Devastating Tornado Ravages Monette, Ark., Leaving Homes in Ruins

MONETTE, Ark. (WMC) – A tornado swept through Monette, Arkansas, early Wednesday morning, destroying homes and displacing residents in its path. The storm, part of a larger system that affected the Mid-South region, left behind widespread devastation.

“It just cleared everything in five minutes,” recounted a 97-year-old resident who witnessed the tornado’s fury. The storm not only obliterated his home but also ravaged the entire community, leaving many residents to reckon with the loss of their cherished belongings.

“The church, my lord, everything [is] cleared,” he told Action News 5’s Tarvarious Haywood, clearly overwhelmed by the destruction surrounding him. “I was sitting in my house watching it. It sounded like a motorboat,” he added, describing the storm’s rapid approach. “It just ruined my house.”

The emotional toll of the storm was evident as the resident, who lost his wife three years ago and has been living alone since, reflected on his long history in Monette. “97 years. That’s how old I am, and I lived here for 65,” he confided, clearly heartbroken by the loss of his home and community.

Monette is just one of many communities grappling with the consequences of the fierce storms that swept through the region. As residents begin the recovery process, local officials are working to assess the extent of the damage and provide assistance. Many are turning to local shelters for temporary housing, while others are finding support among their neighbors.

The tornado formed overnight but came on the heels of a series of severe weather warnings that had been issued in the area. Meteorologists noted that the storm system was particularly intense, with high winds and potential for significant damage.

As cleanup efforts begin, the resilience of the Monette community will be put to the test. Local leaders encourage residents to seek help and remain hopeful as they navigate the challenges ahead.