Raleigh woman's family survives tornado that ripped through Arkansas Friday, leaving several dead

A Raleigh mother experienced grueling hours filled with terrifying emotions Friday after learning that a tornado touched down in the area where her family lives.

Linda Wilkinson helplessly watch the storm damage play out on television as it ripped through Little Rock, Arkansas, where her daughter and four grandchildren live.

"I was terrified. My babies, those are my children," said Linda Wilkinson. "They're all I have.

Wilkinson says that after contacting her family, she found out they were safe, coming out unharmed, but it was a close call.

"It's terrifying because I don't know if they're okay," said Wilkinson. "As a mom, there's nothing worse than not being able to be there to help your kids."

The tornadoes had passed within miles of her family, and they'd had to crouch down for safety.

Patricia Anderson, Wilkinson's daughter and survivor of the Little Rock tornado, described the sound of the storm.

"Sounded like a train going through," said Anderson.

She expresses being thankful to know they had sufficient warning and could return home safely in a town outside little rock.

As the Arkansas community begins to grapple with the damage,

Wilkinson is happy her loved ones got out unharmed.

"It was scary, but I'm glad they're all okay and safe," said Wilkinson.

Saturday will be a WRAL Weather Alert day