The 10th anniversary of the 2014 tornado still twisting emotions in Faulkner County
CONWAY, Ark. – A Faulkner County judge spent his day reflecting on the 10th anniversary of a devastating tornado.
“April 27, 2014, a day many of us will never forget,” Faulkner County Judge Allen Dodson said.
Scholarship given in honor of two children who died in Vilonia tornado
This is a particularly special reflection for Dodson, who was the Faulkner County judge in 2014 and now in 2024.
According to Dodson, the county was given enough warning to prepare and for people to be cautious of potential tornadoes. However, they never thought it would be as bad as it was.
“We had several days warning; in fact, the public was prepared. Had they not been, it could have been much, much worse,” Dodson said.
A 41-mile stretch across Pulaski, White, and Faulkner Counties left 16 dead and almost 200 injured.
Faulkner County lost 12 of its own as the tornado entered the county at Mayflower, sweeping 22 miles, and exited the county in Vilonia.
“If you recall it took a while for the tornado to leave the county, so naturally we were responding, and when I say we, virtually every first responder of every kind began responding as it left a particular area,” Dodson said.
Vilonia family reflects on 2014 tornado
Remembering the moment he got in his vehicle to see the county he loves so much.
“I will never forget Mayflower just leveled to the slab and then over on Dam Road at Lake Conway, which was utter destruction, and seeing the heart of Vilonia leveled,” Dodson said.
All the places he has driven through repeatedly look completely different, and the people who were once there are now devastated.
“Just the tears were just uncontrollable, I just, you know, your heart goes out to these people,” Dodson said.
Vilonia resident reflects on day EF-4 tornado tore through his home
According to Dodson, they spent three days on search and rescue and, on day four, began picking up the pieces of the shattered county.
“It’s hard not to internalize it and feel responsible, but you can’t stop a tornado,” Dodson said.
Lives were changed, he said, and they were changed forever. Memories washed away but ready to be remade and rebuilt.
“There is a certain amount of satisfaction just being here 10 years later, April 27, 2024, looking and seeing you know Faulkner County is okay,” Dodson said.
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