Prelude to a Tornado

February 8, 2008 in Life

Well, it’s been two days since the tornado hit our little town. It looks like we won’t have electricity for at least a week, and maybe two. There is still a ton of clean up to do and not having power and the ability to run to town and get basic things in making life a bit of a challenge.

Tuesday night, when this all started, I was driving home from work. I left the office about 5:30 and it takes at least 45 minutes to get home. My wife called me and said to stop and get the kids some snacks and her something to drink. So, I spent a few

extra minutes in the store about 20 miles from home. After I left the store my wife called and said a Tornado was about to hit and I was driving right towards it. I wasn’t sure if I should turn around or keep going. Everything got dark quickly and I could see the storm up ahead. I didn’t know else to do but keep driving and get home to my family.

I was about 4 miles from home and I heard the tornado sirens going off and knew I was running out of time. I noticed as I went by a few houses an old man was flagging me down and I quickly stopped to see what he needed. It turned out he was having trouble getting his storm shelter door open. So, I helped him get it open and helped his wife who was using a “walker” get into the storm shelter. They kept telling me that I had no time and to get in there with them, but my family was waiting on me and I couldn’t bare the thought of them being frightened and worried. So, I told the nice old couple “thanks, but I had to get home”. I got home and it was dead silent outside. A different sound then we had gotten use to with all the thunder and lighting. My wife had all the kids in the wall with mattresses all around them.

Tags: Arkansas tor