VILONIA, Ark. — The storm system that is headed toward the Atlanta metro has already cut a deadly path of destruction across several states.
Officials in Mississippi and Alabama say seven people died in the storm, bringing the number of dead to 23.
The majority of those deaths were in Arkansas.
Channel 2's Craig Lucie traveled to Arkansas to get a look at the damage there, including one of the hardest hit areas of Vilonya.
Klysta Hall wiped away tears as she walked through debris that stretches more than 80 miles through Arkansas.
"What goes through your mind when you see this type of destruction?" Lucie asked Hall.
"Devastation. It's just horrible. You shouldn't have to go through things like this," Hall said.
Hall showed Lucie what was left of the home she shared with her parents. The storm left her home a pile of rubble.
Dennis Maish told Lucie he saw the twister coming toward him.
As this tornado ripped through the area, six people were able to sprint over to a tornado shelter. They were able to get inside with three pets, but two people couldn't make it
"I couldn't get my mom and dad out," Maish said.
Both of them have serious injuries, including a skull fracture and broken ankle.
In nearby Mayflower, an American Red Cross disaster relief team had an escort to navigate the roads where homes were wrapped around trees.
Kay McNeely said she ran out after the storm to find her 94-year-old mother.
"I said I've got to get to my mom and I couldn't find her. A ceiling fell on her," McNeely said.
At least 15 people died, but that number could still rise. A curfew was put in place and emergency responders are still out working.
For many in the Vilonya area, this is the second tornado in three years and residents told Lucie they don't plan to rebuild there.
WSBTV
