97-year-old man loses home of 65 years after tornado tears through community

MONETTE, Ark. (WMC/Gray News) - A longtime resident of Monette, Arkansas, says a severe storm has left him without a home.

“It just cleared everything in five minutes,” the Monette homeowner said.

The 97-year-old, who did not share his name during an interview while checking the neighborhood, said a tornado tore through not only his home, but the entire community.

“I was sitting in my house watching it. It sounded like a motorboat,” the 97-year-old added. “It just ruined my house.”

He said he has lived in his home for 65 years, spending the last three years living alone following the death of his wife.

The man was able to call his son to let him know he was physically OK, despite them losing their home.

Severe storms produced several tornado warnings in multiple states while barreling across the mid-South region this week.

Many residents, like those in Monette, are dealing with substantial losses due to the powerful storms. First responders are also continuing to help the community in its recovery.