Hot Springs Village family describes tree almost falling on them during Thursday tornado

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE, Ark. – It has been five days since an EF-2 tornado touched down in Hot Springs Village, damaging numerous homes and blowing over trees along the way.

One family said they feel lucky to be alive after one tree almost took everything from them.

‘Chainsaw symphony’: Hot Springs Village cleans up tornado damage

Jennifer Freeman was huddled with her family in her safe space when the tornado hit.

“He was hovering over all of us with the mattress, and I had them two,” Freeman said.

The tornado blew trees down across the village and around their home. Tony Freeman recalled stepping outside for the first time.

“Front of the house on both sides trees were completely against the house and the driveway,” Tony Freeman said.

But one tree hit too close for comfort, falling just inches away from the very spot where her family was taking shelter.

“Six inches and that would’ve changed our lives forever,” Jennifer Freeman said.

Residents in Hot Springs Village continue cleanup efforts after EF-2 tornado

Parker Freeman recalled screaming because of the pressure in her ears.

“You could hear scraping of metal from the roof, and just things flying around,” Parker Freeman said.

The storm tore off some of their roof and water poured into the room where their dogs were.

It later fell in. The satellite dish once on top of their house, is now in the bottom of the pool.

After it happened Jennifer Freeman said they went outside, neighbors all checking on one another.

“We went to bed that night to the sound of chainsaws, fire rescue, volunteers, tree crews,” Jennifer Freeman said.

Hot Springs Village home destroyed by EF-2 tornado

The family feels thankful for the support from their community.

“When you talk about a village you know, you don’t just talk about Hot Springs Village, everybody comes to together as one big village and we’re all helping each other,” Jennifer Freeman said.

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