'Every Bit Of It Is Gone': Cole Family Loses Home, Farm In Tornado

Many residents in the town of Cole lost everything in Wednesday night’s storm. The Bridwell Farm in Cole took a direct hit. The family told News 9 on Thursday they were thankful to be alive and for the community of volunteers who jumped in to help in their recovery efforts.

As the violent storm passed through McClain County Wednesday night.

“It seemed like it last for 20 minutes,” said Larry Bridwell, storm victim.

Dangerous winds knocked out power and sent debris flying everywhere. First responders raced to help the wounded.

“The wind turbine on the storm shelter sucked off and I knew, I knew we was in the tornado,” said Bridwell.

Daylight hours revealed the storm's path cut through the town of Cole. Larry and Robbie Bridwell's property became ground zero. Two homes, a barn and decades of family memories were destroyed.

“It’s everything his whole entire family has ever worked super hard for and it’s just, it’s gone,” said Robbie Bridwell, survived storm. “Every bit of it is gone.”

The couple, their daughter and grandmother rode out the storm in their shelter.

“The first thing that went through my mind was the door coming open and I tried to get between the door and my family,” said Bridwell. “I was trying to think of how I was going to stop them.”

They survived the terrifying storm only to find extensive damage. However, it did not take their community to lend a helping hand.

“We are so blessed by our church family, our friends, our community, our teachers for our kids, my work, my boss,” said Bridwell. “We are beyond blessed with people that love us.”

The family did lose a horse in the storm but said the rest of their livestock remained safe and untouched.