So how bout a Tornado?
I planned my weekend to-do list but Mother Nature had a whole other plan for me.
(image source)
While the TV was on in the background Saturday morning, I did my taxes and then gave myself a pedicure. As I headed toward Mebane (between Durham and Greensboro) to return something to the outlet mall, I remembered vaguely a TV warning about severe weather making conditions likely for tornadoes. I’ve seen these so often and it never seems to be that bad, just rainy weather. The wind was a little crazy in the car as a warning came on the radio that a tornado had touched down in Alamance County- anyone in Mebane (!) and surrounding areas need to take cover as it is heading Northeast.
I turned the car around, then thought to myself, I could head to the outlet mall southeast- that would be out of the storm. Having not seen the above radar map, I drove feeling like I was being swept away. The wind was going sideways, the sky was yellowy. Something said, “Laural, just go home ” right before the next warning came on the radio saying “the” tornado touched down near the southeast outlet mall (!). At that point, I headed back home towards Raleigh, unaware there was a long strip of over 70 tornadoes (I thought it was just one from earlier!). I saught shelter in a Target …
(oblivious to the symbolism of that) while what I assume was massive hail pounding on the roof a few times and the power then went out briefly. It seemed like after 10 minutes or so, I finally headed home. I tried to anyway, there were trees blocking the roads, power lines snapped and dangling. All the street lights were out–creating treacherous traffic on top of wind and rain!
So this weekend I was able to check off many things from my list, I was able to:
- Do my taxes and not owe money ( Thank you H&R Block, I’m getting a nice return!)
- Give myself a pedicure and a manicure ( Check check!)
- Buy the ingredients for:
Zuchinni Pancakes, Praline Brownies (Dairy Free), and Almond Macadamia Nut Cookies - Run, 14 miles in 1hr 51 minutes
- Spend lots of time with Andrea and Stacey, Elinor and Owen.
Unfortunately, this was not the case for many others in this area. There are catastrophe insurance buses going around, progress energy trucks on many corners still. I am happy to be one of the lucky ones, but feel terrible for those that lost their homes, business, cars, etc.
Have you ever been in a tornado?
I was in one when I was about 3 years old (1985). I remember getting stuffed into the middle seat of our station wagon as my parents were desperately trying to gather our tent and belongings; we were camping at the beach and had to drive inland for hours to safety. I remember being wet and sandy but having the best time playing games with my brothers and sister later that night at a Holiday Inn!
What is the longest you have ever had to go without power?
