Temple family recounts moment they almost lost their lives in tornado

TEMPLE, Texas (KWTX) - The Rivera family is counting their blessings that they all made it out okay, after a tornado tore through their community.

Wednesday night they took cover in a closet, but if they were just outside in their bathroom, they could have lost their lives.

When a piece of wood whizzed past Roberta Rivera’s head and a part of the ceiling almost collapsed on her son’s head, she and her family knew it was time to take shelter.

”So we were in the closet and it seemed like the longest five minutes of my life because I’m looking at the ceiling thinking it’s going to fall down on us,” Roberta said.

About five minutes later, they stepped out to find that just outside their storm shelter the strong winds left significant damage to their bathroom ceiling.

”If we didn’t stay in there we would’ve been sucked out or God forbid something else happen,” Roberta said.

Thankfully, everyone made it out safely, but they’re now left with damaged cars and a home that needs major repairs.

”We haven’t even lived here for a year,” Roberta said. “We moved in July 18th of last year and here we are.”

Roberta said it’s always been a dream of hers to live in Temple because the area has good schools and a tight-knit community.

”This was our happy home and we moved to the Belton-area like we always wanted and we finally got it,” Roberta said.

Right now she’s leaning on the rest of her family to get through this tragedy.

”My house is gone,” Roberta said. “My husband is a retired vet and 100% disabled. We’re not made of money.”

Christ the King Catholic Church has provided the river family with temporary housing. The family has a GoFundMe set up to cover replacing their clothes, furniture and food.