WYNNE, Ark. — The city of Wynne is still recovering from last year’s deadly tornado that destroyed many homes and churches — but Wednesday night, another severe storm was headed in the city’s direction.
Wynne First Methodist church was just one of the buildings hit by last year’s tornado. Four people were killed and even more were injured.
WREG spoke with a pastor about how he and his family are getting ready to withstand the storm; they say they’re leaning on preparation and faith.
“You better get ready,” said Randy Matlock, the pastor of Fitzgerald Crossing Baptist Church. “This time could be your time. So, you better be prepared.”
Matlock says two big trees in front of his house are gone because of last year’s storm.
“My daughter lives here and all three of the trees went on her house. It demolished her car and most of her house. She took a pretty good loss,” Matlock said.
The pastor is warning everyone to prepare.
Jody Huffmaster, left, talks with John Pearson Sr., as Pearson sits outside the home of a family member, Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Wynne, Ark. (Thomas Metthe/Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via AP) 
Wynne School Superintendent Kenneth Moore, left, leads Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders through the Wynne High School that was hit by Friday’s tornado, Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Wynne, Ark. (Thomas Metthe/Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via AP) 
Debris covers the ground around damaged homes in Wynne, Ark., on Saturday, April 1, 2023. Unrelenting tornadoes that tore through parts of the South and Midwest that shredded homes and shopping centers. (AP Photo/Adrian Sainz) 
Wynne, AR
“Everybody that I know has been trying to put back canned food and water just in case we can’t get to the stores,” said Matlock. “Also, make sure your pets are cared for.”
The storm is expected to hit while many will be sleeping. But just in case you do fall asleep, make sure to charge your phone, have your ringer on, and download WREG’s weather app so we can alert you.
