LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Saturday marked one year since an EF-2 tornado struck Williamston. The tornado left trees scattered along I-96, overturned semi-trucks, destroyed several homes and claimed the lives of two people. A year later, Williamston residents were mostly done with the cleanup, but everyone felt the tragedy had brought the small town together.
“You can be as prepared as you think you are until something like this happens,” said Williamston Mayor Tammy Gilroy.
“It was crazy. I don’t usually say it was like the movies, but it looked like Twister,” said Michael Yanz, director of NIESA and fire chief.
It’s been a year since we told you about the horse that may have been swept away by the tornado and the barn that was destroyed. Lisa Luton-Hodges, the owner of Luton Training Center, says the horse is doing well.
“She is doing well, living on the pasture and enjoying her life to the fullest,” said Luton-Hodges.
The equestrian center was one of the buildings severely damaged by the tornado. The Williamston community came together to help their neighbors.
“This Williamston community really stands up for each other in times of need and we are so grateful that this happened. It turned a tragedy into something really good,” Luton-Hodges said.
It took about 10 months to restore the training center to its original shape with a new barn and new fences.
According to NIESA’s Yanz, there are still many downed trees along I-96 and cleanup is far from complete.
“The cleanup is far from over. I was in Mississippi for a few weeks after Hurricane Katrina and saw the destruction there. That was many years ago and the reconstruction is not yet complete. You just have to think of the people who are still trying to get their lives back on track after this,” said Director Yanz.
Williamston Mayor Tammy Gilroy said the tragedy has only brought their close-knit community closer together.
“We are thriving as a community, as a city, everything was rebuilt very quickly and although that night last year will stay with us for a long time, I think everyone was able to give their neighbors grace and space,” said Mayor Gilroy.
Lisa Luton-Hodges wants to give back to the community that helped her through this time of need. She will soon be hosting horse riding camps for children. Details to follow shortly.
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