in my life I've seen lightning like that. I applaud you for immediately abandoning the chase and helping the injured. Try not to beat yourself up about what-ifs. There was nothing you could do.

[@tengukaze9199]

A lot of that are power flashes

[@Studio23Media]

@@tengukaze9199 I completely disagree. Power flashes only really happen as the transformers and power lines are hit by the tornado. The lightning is all around it. Also I live in the middle of nowhere and there aren't many transformers around. Maybe 2 within eyesight.

[@PartyCrasher04]

1/8th of a mile? That is REALLY close, I wouldn’t even call a mile very far for a tornado. Could you hear it?

[@Studio23Media]

@@PartyCrasher04 I could feel the walls shaking... If I'd known it was a tornado I'd have run to the basement, but I was too scared at the home. I was 11 years old. Luckily our house had very minor damage to the roof and some stuff blown around, but our neighbors weren't so lucky... 🫤

[@crooked-halo]

Stop at 3:03, then jump to 7:47 & stop again. Before & after of that nice house. What a wonderful response immediately after this tragedy. It's so, so good that most chasers also have this reaction to search & rescue, and are there immediately after the tornado.

[@mcgoodle]

You're right. Good catch.

[@dobettereveryday]

Not the same building

[@dobettereveryday]

also looks like a buisness establishment not a house

[@alexxan163]

​​@@dobettereveryday If you look at the 7:47 image, you can see that other skinny door we saw in 3:03

[@13_cmi]

@@dobettereveryday It is definitely the same building. Just destroyed in the second shot. When houses get torn apart they tend to look a little different.

[@dimpledintrovert]

Thank you for helping others and for holding on to little Zach while his momma was being treated. That was very sweet and thoughtful of you. Great job.

[@thicdedede9928]

As someone who is terrified of storms, this is easily one of my worst nightmares. I wish nothing but the best to these people.

[@youtubeconnollyfamily]

Storm chasing is a thrill, but the scary part about it. You will always be the first person on scene. Thank you for being a good person and to all the other storm chasers out there. Thank you for helping.

[@allanmcelroy9840]

Good for you for helping transport injured...nature can be raw and hypnotizing almost, but you still show your humane element when it matters

[@movingforward2570]

It's not nature because a plane can fly above all that. There is no natural energy between the earth and the few miles up to cause such a disturbance. Man made

[@Kishykat]

I absolutely love that you and your dad are a team. This tornado was so heartbreaking to see but thanks to you you and the other chasers going into search and rescue mode was not only amazing in itself but I'm sure saved lives. Thank you for all that you and your dad do! Will continue to lurk and enjoy all the content you share!

[@FreddyMcKinney]

Thank you for your comment. I am very blessed to be able to chase with my dad

[@onlyinthe707]

@@FreddyMcKinney That's so awesome! Love it.

[@danielbaetens1587]

​@@FreddyMcKinney thanks for transporting 2 people in the hospital

[@rockstarsanith2143]

OMG If I was there I would've been dead 😮😮😮

[@tommazz9507]

THAT TORNADO WAS RIGHT NEXT TO MY HOUSE LIKE 250 yards away

[@YourAccountabilibuddy]

Listening to you be calm while directing your driver and friends out of harm's way was absolutely phenomenal. Figured someone should point that out.

[@Glimpseofkay]

Thank you for filming this storm of my town. This was by far the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced in my entire life. I remember before the storm hit my sons bedroom door was shaking like someone was trying to open it. His light was flickering on off. I got so scared I grabbed my keys to leave out of my house and when I opened the door the wind was so high and it was lightening sooo bad. I closed the door and call my aunt and told her I was scared. I could feel something was about to happen. My kids were with her at her home and all I wanted to do was be with them. The wind was just too high for me to drive. I talked on the phone with her and all of sudden the lights went out and it got completely quiet. Out of nowhere I could hear my sing start to scream and telling everyone to get down. She let out scream so loud, calling her husband and then the phone went out. I grabbed the pillow off my bed because my grandma and mom has always taught us to get a pillow and lay in the tub. Soon as I heard the wind get louder I jumped in the tub and all I could hear was everything crashing around. I kept saying “this can’t be it Lord.” I knew I was about to take my last breaths and I was alone and afraid. But we survived, we are alive. There were so many beautiful souls that was lost in this storm. It’s devastating. I lost my home, my business and my vehicle. I know God has something bigger for our town, he has to!

[@Brody-g2c]

Hi there I know this was a year ago but I'm so sorry to hear everything that happened to you hope your doing better now ❤

[@MorganHorse]

I’m so sorry you experienced that! I’m not from a religious area like Mississippi so your thinking is very foreign to me and I’m very curious, has this experience made you question if your deity exists? Will you question if nothing big in store comes? It’s really interesting because in the northeast US no one really talks about deities around big weather events and I’d like to understand other subcultures better! 😅

[@catguer52]

As a Mississippian, thank you highlighting this devastation and helping our citizens. My significant other and his family are from Rolling Fork. His childhood home and many family members’ homes are destroyed. My mother-in-law told me that she had never seen anything like it. After watching your video, I understand what she meant.

[@studiofive17]

You guys are awesome for taking care of the townspeople after the storm. This is what storm chasing should be! Excellent job guys. Mad respect for you and your team

[@lauraallmon6199]

Rolling Fork is my home. My mother's home, grandmother's home, and father's home were in the direct path of this tornado. They are all alive, and my mother's home will be able to be saved. As you drove back through town before Storm hit, I saw cars of people I knew who were working at Family Dollar or eating dinner at the Mexican restaurant. Gwen, her daughter, and friend survived but were buried under debris, which included the restaurant's walk-in cooler where employees took shelter during the tornado, for an hour. I can't believe people were able to get to them that quickly. Here is the post Gwen made once she recovered... "Warning - long post!! With grammatical errors 😬 Someone said to me once it seems you have bad luck.. I would prefer to say I have good luck 🍀.. I do know I am surely blessed and I survived last weeks tornado A week ago [We] decided to grab a bite to eat before [We] were planning to go home and have a girls night watching movies. We were watching the weather, as we often do in the delta, and trying to keep calm. We hurriedly finished our meal and were at the counter trying to pay to leave ….. I did not hear the typical “train” sound I have heard so many speak of, but I remember hearing crackles and as I turned around the windows at the front of the restaurant looked to have small spider webs that kept spreading.. I m not sure if I felt small pieces of glass, dust or what was hitting my face, but I knew what was happening and instinctively wrapped my arms around my daughter, grabbed Aprils arm and headed towards the bathroom… I don’t remember if I tried or even had time to shut the door, I just remember dropping and hunching over Molly Ruth while keeping my head down. The awful sounds we heard, the feeling of being pushed and pulled at the same time, and the building literally crumbling around and on top of us is something I know will not go away for a long time. I do not know how long it took to pass thru, but it felt like 30-40 seconds. Then as fast as it came in, it was gone (our at least from our area) and it was quiet… and then I realized I could not move.. we were buried in debris and it was too heavy to physically lift it off of us.. believe me we tried… It was right at an hour before we were drug out… but considering the devastation of our town, the fact that it was not just debris, but the restaurants walk in cooler with three employees inside it resting on top of us…I feel like an hour was record time… the things they had to consider including getting the employees out safely, balancing and holding the cooler in order to get us out I have been told took some planning, man power, and balancing. I am forever grateful for those that were there that night..." Gwen goes on to thank people in our community who helped rescue them. "I am sorry if I missed anyone.. I wish I could remember the storm chasers name..." “God brought us thru this, he is going to get us out of here, he is just building our faith” 🥹 Psalm 46; 1-2 Since the storm I have thought about how it became so powerful so fast and came in without warning… it has reminded me (again 😢)how quickly our lives can change and even end without warning.. we are taught that we will not know when that time comes.. until then I m going to keep seeking the stars and use the darkness to keep building my faith! #ROLLINGFORKSTRONG" End of Gwen's FB post. Pam was working at Family Dollar along with 2 other women. Pam survived, but the 2 women were killed. Pam sustained many injuries, including a broken back, but was able to crawl out of the debris and make her way to a storm chaser by Highway 61. We are thankful so many more didn't perish. It's is a miracle, with all the damage. Thank you for taking the 😊 to the hospital. I was angry when I first watched the footage. Why didn't you stop and warn them? There was no warning, no alarm. No one knew until it was there. My mother had just enough time to make it into the hallway before windows imploded... That is more of an issue to take up with our weather alert system in our community. You are good at your job, you have a kind heart, obviously moved by the severity of loss my community suffered. Thank you again for helping those in need. Rolling Fork is grateful to you and your crew. #rollingfork #tornado #ROLLINGFORKSTRONG Fun Fact: The Rolling Sones got their band name from one of their favorite musical artist's song. They were listening to a Muddy Waters Album, flipped the album over and saw the name of a song on back cover... Rollin' Stone. McKinley Morganfield known professionally as Muddy Waters, was an American singer, Born in Sharkey County, Mississippi. He called Rolling Fork his home. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGSyo2qeqrR-bdE Fast forward 7 min and 20 seconds into video. #Rocknroll #RollingFork #RollingStone Headed to Rolling Fork now to help. Keep us in you prayers! God Bless and all my Love. Laura Tilghman Allmon, Rolling Forker since 1984

[@kymkauffman5000]

Almost all chasers do search and rescue and all have first aid training or are medics.

[@FreddyMcKinney]

Thank you!

[@13_cmi]

So many chasers were there to help. I’ve never seen anything like that. On all the live streams I checked out when this thing hit they were helping people. And after this storm I believe Vince waelti is getting more equipment for situations like this. There’s some pretty good storm chasers out there. I’d balances out the bad ones.

[@cnewton1185]

This one hit close to home with Rolling Fork being across the river from me and my family. We are about 30 miles north of Tallulah on the Louisiana side. Thank you for being there and helping those you came across. I hope Zach was reunited with his human quickly. Stay safe.

[@YotaakGFX]

The Rolling Fork tornado was recently upgraded to a high end EF4 with winds of 195mph. Absolutely insane.

[@gun1987gunn]

A tornado a night looks like absolute nightmare fuel. Like something from a horror movie.

[@rip_bando]

night of the twisters, go watch it, its a tornado horror movie

[@RomanGameCool21]

tanado

[@ArcaneThingOfBeauty]

I’m a Mississippian living on the other side of the state, and was devastated seeing what happened to Rolling Fork! Thank you and other storm chasers for what you all do! ❤🙏🏾

[@sickofitall8486]

The image at 4:40 is rather chilling. Tornados at night creep the hell out of me.

[@GLING17]

So many states were hit with tornadoes yesterday but two of the worst were Mississippi and Arkansas. Now I'm hearing that this coming Tuesday will be even worse for tornadoes. Be safe!

[@Victor_Kaiju]

A town in MO got slammed this morning. I forgot the name, but it was bad.

[@joshuaknight7555]

Tennessee too

[@marcuscurtis9554]

@@Victor_Kaiju GLEN ALLEN

[@Luke-cu8kq]

Town in Illinois called lewistown got wrecked on the 4th.

[@Luke-cu8kq]

I was northeast of lewistown, super terrifying.

[@dirtisbetterthandiamonds]

The horrifying sound of a tornado is one you don't forget. Amazing video and after watching them all week, I've gotta say that your story-telling style is the best I've seen! No offense but I wish there wasn't a need for storm chasers, however, the good ones are helping spread awareness, gain scientific data, and creating a community of helpers. Stay safe out there!

[@tdjkhazard4522]

Yeah the roaring of the twister was so ominous. Literally sounds like death coming for that town

[@ranonampangom2185]

Too bad most people in these areas aren't even interested in science. It's always "thoughts and prayers." Tragic.

[@Michael-sb8jf]

We had an ef4 pass 3 ish miles north of our house in 2019 Even at that distance the noise was deafening. and of course I was stupidly on my deck watching it go by The debate between me and my parents to stay or flee was interesting, it was a long track tornado and we knew it was coming for at least 20ish minutes.

[@tuckerbugeater]

@@ranonampangom2185 Now they're all part of Fauci's science experiment.

[@peaceonearth351]

I was almost a goner on April 27th, 2011 in the tornado outbreak in the southern states, specifically Alabama. I remember the freight train sound rumbling but when a tornado is really close it sounded like the tornado from the Wizard of Oz ( giant vacuum). That was my experience.

[@BreckFrazureComedy]

These are the storm chasers that I like to see. Great coverage. Calm. And putting aside the adrenaline to lend a helping hand. It shows when humanity is broken down to it’s base element, love wins over everything else. God Bless you gentlemen! Fine job.

[@starsilverinfinity]

You know this is one of the few night time tornado videos I’ve seen that let us actually see the tornado and double down on how terrifying they are in low visibility settings- the lighting flashes were perfectly timed Thanks for helping all those people as you could

[@ginnylynn2628]

I grew up in a small town on the Eastern Plains of CO and this was always my nightmare. A night tornado. There is nothing more terrifying to me than that, and to see such a huge one tear this small town apart broke my heart. I pray for all the victims who didn’t make it, and I hope everyone that did make it, make a speedy recovery and the town can be rebuilt quickly! This is so heartbreaking to me.

[@PapaZyn]

Sterling here!!

[@TerminusCodex]

Thank you very much for covering these events and for sharing them with us! Our hearts go out to the victims.

[@tornadostories]

Spectacular still views as it enters SW Rolling Fork. I think you likely caught some of the last intact footage of that little town. It's a historical record. RIP to those caught by this monster. I hope that the town can recover and rebuild. Well done for helping so much man. You were there when those people needed someone and they'll never forget your kindness.

[@PlanetEarth3141]

It's a nearly perfect example of extremely poor planning and not learning from numerous failures. 👎🙁. They will rebuild the same way and again get wiped out. They never learn to change.

[@lanepotts1046]

@@PlanetEarth3141 there’s nothing else they can do about it not like they can all just move to New York

[@PlanetEarth3141]

@@lanepotts1046 You don't read much. If you did and understood me elsewhere you'd have to be normal to say that. And why would they go to New York?

[@Lunzatis_Palemoon]

As someone who lives in Mississippi, I want to thank you Freddy and other Stormchasers for chasing storms and helping people in our state. The dangers of chasing Tornadoes in Mississippi is many between so much of Mississippi still being covered in forests, dirt roads, and other issues it can be quite dangerous to chase in Mississippi. I don't think people understand the dangers of chasing a tornado at night, and that's before factoring the dangers of chasing in Mississippi.

[@TurntUpTurtles]

9:00 "I've got Zack here" lol shoutout to my boy Zack frl, bro survived a tornado

[@SmushyMcMushy]

❤the way you and little Zach were comforting each other was sweet. I’m sorry for anyone who went through this horrific storm

[@YeahBuddy415]

Amazing footage! Not only do you risk your safety, but your also quick to lend a helping hand. Thank you for what you do.

[@miked1355]

Amazing!! not only tracking and observing but in supporting others!

[@FreddyMcKinney]

Appreciate it Mike!

[@bluev38]

This is my home town where my family live and where most of my childhood memories are. Watching this today weeks later still brings me to tears, lord! They didn't have a chance.

[@kristensoprano]

Your compassion towards the people in Rolling Fork moved me. Thanks for not only doing what you do well, but helping people in their greatest time of need.

[@lineerlayargith7402]

I am speechless. This video made me cry. I am not even from US, and I must still think of those people out there during these last couple of days. And man, you and all the guys chasing storms there, protecting and saving life of many people, are heroes and angels in my eyes. God bless you!

[@cindydintn]

Feel free to come to rebuild on your vacation. Something like that takes years and years to recover from.

[@lineerlayargith7402]

@@cindydintn To be honest, I am thinking about how could I make it there. Unfortunately I probably won't be able to travel like that this year though. But the next year I could have a bit more free hands.

[@Colossalbagofbruschetta]

Same, I cried watching those poor women who were just in a complete state of shock

[@Leclicq]

Bless you guys for helping people who needed it. Humble storm chasers are the real storm chasers.

[@eyeworksphoto]

I’m dumbstruck by the horror of that tornado you captured in that amazing footage and I’m relieved you knew when to stow the cameras and make a difference. Bravo.

[@johnlanzillotti5029]

Insane footage...Prayers for RF, MS...I hope they are making great progress a few months following. Crazy to think this is the closest thing to an EF-5 we've seen in a while... Especially for 2023. And considering its been a decade since last EF-5(Moore 13')..It's crazy to think the damage actually could've been worse(based on it not getting that ef-5). If this had been a daytime/late afternoon tornado..less ppl would've been in their homes unaware that a tornado was about to strike. It was clearly very hard to see considering u only could when lightning went off giving those terrifying snapshots of the monster.

[@brianamaccabe2226]

Y'all are some amazing human beings. Thank you for helping those ladies and anyone else you were able to help that evening and also thank you for showing us the true power of these storms. I hope it encourages folks to be weather-aware and prepared for the next one.

[@lauraallmon6199]

Rolling Fork is my home. My mother's home, grandmother's home, and father's home were in the direct path of this tornado. They are all alive, and my mother's home will be able to be saved. As you drove back through town before Storm hit, I saw cars of people I knew who were working at Family Dollar or eating dinner at the Mexican restaurant. Gwen, her daughter, and friend survived but were buried under debris, which included the restaurant's walk-in cooler where employees took shelter during the tornado, for an hour. I can't believe people were able to get to them that quickly. Here is the post Gwen made once she recovered... "Warning - long post!! With grammatical errors 😬 Someone said to me once it seems you have bad luck.. I would prefer to say I have good luck 🍀.. I do know I am surely blessed and I survived last weeks tornado A week ago [We] decided to grab a bite to eat before [We] were planning to go home and have a girls night watching movies. We were watching the weather, as we often do in the delta, and trying to keep calm. We hurriedly finished our meal and were at the counter trying to pay to leave ….. I did not hear the typical “train” sound I have heard so many speak of, but I remember hearing crackles and as I turned around the windows at the front of the restaurant looked to have small spider webs that kept spreading.. I m not sure if I felt small pieces of glass, dust or what was hitting my face, but I knew what was happening and instinctively wrapped my arms around my daughter, grabbed Aprils arm and headed towards the bathroom… I don’t remember if I tried or even had time to shut the door, I just remember dropping and hunching over Molly Ruth while keeping my head down. The awful sounds we heard, the feeling of being pushed and pulled at the same time, and the building literally crumbling around and on top of us is something I know will not go away for a long time. I do not know how long it took to pass thru, but it felt like 30-40 seconds. Then as fast as it came in, it was gone (our at least from our area) and it was quiet… and then I realized I could not move.. we were buried in debris and it was too heavy to physically lift it off of us.. believe me we tried… It was right at an hour before we were drug out… but considering the devastation of our town, the fact that it was not just debris, but the restaurants walk in cooler with three employees inside it resting on top of us…I feel like an hour was record time… the things they had to consider including getting the employees out safely, balancing and holding the cooler in order to get us out I have been told took some planning, man power, and balancing. I am forever grateful for those that were there that night..." Gwen goes on to thank people in our community who helped rescue them. "I am sorry if I missed anyone.. I wish I could remember the storm chasers name..." “God brought us thru this, he is going to get us out of here, he is just building our faith” 🥹 Psalm 46; 1-2 Since the storm I have thought about how it became so powerful so fast and came in without warning… it has reminded me (again 😢)how quickly our lives can change and even end without warning.. we are taught that we will not know when that time comes.. until then I m going to keep seeking the stars and use the darkness to keep building my faith! #ROLLINGFORKSTRONG" End of Gwen's FB post. Pam was working at Family Dollar along with 2 other women. Pam survived, but the 2 women were killed. Pam sustained many injuries, including a broken back, but was able to crawl out of the debris and make her way to a storm chaser by Highway 61. We are thankful so many more didn't perish. It's is a miracle, with all the damage. Thank you for taking the 😊 to the hospital. I was angry when I first watched the footage. Why didn't you stop and warn them? There was no warning, no alarm. No one knew until it was there. My mother had just enough time to make it into the hallway before windows imploded... That is more of an issue to take up with our weather alert system in our community. You are good at your job, you have a kind heart, obviously moved by the severity of loss my community suffered. Thank you again for helping those in need. Rolling Fork is grateful to you and your crew. #rollingfork #tornado #ROLLINGFORKSTRONG Fun Fact: The Rolling Sones got their band name from one of their favorite musical artist's song. They were listening to a Muddy Waters Album, flipped the album over and saw the name of a song on back cover... Rollin' Stone. McKinley Morganfield known professionally as Muddy Waters, was an American singer, Born in Sharkey County, Mississippi. He called Rolling Fork his home. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGSyo2qeqrR-bdE Fast forward 7 min and 20 seconds into video. #Rocknroll #RollingFork #RollingStone Headed to Rolling Fork now to help. Keep us in you prayers! God Bless and all my Love. Laura Tilghman Allmon, Rolling Forker since 1984

[@jeffparsons6509]

Man. That’s devastating to see. And heartwarming to see you guys’ rescue efforts. Good stuff.

[@coletteg.4548]

I think there’s always that one tornado we never forget . Hats off to you for what you do , trying to save lives before one hits and for helping people when one does .

[@ErraticMastermind]

I cannot get enough of this kind of content. I find tornadoes so fascinating and the sight of it from that distance looked terrifying

[@DanielRyterski-fe7bg]

The fact that they do this for fun and are willing to do the things to save the people is so nice this has all my respect is on you you are a great person man you should keep doing this no matter what-full respect Daniel

[@dreamghost88]

Mein allergrößtes Mitgefühl an all die Menschen in Rolling Fork und Umgebung !!! Mein Herz ist bei Euch !!!❤❤❤

[@ericsprague4273]

It's been a rough spring already and it's just starting. Thank you for helping the victims!

[@chriss.2978]

the editing on this video is top notch. also, thanks for helping those people out.

[@FreddyMcKinney]

Thank you

[@ohkaygoplay]

You guys are giving me some Pecos Hank vibes, and that is a very awesome thing. I said a few things at the exact same time you did, too, like, "There it is," and "power flash." Thank you for staying calm, for showing us the radar screens, and for being so professional and kind, stopping the chase for search and rescue. I respect that. You got a sub from me.

[@FreddyMcKinney]

Thank you for the the kind words and sub!

[@Fredboy444]

@@FreddyMcKinney pecos hank and you are my favourite storm chasers

[@jimreid1664]

As I said in a previous comment, I am a former resident of Rolling Fork. For those that are old enough to remember the tornadoes of February 1971 you can imagine the horror and misery that the folks of Rolling Fork went through. We had 21 tornadoes in the area that time. Luckily Rolling Fork was spared but, (no power for about a week) a lot of other people were affected by this storm. I was asked by Mr. Johnny Cooper to go with him in ambulance and pick up people and take either to the hospital or the funeral home. I never will forget that night!

[@TWalls67]

I was in the Enterprise Alabama EF4 in 2007. It's a memory I'll never forget, utter devastation. I feel for everyone involved, thank goodness you were there to help out. Prayers to you all. Keep pressing on, that's what makes you that guy!

[@jasonmacclain9756]

3:56... in Slow MO there's a frame lit up like day..looks frigging wild!! Great footage..stay safe 👍

[@julesl4525]

Very smart, strategic positioning. Difficult to see at night for sure. So violent and sad. 🙏🏻💔

[@johanssonb]

And I wonder... would there even be a safe way to chase such a monster at night without the priceless help of GPS and real time doppler or would it be downright suicide to attempt it?

[@julesl4525]

Good point. It's dangerous enough with all that technology. I can't even imagine.

[@chrisppagl]

weather is amazing and scary all at the same time. Thank you for risking your life to document such a crazy event and showing the dark, yet beautiful, side of mother nature.

[@tapedeccard]

Bless you for helping those people during your reporting.

[@powertrip6426]

Man this gave me chills. Thank you for helping the community after the disaster. We all need each other. One love ❤️🙏

[@theshorts975]

My goodness. My heart goes out to all victims. Rest in peace.😢

[@krystalcastillo4537]

Bless you for Helping those in need!

[@Marianne_C_O_Art]

Wow this was really interesting and frightening. I'm in Australia and in the Northern parts - where my sister used to live - they get cyclones. She's lived through some equally scary ones. I'm in southern Australia (drier and more drought-prone) and we've only just recently starting have smaller tornadoes. Last year 2 of them unexpectedly whipped through my suburb, one of them down my street and I just got home in time. It skipped my house but the next street over houses and building were quite damaged. It was pretty scary, hopefully we won't have any again this summer.

[@elidoesstuff5503]

Yea, I’m also south Australian, and one of my cousins and her family live in Darwin, and they recently got hit by a cyclone. It’s insane tho, they’re getting so much rain rn

[@randompersonh]

I am SO lucky that I live in a state without this weather. I live in Alaska, and we only really get Thunder Storms and Blizzards here. You guys have it way worse. I was so worried for you guys, but I know you knew what you were doing. My parents were genuinely shocked when they saw this tornado on the national news. We saw the aftermath, the damage, how much it would cost, etc. Praying everyone is still okay, even though it's May now. ♥

[@kcvriess]

The amount of lightning was insane! But it helped you guys see better.

[@pugmamma2828]

Great footage but please remember to always be safe yourself. Thank you for bringing us this footage and thanks for you rescuing a couple people. Prayers for all that were injured and all that lost their lives

[@christinecanty5409]

Thank y’all so much!! God keep y’all so safe every time you do this.

[@bearzdlc2172]

lmao yeah the same 'god' that made this happen. really wise thing to do

[@ranonampangom2185]

God didn't keep the dead people safe, why do you think god is particularly inclined to keep anyone safe?

[@primepete]

That's actually insane. Nature is a absolutely force to be reckoned with. My condolences to anyone who was affected by this tornado.

[@GalsOutwestTreasureHunting]

Thanks so much for helping those people and putting the filming aside. You are all they have at that moment.

[@emrilbennett8704]

That is terrible. I hope all the people got the help they needed. It’s incredible how huge these things can get

[@_gr1nchh]

I've always been fascinated and terrified by tornadoes. I live in the South Georgia, almost in Florida. We don't get tornadoes here but I feel for those who live in central America. This tornado season has been wild already. This tornado was a historic one.

[@sherryljenkinson952]

Im in florida and we have tornado watch now!!

[@_gr1nchh]

@@sherryljenkinson952 We had one yesterday as well here. The central storms are coming East.

[@Blue_The_Back]

Excellent video and production. From a style perspective, the best I've seen thus far.

[@outsidersongs2682]

So heartbreaking. So fortunate you were close enough to give immediate help. That is real courage.

[@cloudlight5363]

Wow. I'm speechless. I clicked on the video because I've always been a fan of tornados. To see this level of humanity is so inspiring. Good on you both.

[@shenacooks]

Thank you and your dad for helping those people. This is so sad. I am praying for everyone and every situation.

[@smandez2023]

This is the best storm chasing video I’ve ever seen. Library of Congress material. Prayers and relief for all in Rolling Fork. ❤

[@huffman1846]

You and your crew members are heroes.

[@rushmore3927]

Thanks!

[@FreddyMcKinney]

Thank you!!

[@Jayingeefan1534]

Seeing you guys stop to help the injured is really inspiring, we need more people like you

[@Gamerguy-501]

Omg man! This was just insane with having a huge violent tornado at night time. That roar is just horrifying to think of. Nice job as well for u guys going into the rescue mode and helping people up from the rebels and debris. Insane footage

[@tippo5341]

Great video and coverage of that monster that lurked then struck Rolling Fork that night...amazing footage you've captured, not just of the tornado and its slow ravaging path through the town, but of the people immediately after the impact...storm chasers may live on the crazier side of life, but without the footage so much of these beasts of nature would still be unknown, and the deeds you commit when generally the first one's into a devastated area, also proved that you're all also on the better side of life, stopping to render help and assitance to those needing it most right there and then...you're all blessings in disguise. RIP to those whom perished on that evening, and sympathies and condolences to those that lost loved ones and everything they own...may God shine down on you in the coming weeks and months ahead!!!! Cheers from Sydney Aus!!!!

[@DonnieBravo94]

It’s amazing how you all tracked it to the exact point on the radar.

[@charmaccents6278]

Oh my gosh, I have no words for the heartbreak and devastation. Thank you so much for helping people, Freddy.

[@DigitalHorses]

You guys are literally the best for helping others after a tornado hits❤❤❤ I love you guys and wish and hope that you can go on and help more people❤❤❤

[@seaboardairlineproductions7185]

Well, I don’t live in Rolling Fork MS, I live in Poplarville, MS.. and I was at home experiencing what was occurring on the weather radar… Tornado warnings left and right and the wind was blowing somewhere between 18-20 MPH that night. Lightning was non stop when I was getting ready for bed… The next morning when I found out about this devastating twister I was absolutely shocked.. my heart goes out to those effected by the Rolling Fork tornado..

[@shelliejones434]

I live in Tennessee and my family and I were caught on the side of a tornado. I couldn't imagine a direct hit with an f4. Good bless you all that helped and the people who were hit. My heart is with you

[@crimsontide1980]

Were you in the Covington tornado? I'm out close to Memphis, we were fortunately spared from any tornadoes here but they literally were all around us. Have friends in Covington and it's absolutely horrible the destruction that area endured

[@shelliejones434]

@@crimsontide1980 no middle Tennessee

[@crimsontide1980]

Glad to hear yall made it out safe. Be careful tomorrow night/Wednesday morning, more rough weather headed this way I'm afraid

[@thirteenthtribe402]

This is an incredible video for many reasons to me. The footage of driving through the town knowing as you mention that minutes later most would be destroyed with deaths was chilling. This video you put together was well done.

[@Carolineisaswiftie]

It’s so sad that to see the buildings before the tornado happens. The lightning in the background with the buildings still standing makes my heart break. It must be so hard to go through that.

[@jamesdime6865]

Props to you going in and helping others. Probably the scariest video in terms of how dark it was and only seeing the tornado from the flashes of lightning.

[@kerrbear1980]

Thank you for doing what you do. For science and search/rescue. Be safe my friend.

[@septillionsuns]

8:41 "My whole life . . . " Poor baby. Really puts some humanity into all this.

[@wadewilson8011]

BTW, bless you guys for helping those people out.

[@andrewknobel-piehl9351]

May God bless you, may God bless those hurt or killed. The end of your video didn’t get me until I saw how much that experience was weighing on you. Your efforts were not in vein, people like you are the reason people have hope to persevere through disaster. The town of Rolling Fork and you are in my prayers.

[@Aninetehradactul]

I love it. The build up and preparation. The adrenaline. The shock. Felt as if life was being sucked from my body as I watched in horror. And then as soon as it hits, it’s over, leaving devastated souls. Then game time; rescue. The entire thing is visceral. May God bless you in your ventures to capture more of this destructive beauty.

[@malbrandow7382]

You did a good job boys!!!!! Thank you for all your efforts