To be honest, I am more than a little drained this morning, after a very restless night, both in a shelter and finally, in our home. Maybe it was the anticipation and buildup that made it seem worse, but after watching the weather all day yesterday and listening to them tell us how bad it was going to be, I was dreading last night, more than a little. As it drew near to the time when I could leave work and go home, it was already clear that the folks who were predicting these storms nailed it on the head this time. Tornadoes were already on the ground in and around Oklahoma City and the storm system that produced them was clearly marching across the state in our direction. My Mom and Dad gathered the family in the yard, ready to go into the storm cellar at a moment’s notice and around 8:00 PM, we went to the local school, which doubles as a storm shelter.
You might not know this, but I am a relatively private person, so being at the shelter really wasn’t my cup of tea. After a couple of hours, our granddaughter had finally fallen asleep and we made the decision to go back home. About an hour after we did, I was wishing we had stayed at the shelter. I had been asleep for about 30 minutes when my wife and daughter woke me up, rather frantically. The storm system had powered back up and there was strong rotation in our area. We huddled in the bathroom, completely at the mercy of the storm. I tried to stay calm, mainly because our daughter was terrified. I have been in a lot of storms, but last night was easily the worst. If I never experience another, it will be too soon. Thank God, we are all okay and there seemed to be no significant damage, other than some downed trees. We could have easily been a victim, such as was the case in the picture on the left, in El Reno, OK, or as it was in Joplin, MO. So far, the death toll stands at 8, with 60 injured. That may rise as the day progresses and the damage can be assessed.
As a side note, if you live in one of the areas that has been damaged by the tornadoes and are able to do so, check on your friends and neighbors. Make sure they are okay, stay safe, and remember one thing. There is a reason they call this area of America Tornado Alley.
I’m glad to hear that you and your family are safe Larry.
Thanks, Jack.
I am so glad to hear that you guys are alright, I have been thinking and worried about you. It sounds like you had a close call, it must have been frightening.
It was frightening, indeed. I hope we never have to go through something like that again, but living in Tornado Alley, the chances are likely that we will.
On a number of occasions in the 1950′s I spent hours huddle with my family in the Southwest corner of our basement under mattresses. I have seen the devastation that tornadoes can wreak up close and personal. Thank God that you and your family are safe and sound.
Thanks, Jim. A tornado is nothing to trifle with and they are very unpredictable. No telling what they will do or where they will go.
I’ve ridden out several hurricanes, so I can sympathize. We get plenty of tornadoes in Ohio – although rarely the monsters you get in Oklahoma – and trust me, windy, stormy nights often keep me awake.
I’m glad you and your family are all right.
I’m lucky to live in Columbus. We haven’t had a real tornado since the 70′s I think.
Thanks, Ted.
Yeah, we thought it was coming in earlier than it did. Waited and waited. Nothing. Came out of the cellar, went home, went to bed and 45 minutes later I was wishing I had stayed in the cellar. I’ve had just about enough of this stuff to last me a lifetime.
You and me both. It will be too soon if we have to go through something like that again.
I’m glad you and yours are safe. It’s been terrible for so many over the last couple months.
Thanks, Matt. When I look around and see how many people have been injured or killed and lost their homes, I am very thankful.
Have been praying for you and wondering how you were all day today. Just now getting a chance to check in. It has been a terrifying season this year. So thankful you and yours are safe.
Thanks, Kerry. I appreciate the thoughts and prayers.
Glad to hear you are safe. One Hurricane for me was more than I would ever want to go through again. Stay safe. More out there.
Thanks, Bunkerville.
Glad you are ok. I live in earthquake country but you should be thankful you don’t live in a big urban area where, if things go bad, the local populace will go on a crime spree and your life would be more in danger from your fellow man than from mother nature.
You said it. Glad you’re ok, LD.
Thanks, rjjrdq.
Thanks, Harrison. I hadn’t thought of it that way, but you have a point. I think I would be safe in saying that our neighborhood would pitch in and help each other, if we were struck by a disaster like that. That’s nice to know.
There was once a topic in Gun and Ammo about having to go to a shelter because of a disaster. They suggested packing a small handgun. Maybe where you live this isn’t an issue but looking at what happened in New Orleans I’d definitely be packing were such a thing to happen in SF. I bought my Saiga rifle for a SHTF event. Hope I never have to use it.
I understand what you are saying about the anxiety, Larry. Hubby and I have an under-the-stairwell space that is big enough for us and some valuables. it’s in the center of the house – it wouldn’t last through the F-5′s we’ve seen this last month. Tulsa was magically bypassed by what we thought would be a terrible night. We have had many worse and far more dangerous tornado moments here, but after the specter of Joplin and Tuscaloosa, I think about tornado’s differently now. So glad you and yours are safe.