LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The EF2 tornado that touched down in Oldham county on Tuesday uprooted more than just trees.
Louisville Metro Police Officer Mike Zahradnicek and his family were hoping to spend this week at Disney World. Instead, they have been temporarily staying with a neighbor.
"We're okay, but the house isn't," Lisa Zahradnicek said. "We've never had to experience anything like this. Where do you start?"
Louisville Metro Police Officer Mike Zahradnicek and family at Disney World on a Make A Wish trip for their daughter Danica. Image courtesy Louisville Police Foundation.Â
The family's home in Buckner was heavily damaged and had its roof ripped off. Now the Louisville Metro Police Foundation is fundraising to replace what the Zahradniceks have lost.
"All of our stuff is gone. All of the kids' stuff is gone. Just have to rebuild, and we will rebuild," Lisa said.
Tuesday's wild weather was a scary sight for Lisa, Mike and two of their children. They planned to see their oldest son perform with the Oldham County High School band in Disney World that night, but nature had other plans.
"We were flying down at 5:30, but we kept seeing the plane get delayed," she explained. She ultimately stayed home with two of her children and her husband while a tornado barreled through Buckner.
"As he was shutting the basement door, the roof came up," Lisa said.
Neighbor Natalie Dorris said she witnessed the damage happening. "As we are running down, we're watching things fly."
Now, the Zahradniceks and their neighbors are dealing with the aftermath. Everything from shattered windows to dirt covered walls.
"Their house is even more devastated than ours," Dorris said.
But for the Zahradniceks, the debris doesn't stop when you get through the doorway. There is insulation in the living room, water damage, and drywall and plywood in their daughter's bedroom. The family said they might not be able to live in the house for more than a year.
Both women said they feel blessed because their families are safe, but the Zahradniceks are still working to replace many essential items, including clothing, and looking for a place to live.
If you’d like to make a donation through the Louisville Metro Police Foundation, click here. You can also donate on donate on Venmo @LouisvilleMetro-PoliceFoundati
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