MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – Tuesday night’s severe weather threat is like reliving a nightmare for Parkway Village residents, who survived a rare EF-1 twister in Memphis a little over a month ago.
“I’m real scared,” said James Perry, whose home was damaged in October. “The same things about to happen again, but you know, we’re prayed up.”
Perry, a retired pastor from Nashville, just finished paying for $1,500 in home repairs after October’s category one tornado.
“We just got the top of the house and the carport fixed,” shared Perry. “Now this is coming, I’m like Allstate is going to cancel me.”
Trees fell on his house damaging an upstairs room.
“It was just a big gaping hole,” said Perry. “We head rain coming through. My wife thought I was showering or running water.”
The Perrys gathered what they could this time around.
“Went out and got us a new generator so we can be ready if we lose lights.”
They also purchased extra flashlights and batteries, readying for the worst.
“I hope that storms misses us this time, Perry said. “That’s the first time I’ve ever been in a tornado. I don’t need that experience anymore. I think it took a few years off my life.”
Perry was able to live at home, unlike other residents who left with houses split in the middle and roofs torn off.
“I still got neighbors. I feel sorry for them. They can’t even come back in their house yet. The middle of the house crushed under trees.”
Perry says he got repairs done just in time for his family’s Thanksgiving meal.
If you are facing a power outage, call and report to Memphis Light, Gas and Water at 901-544-6500.