A HELSTON woman horrified by the latest devastation caused by a tornado that ripped through Colorado has spoken of her own terror after staying in the state during a storm.
Louie Williams, 95, of Godolphin Cross, travelled to Colorado on three occasions and was staying with friends when a tornado struck their town of Atoka in the 1980s.
She had been visiting a pen-pal; she started writing to in the 1930s, who had bought a farm and 50 acres including ancient woodland in the town.
She recalled: "They had a bungalow that was built of wood and brick. The majority of homes were wooden and wouldn't survive a tornado. They also built their own storm bunker in a field which they used along with their neighbours.
"It was very strange when the storm approached the town, it split into two and went around the town on each side. Atoka wasn't damaged, it was very lucky."
She said the local school on the outskirts of the town was hit, its roof completely ripped off.
She added: "The headteacher was pleased because she wanted a new roof but the authorities refused to do the work. The damage meant she finally got her roof."
This latest storm struck on Saturday demolishing a two mile zone of the state and killing at least 91 and trapping children inside the rubble.
Mrs Williams said the Atoka residents showed true grit and stoicism when faced with storms, which are common in the state.
"They were very lucky not have lost anything. This latest tornado was exceptional and far worse than the storm we experienced. I can remember being in the shelter and hearing the wind outside; there were terrific gusts across the field. It was frightening because you had no idea where it would hit."
