Just Another Spring Day In Oklahoma

Weather is something that is to be expected in Oklahoma. Whether it is the wind, the humidity, or the storms, we have a variety to deal with. In the Spring months, especially May, one knows to be aware that a Spring thunderstorm could pop up at an instant and easily turn into a tornado. Recently we have had serveral opportunities to be reminded of this.

The week before a total of 34 tornados broke out in one day across the state. Last weekend a storm went through Oklahoma City, bringing with it baseball to softball size hail. If you have never experienced a severe hail storm it can be almost as devasting as a tornado. In the aftermath, birds could be found throughout yards wounded by the powerful force of the hail as it fell. Vinyl siding on homes was pulverized to nothing. Trees were stripped of their leaves. And a jogger who was caught out in the storm when it began was received severe injuries before he was able to seek cover. His back was covered in welts from the beating.

This last Wednesday, was another day when the state of Oklahoma was covered with the potential for big storms. At first I did not think much about it as being in such a place you tend to become complacent about it. Yet as the afternoon rolled around and the continuous storm updates were flashed across the tv, I began to become more aware of the potential. The first storm to spring up did so in a matter of minutes. It was headed towards a town where Vincent's daughter lives, so I sent a text to tell her to be safe. Soon after she calls me back telling me that she is not at home yet driving back from the city, going straight into the area where the storm is. Fortunately the storms at this time were traveling slowly and she managed to arrive home safe before they reached her.

Although I complain at times about the continuous coverage of the weather on tv, on this day I was grateful. At this time most of the weather was well north of me. Still I prepared for what may come. And in true form I was not disappointed. A storm quickly started up south west of us and started to grow. As it drew closer, the rain began. Still reports were that it was not tornadic just a strong storm. The rain continued to come down in buckets and soon the wind. I could tell that circulation was happening due to the manner in which the rain was falling from all directions. The tv had gone out yet I had my trusty weather radio and was able to listen to coverage.

Just when I thought it may pass over us, a report came across the radio that a lowering was seen just a few miles of us and it was coming our way. In the pouring rain, I leashed Winston who did not want nothing to do with going out in it, grabbed my purse and camera and headed to the cellar. I listened as the sirens blew outside. Still across the radio there were reports of a funnel sighted. As the rain subsided and it became still I opened the door of the cellar. Facing west, the sunshine could be seen peeking from behind billowy white clouds. When I turned to the East, I could see the storm passing. The yard was covered with water. A total of 2 and a half inches fell in a matter of about 20 minutes. A pale rainbow could be seen on the north side of the storm as it left.

It was peaceful once again. Such fury in so short of time, yet such tranquility immediately after. The storms continued through the night further east yet were not as severe. In total 16 tornados touched down. Fortunately minor damage. Just another spring day in Oklahoma