Woodward Families Shocked By Deadly Tornado's Destruction

By LaShauna Sewell, News9.com

By Karl Torp, News 9

WOODWARD, Oklahoma -- Residents in Woodward are still finding it hard to believe just how much devastation a late-night twister caused in their small town.

Tom and Debbie Whissennand said they were already in bed Saturday night, but their son was awake and watching the severe weather coverage at his home. He called them and told them to immediately take cover in their storm shelter.

"He said get your butts down there and we did. We didn't waste no time," Tom Whissennand said.

Moments later, their house was destroyed and the bed where they'd been sleeping was covered in debris. They emerged from their shelter without a scratch.

"It's very tough," said Debbie Whissennand. "It's very hard to think about. I just think he saved us."

Complete coverage of the deadly tornado in Woodward

Families are now searching through the debris scattered by the tornado, trying to find bits and pieces from their lives. Curt and Andra Raymer say although their house is gone, they're grateful they weren't hurt. They rode out the tornado in their bathtub.

"I covered up my head and he got on top of us, and he was holding on to the side of the bathtub," said Andra. "I wrapped an arm around his arm, and put my legs through his. I said, ‘please don't let me go! Please don't let me go!'"