“We are lucky to be alive”: Witness recounts close call with tornado

WINNIPEG – A family says they are lucky to be alive after a tornado swept through their southern Manitoba yard.

“The house is still standing, thats the main thing,” said Anne Raynor, who lives near Pierson. “We are still alive.”

READ MORE: Manitoba tornado lasted ‘incredible’ 2.5 to 3 hours: Environment Canada

Raynor said she rushed her daughter and grandchildren into the basement of the home, but her husband insisted on staying upstairs during the storm.

“I figured if a tornado is going to hit me I want to see it,” said Fred Raynor.

The couple’s home was unscathed but the farm yard suffered significant damage.

“The wife had 300 or 400 chickens in the chicken house,” said Fred. “Well the chicken house and the chickens are all gone.”

READ MORE: Storm chaser describes tornado being too close for comfort

A few sheds were also blown away, steel bins were toppled and trees were ripped up.

“Nobody got hurt, this stuff here we can clean it up, trees will grow back,” said Fred. “We’re lucky that way.”