Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Welcome to Tornado Alley!

Apparently, people in Oklahoma have something every year called "Tornado Season." I Googled "Tornado season in Oklahoma" to see when it actually officially started, and this is what I found on About.com:

"In truth, all year is pretty much tornado season in Oklahoma. But the prime conditions begin around late March and go through August in a typical year. Oklahoma City, in fact, has more tornado strikes than any other city in the United States."

I swear I didn't know anything about this when I moved!! Not sure it would have changed our decision anyway, but it would have been nice to know. So this afternoon, around 1:30 my new friend, Debbie, and I were going for a nice walk on UCO campus in the breezy sunshine. Within 30 minutes, the wind was howling, thunder was rumbling, and the sky was darkening quickly on the west. We hurried back to my house and turned on the news. And then it started to hail (see picture). Debbie decided to go pick up the kids early from school (hers and mine both!) and by the time she got back the tornado sirens were going off. Debbie pulled in my driveway, and she and all the kids came hurrying inside to get shelter from the storm. We spent the next hour glued to the TV watching all the "wall clouds" and "storm hooks" to see where the tornadoes were developing. We also got to watch some live footage taken a couple miles from here in north Edmond where a structure of some sort (barn, house?) was taken up and blown around. I felt like I was watching the Wizard of Oz! But more nervous. However, we all survived and Ben got home safe and no damage was done. It was an exciting afternoon!

7 comments:

Amberdawn said...

You were nervous? You didn't act like it! I suppose one of us has to remain calm. I did not know we got the most tornadoes here. Hmmmm. Tornado season is a time of much family bonding, all squished together in a small room. Fabulous! I'm stocking my bathroom with snacks, water, flashlights and reading material. Today Buddy watched a movie in there. Nice!

Anita said...

Yeah, that portable DVD player got some use at my house today, too. Kelsey & Tanner watched Dora, then Olivia and Tabitha started Shrek the Third. They set it on the back of the toilet and sat on the floor or the toilet seat. Very sanitary, I'm sure!

scchesleys said...

Sounds like an interesting afternoon. Glad everyone in the family is okay.

Connie said...

Yep...you definitely live in the tornado alley capitol! It amuses me a little that you didn't know...I thought you knew everything LOL Glad everyone is safe. I am so enjoying keeping up with the comings and goings of your family...the blog is great!
Anita, thanks so much for the "cheer" I really needed it and it made me laugh!!! xoxoxox

SCNONI said...

I told you before you left that you were heading into harm's way...and I'm going to be there in mid March. You and Ben had better fast and pray for good weather the entire time I'm there. You kids crack me up. Love

Anonymous said...

All I can say is, "Wow!" It brings back memories of hurricane warnings (and a few real happenings) in Myrtle Beach. We never got jaded (hmmm, hope that's a good word to use here) about the possibility, and every single time there was a warning, we'd get water, batteries, bread, etc. and stay glued to the t.v.

Gwen said...

Amber, Anita is very good at keeping people calm in situations like that. She knows all the tricks--you know, like hysterical little sisters across the face, etc. The basics :)