Storm chaser Ashton Lemley was navigating through the devastation of a Mississippi mobile home community when he detected the distinct cry of a small cat cutting through the early morning silence.
The residential area had been completely destroyed just hours before when severe weather systems generated no fewer than three tornadoes throughout southern Mississippi, leaving a dozen people hurt at the mobile home park in the small town of Bogue Chitto.
Though Lemley couldn’t pinpoint the kitten’s location, he remained committed to locating the animal. The crying suddenly ceased after several minutes, leaving Lemley worried about the kitten’s fate.
However, the meowing resumed five minutes afterward.
“I said, ‘Oh, he’s still alive!’” Lemley shared with The Associated Press on Thursday.
Lemley immediately began digging beneath insulation material from a destroyed wall until his flashlight illuminated the kitten — soaked, frightened and crouched between two wooden supports.
The rescue was recorded on video: “Oh my goodness, I found him!” he tells the camera. “Are you OK? Come here – it’s OK. … We’ll get you cleaned up, baby. Don’t you worry.”
After cradling the kitten briefly, Lemley transferred it to a United Cajun Navy commander, a volunteer emergency response organization member, who dried the animal and ensured its safety. Lemley was amazed the kitten showed no signs of harm.
“I’ve been in these situations so many times,” explained Lemley, who has pursued severe weather since 2010. “I don’t try to get overly emotional. But it is very heartbreaking to see any type of animal or human go through something like that.”
According to Lemley, numerous people have expressed interest in adopting the kitten should its original family not be found. Several potential adopters, he noted, want to call it Tornado.
The kitten won’t be joining Lemley’s household, however: he has a cat allergy.
