Woman recalls surviving deadly 2022 Bryan County tornado as fourth anniversary approaches

BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - April 5, 2022 is a day many in the Southeast will never forget. That day, a deadly tornado tore through parts of Bryan County, causing widespread damage and claiming the life of one elderly woman.

Now, just days before the fourth anniversary, a Richmond Hill woman says she’s still grateful to be alive.

SEE: National Weather Service finds at least EF-3 tornado damage in Bryan Co.

Alone when the tornado hit

Laura McKay now works from home, but in April 2022, she was alone at work in Pembroke when the deadly tornado touched down.

The tornado destroyed homes, businesses and other facilities, causing an estimated $30 million in damage, including the Hendrix Park Gymnasium in Ellabell and the courthouse in Pembroke.

“Everything was everywhere. It was so fast, but it destroyed the whole building. My office was pretty much the only place that wasn’t touched,” said McKay. “When I knew that it was coming, I just felt peace like, okay, if this is how it ends. But if it isn’t, then there’s a reason why I’m still here.”

McKay was working at the Curtis V. Cooper Clinic in Pembroke when the twister hit. The building was also destroyed. She was alone inside and took cover.

“I actually saw the tornado touch down across the parking lot and head straight for the clinic. I got under my desk, and I felt and heard it hit. It was so fast, just seconds and then it was over. I started looking around… the roof was blown off. I looked out the door of my office, and everything was just everywhere,” McKay said.

See our coverage from 2022 below:

Years to recover

According to Bryan County Commission Chairman Carter Infinger, it took years for the county to recover. He said it was the largest claim in the history of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.

The storm claimed the life of one woman, Belinda Thompson.