x
Breaking News
More () »

'No walls, no roof, nothing around us': Cookeville residents pick up after the tornado

Neighbors reached out after the storm hit to help others. So many houses were simply "flattened," they say.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Street after street, it all looks the same. Debris lies scattered all around in Cookeville neighborhoods.

Tuesday's early-morning tornado flattened so many houses. Like Eric Grooms'. All that's left are some of the floor boards, and the kitchen island.

Even the walls of the closet that sheltered Grooms and his family are gone.

"We all went into the closet, and then I asked my daughter to start praying," Grooms said. "She did, and before she could get done with her prayer our house was gone."

RELATED: LIST: Names of the lives lost in a tornado near Cookeville

RELATED: NWS: An EF-3 tornado traveled 50 miles, causing damage from Nashville to Gordonsville

RELATED: Remember their names | Family, friends share memories of lives lost in Putnam County tornado

RELATED: Three members of one sleeping family killed when tornado hit their home

RELATED: 13 adults, 5 kids killed in Putnam County tornado, officials say

RELATED: Help is pouring in to help victims of Putnam Co. tornadoes

Credit: WBIR
Remnants of the Grooms home after the tornado.

On Wednesday, dozens of volunteers came out to help Grooms and other victims sort through the rubble. Many were complete strangers.

They delivered meals and offered shoulders to cry on. They pulled out books, photos, clothing, really anything of value that could be salvaged.

Authorities say at least 18 people in Putnam County, including Cookeville, died when the giant twister hit in the middle of the night. Many other people suffered injuries.

Grooms is thankful to be alive. He speaks with wonder about what the tornado took away.

"There were literally no walls, no roof, nothing around us," he said.

Thankfully, his family emerged safe.

Credit: WBIR
Amy Jennings, who took in neighbors after the tornado hit.

"It was like God said, No, you’re not taking these today, these are mine."

His neighbors are trying to salvage what's left as well.

Amy Jennings turned her house into a refuge after the tornado hit. People came in wet, cold and crying.

"It's been an awful day, but we can turn this into something good, I hope," she said.

Tragedy often brings out the best in people, Jennings said.

"It brings out hope. It brings out love, and that's just what we do. Especially in the South," she said.

Before You Leave, Check This Out