Miss Mae's Blog
When Real Life Hits
| Posted on May 2, 2011 at 1:00 AM |
April 27, 2011 has become a historic date that will forever be etched in my memory. It's the day when tornadoes ripped through my area causing so much devastation and the kind of terror you read about but never expect to experience yourself.
We knew this system was coming. One meterologist predicted the day of its arrival as "wicked Wednesday". Another said, "I'm very concerned."
My comments will be added at the end of the post. Right now I'd just like to share some photos of what so many had to endure through.
*Thanks to WRCB Channel 3, and to Lauren Martinez for permission to repost images*
Paul Barys at the radar helm. All of those red colors were imminent danger "hot spots".
One of the many "super cells". NWS confirmed EF-4 tornadoes. Windspeeds up to 200 mph.
We have three local television stations, and I can not give enough praise to all of them for their stedfast dedication. For more than 12 grueling hours (working past midnight) they remained at their jobs in order to report each approaching storm and to give adequate warning.
We hear incredible stories of those who made it through. One woman with her son and grandchild inside a mobile home were blown across the street. The home was destroyed, but all three walked away. Three young men huddled in a bathtub, clinging to each other. Their house was flattened, they sailed across the yard, but they were unharmed. Today they've become known as "the bathtub brothers".
Humanitarian relief efforts are remarkable. We all feel the desire, the need to give aid. In some way, some how, we're all forever changed by this tragedy. Maybe in a sense we'll no more be strangers. Maybe it took this for us to become neighbors.
My heart goes out to all of those who lost so much. I understand survivors guilt now. While my family and property were spared, that meant others weren't.
Here in the South the terror of April 27, 2011 will not be forgotten. It'll be remembered as our own 9-11.
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Categories: Musings from Miss Mae
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33 Comments
Two in Alabama were rated EF5's, with over 200 mph winds. No one can survive a direct hit from that, but we have tales of survival. I don't think anyone who lived through these storms will ever be the same, and no, we will never forget. The Southern, super cell outbreak of April 27, 2011 has been ranked up there with Katrina and 9/11. In Alabama tonight, we have 250 dead and 1700 injured, and the death toll continues to rise.
Lisa Alexander-Griffin says...
Miss Mae, looks like your devastation was almost as bad as that of Alabama. Ours may have been more widespread, but the destruction looks the same. Those super cells produced huge, boiling, angry monsters bent on destruction.
Two in Alabama were rated EF5's, with over 200 mph winds. No one can survive a direct hit from that, but we have tales of survival. I don't think anyone who lived through these storms will ever be the same, and no, we will never forget. The Southern, super cell outbreak of April 27, 2011 has been ranked up there with Katrina and 9/11. In Alabama tonight, we have 250 dead and 1700 injured, and the death toll continues to rise.
We learned yesterday there were 16 confirmed tornadoes. I know Alabama was the hardest hit, and my heart goes out to everyone who suffered through this day and night.
Thanks for coming over, Lisa, and I'm so grateful that you came through!
Ginger Simpson says...
A heart-wrenching testimony to the heroes and heroines of 4/27. Until you have seen the devastation firsthand, there is no way to explain the painful stab at your heart. This post conjured up images of the 2008 Tornado that ripped through Tennessee and killed seven here in Gallatin before moving on to claim more. To imagine that the killer storm of 4/27 killed 250 in Alabama alone is staggering. My prayers continue to be with all those involved. There but for the Grace of God go any of us.
I agree, Ginger. Certainly at my house we were spared by grace. It's times such as these that make you rethink the important things in life.
Thanks so much for coming over, and on that harrowing night in 2008 for you, I'm so glad the twister passed over!
Diane Craver says...
The pictures are so heart-wrenching - I grieve for all the families experiencing loss of loved ones and properties. They all are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad youand your family survived, Miss Mae, but so sorry for all the others who didn't make it.
Hi Diane,
Thank you so much for your prayers and concern. I know I certainly was thinking and worrying about my online friends! I'm so relieved that everyone came through the storm!
Thanks for coming over, dear friend.
Say hello to the "Bathtub Brothers." Rub-a-dub-dub, three men in a tub. Amazing experience! Did anyone get it on tape?
Linda Morelli says...
Wow, thanks so much, Miss Mae, for posting these photos. The tornado was truly devastating and I realise that many people are still missing. I am keeping everyone in my prayers and hope that more survivors are found aive.
Hi Linda,
Appreciate so much you taking the time to swing by. Thank you.
It was a scary day. The waiting for all those hours for this front to move through was mentally and emotionally draining. I didn't get to bed until after midnight and was exhausted. The next day, in daylight, we saw the extent of the damage. Horrible, horrible!
Gail Pallotta says...
I'm so sorry for all the devastation. My heart goes out to all of those affected.
Thank you so much, Gail. We all needed each other's concerns and well wishes!
Linda Weaver Clarke says...
Thanks for sharing this very touching experience, the photos, and your thoughts. My heart goes out to your community.
Thanks so much for coming by, Linda, and leaving your your sentiments. They're much appreciated!
LouBabe says...
I'm so glad you & yours are ok. Please don't feel any guilt over that. I called my daughter in TN, & she was lying on the floor under a blanket with her many dogs, her valuables tightly strapped to her body. That must be terribly frightening!
Oh, Louise, it's so good to see you! How are you? I'm so glad your daughter and doggies came through this terrible night!
Laurean Brooks says...
What devastation! It makes me feel humiliated for groaning over losing a few trees and a shop window. For sure, this spring will go down in history.
Say hello to the "Bathtub Brothers." Rub-a-dub-dub, three men in a tub. Amazing experience! Did anyone get it on tape?
Laurie, I don't think anyone could've held a video camera steady to be able to tape it!
They'll have a story to share with their grandchildren, that's for sure!
Heather Haven says...
Astonishing! These people have really suffered. thanks for a heartfelt reminder.
You're welcome, Heather. Thank you for coming by and leaving your well wishes.
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