Springdale resident remembers the moment 2022 tornado came through
SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)— Samuel Lopez was living in a mobile home on Oakridge Drive close to George Elementary School in Springdale.
“When the mobile home started moving started lifting up I was like well that’s not normal,” said Lopez.
Saturday March 30, 2024 marked two years since the EF-3 tornado traveled through the city. The tornado traveled around 5 miles with winds up to 145 miles per hour.
“For people thinking that’s small wind ya’ll tripping,” said Lopez.
Lopez says the wind damage destroyed several mobile homes.
“From what I know the front of the homes out here are barely being inhabited right now,” said Lopez.
Springdale mayor reflects on 2022 tornado two years later
However, his home didn’t receive as much damage. Something he says he is thankful for.
“I’m not saying we didn’t have no problems. Some of our skirting fell off and stuff like that but the actually damage was down near the front of the street on Powell,” said Lopez.
Lopez says it took five days for cleanup crews to first arrive but the community pitched in to help pick up the debris left.
“We luckily had a fundraiser where we did raise some money to help people here in the community,” said Lopez.
Lopez says living through a scary event like a tornado can leave scars.
“If someone has PTSD from something happening to them don’t belittle the experience. If somebody gets scared because it’s raining and it’s hard rain and it starts to wind and they been through something. Their cautious survival instinct kicks in,” said Lopez.
Lopez says the support from the Springdale community really helped some people in the mobile home park rebound after the tornado.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
