Washington, Illinois, Tornado: Tales of Survival

Anthony Khoury and his family were in the living room of their home in Washington, Illinois, on Sunday when his father thought he heard a helicopter flying over head.

When they turned to look out the window, they saw a tornado barreling through their neighborhood - one of dozens spawned by a severe weather system that affected several states in the Midwest.

"Everyone started running downstairs," Khoury said. As his parents and aunt huddled together against the basement wall, the 21-year-old stood near the window, documenting the ferocious tornado as it swept through the area.

"The tornado happened in my backyard and you can hear people screaming. We were freaking out," he said. (SEE VIDEO ABOVE)

Washington, Illinois, Mayor Gary Manier talks about the spirit of the community and the recovery effort  underway.

Other residents of Washington, Illinois, also share their survival stories with "New Day's" Chris Cuomo. 

Steve Bucher survived a tornado in Washington, Illinois, by taking cover with his wife in his basement. 

Curt and Mike Zehr are brothers who describe surviving the same tornado that also destroyed their home.