Storm Chaser Was Surveying Tornado Rubble When He Heard a Tiny Voice Calling for Help

You'll never know what precious treasures you may find in the aftermath of a storm.

In the aftermath of a recent devastating tornado in Mississippi, a storm chaser named Ashton Lemley never expected to hear a tiny cry (or meow, rather) coming from under the rubble.

However, he quickly realized a very strong but tiny survivor was trapped under piles of debris and desperately needed help.

This emotional rescue story will touch your heart and give you hope. The tiny kitten survivor started her life in a tough way, but she has become a national symbol of resilience and strength.

@cbsmornings

While sifting through the rubble left by the massive tornadoes that tore across Mississippi earlier this week, storm chaser Ashton Lemley made an incredible discovery: A kitten, still alive. Now, Lemley is looking for that kitten's forever home. #mississippi#kitten#catsoftiktok#tornadoes

original sound - CBS Mornings

Though in the video he finds the survivor kitten fairly fast, it actually took him some time, as she was so tiny and there was so much debris.

As you can see, the kitten was wet and scared, found hiding between two wooden posts.

Related: Rescue Kitten ‘Learning How To Make Biscuits' Is Pure, Wholesome Goodness

How a Tiny Kitten Survived a Tornado

This was a very dangerous tornado, as People reported that at least 17 people were injured, including 12 in Lincoln County, due to the storm.

Lemley told the AP that it was "very heartbreaking to see any type of animal or human go through something like that."

So how did this tiny little kiity manage to survive?

Tiny, not fully developed animals are especially vulnerable in a storm like this, as it's so easy for them to be trapped, injured, and confused.

But this little survivor stayed strong and kept meowing until someone heard her.

This story is getting a lot of media attention and online fanfare because it's such a small but beautiful moment of hope amid so much dark chaos and destruction.

Though it would be quite the fairy-tale ending if the little kitten went home with Lemley, he is, unfortunately, allergic to cats.

But don't worry about this strong kitten, as plenty of people want to adopt her if her cat parents can't be found.

Lemley noted that many people think her name should be "Tornado," and we agree!

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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 10:20 AM.