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Ida home destroyed by tornado, family survives

An Ida family is breathing a sigh of relief after their home was badly damaged by Thursday night's tornado. The couple, in their 70s, managed to walk away scratch free.

IDA, MI (WTOL) – An Ida family is breathing a sigh of relief after their home was badly damaged by Thursday night's tornado. The couple, in their 70s, managed to walk away scratch free.

The tornado might have just hit one house in Ida, but the damage is undeniable. A car completely flipped over and the roof was torn off the house.

Lloyd Montri saw the tornado touch down in person, and it was heading straight towards his parents' house. Montri jumped in his car and sped over to his parents' badly damaged home, hoping they got out of the way in time, and they did. Montri's parents saw it coming and ran into their basement for protection.

They managed to walk away with no injuries, but their house is a different story. Windows are shattered. Clothes and other belongings are strewn across the field. The roof was torn off the house and a car was left overturned.

The couple is staying with family while they wait on insurance.

Montri is thankful because he believes the tornado could have done much more damage.

"Suddenly, I notice that I see the tornado come down right by my parents' house, and right away I began to pray that Jesus would protect my parents," said Montri.

Montri knew there was nothing he could do but wait and pray.

"I couldn't tell if it hit the house. It hit one of the buildings nearby," said Montri.

Despite the damage, Montri said his prayers were answered. He is thankful his parents are safe and for the outpouring support from the community.

"It's encouraging. When you see bad things happen in the world, and a lot of times you don't see the good things reported. So to see that first hand really means a lot," said Montri.

Now they rebuild. Anyone wishing to donate to the family can contact the Redeemer Missionary Church in Monroe, Mich.

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