Red Cross Provides Relief to Readyville Residents After Tornado

Red Cross disaster worker John Mitchell talks with James Pitts.

Local Couple Survives Tornado in RV; Red Cross Offers Tornado Safe-Shelter Tips

By the early hours of Saturday, April 1, 2023, several west and middle Tennessee communities had already experienced devastating tornado damage from a long line of severe weather moving through the state. The small community of Readyville, Tennessee, was now in the path of the deadly storms.

James Pitts and his wife were in their RV parked outside the home they were building which wasn’t move-in ready yet. A call from a friend alerted the couple that they were in the path of a possible tornado.

“The wind was already worse than we had ever seen,” said Pitts.

By the time they opened their RV’s door, it was too late to get to a sturdy building for shelter. Pitts closed the door as the RV was rolled over in the high winds. Pitts and his wife were tossed around inside the RV and Pitts recalls a tree rubbing against his arm.

After the winds calmed down, the couple safely made their way out of the RV that was tossed upside down onto a tree. The couple says they feel blessed to survive and have no serious injuries.

 

Red Cross disaster workers have met with the Pitts, along with other affected Readyville residents, to make sure their immediate needs are met, and they have access to the recovery resources they need.

If you were also affected by the recent tornadoes and need assistance, please call 1-800-RED CROSS.

For information on where to shelter during a tornado, visit redcross.org/tornado or download the free Red Cross Emergency App.