Applebee’s Manager Saves 50 People During 130 MPH Tornado

An Applebee’s manager in Three Rivers, Michigan is being praised as a hero after helping dozens of people stay safe during a powerful tornado.

Manager Aubrey McKenzie quickly guided around 50 customers and staff members into the restaurant’s kitchen when an EF-2 tornado hit the area on March 6. According to the National  Weather Service, the storm reached  wind speed of about 130 miles per hour.

McKenzie said she remained calm and focused on moving everyone to safety as the tornado passed through the city. Within minutes, everyone was safely sheltered in the kitchen area until the danger passed.

Although the strom caused damage in nearby areas, including a Menards store, no one inside the Applebee’s restaurant was injured.

McKenzie later said she was surprised people called her a hero explaining that she simply did what she felt was necessary to keep everyone safe.