Tornados
- Thread starter Jules
- Start date
Kansas is part of tornado alley. Tornado season usually runs from April to October. After being in one I don't plan. I just keep an eye on the weather and if it gets bad enough or they blow the sirens I go to the basement. If I know we're expecting volatile weather I will usually gather my purse and my medications and grab a gallon of water to head downstairs. Generally if the sirens blow it's when the funnels are a mile from town. I give it an hr and if things settle down and I don't here an all clear I will usually come back upstairs.
terry123
Well-known Member
- Location
- Houston, Tx.
Hurricane season just started here. You stay stocked up on water, snacks, etc. I keep a list of my policies and contact numbers. You keep your gas tank filled and phones charged. Have pictures of all my belongings, etc. This is just basic stuff. Flood insurance is so high. Its crazy that my daughter is nearer the coast than me and my flood insurance is higher than hers. She has a large home and I have a small condo. If we have to evacuate which we have done, we do the same. She picks me up and with all our supplies we head to Louisiana to my sisters. Of course this depends on the route we think the storm is headed.
Sometimes my sister heads our way and vice versa. In the past we have been stuck in traffic trying to get out for over 6 hours.
Sometimes my sister heads our way and vice versa. In the past we have been stuck in traffic trying to get out for over 6 hours.
Lara
Friend of the Arts
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic Coast
I haven't experience a hurricane yet because I just bought my house on the island...but I will. As soon as I get wind of a hurricane headed my way I'll be the first one off the island. And I'll be the first one to make hotel reservations for a few days. I won't even wait for mandatory evacuations.
My house is on high ground (2nd highest elevation on the island), not in a flood zone, and being renovated with hurricane resistant materials using the latest updated NC regulations that should keep it safe but in case of damage, my daughter's husband owns a roofing and building business, is used to this, and will help me. He's lived there his whole life.
If fixing damages takes a long time I'll buy a cute tiny house and park it in the back which is private with mature vegetation that has lasted many a hurricane.
My house is on high ground (2nd highest elevation on the island), not in a flood zone, and being renovated with hurricane resistant materials using the latest updated NC regulations that should keep it safe but in case of damage, my daughter's husband owns a roofing and building business, is used to this, and will help me. He's lived there his whole life.
If fixing damages takes a long time I'll buy a cute tiny house and park it in the back which is private with mature vegetation that has lasted many a hurricane.
Oris Borloff
Member
Tornado preparation: Don't live anywhere there isn't a basement or other suitable shelter available. I've been through a couple of them up close and personal, though very very fortunate-- I haven't suffered any injuries or even any property damage worth mentioning.
The first tornado I was in came late in the afternoon May 6 1975. At the time I lived on a hill that was about 20-25 degree slope. The rain came and it was so heavy that the water was overflowing the gutters in the street on the steepest part of hill. I'd never seen anything like that in the 17 years I'd lived there. Then the rain stopped and it got clear. The wind came up and the sky filled with what looked like leaves. It became more and more dense like in the movies, the sky was literally solid black from leaves. Oh wait a minute, they weren't leaves, they were full 3 tab asphalt roofing shingles. I was able to see that as they came raining down along with full pieces of siding. As I turned to go back inside and down to the basement I looked west and over the horizon line was a massive tornado funnel and a much skinnier secondary funnel. It looked like a Roman Numeral VI.
In that one, my Uncle's house had a cracked exterior wall and in about the place the funnel was one I saw it, a cousin's house was completely destroyed and even more tragic she lost her arm when debris fell into the house. I found it interest that none of the photographs from that day show a double funnel. If you would like to see some pics from the day and of the aftermath, Omaha Tornado, May 6 1975
A bit more local history, the house my wife grew up in was slightly twisted during the 1913 Easter tornado--which had a lot of casualties.
The first tornado I was in came late in the afternoon May 6 1975. At the time I lived on a hill that was about 20-25 degree slope. The rain came and it was so heavy that the water was overflowing the gutters in the street on the steepest part of hill. I'd never seen anything like that in the 17 years I'd lived there. Then the rain stopped and it got clear. The wind came up and the sky filled with what looked like leaves. It became more and more dense like in the movies, the sky was literally solid black from leaves. Oh wait a minute, they weren't leaves, they were full 3 tab asphalt roofing shingles. I was able to see that as they came raining down along with full pieces of siding. As I turned to go back inside and down to the basement I looked west and over the horizon line was a massive tornado funnel and a much skinnier secondary funnel. It looked like a Roman Numeral VI.
In that one, my Uncle's house had a cracked exterior wall and in about the place the funnel was one I saw it, a cousin's house was completely destroyed and even more tragic she lost her arm when debris fell into the house. I found it interest that none of the photographs from that day show a double funnel. If you would like to see some pics from the day and of the aftermath, Omaha Tornado, May 6 1975
A bit more local history, the house my wife grew up in was slightly twisted during the 1913 Easter tornado--which had a lot of casualties.
Don M.
SF VIP
- Location
- central Missouri
We lived in Wichita, KS., for about 4 years, in the late 60's. We lived in a mobile home park which had a big tornado shelter, and every year we had to run to the shelter at least 4 or 5 times. One of the tornadoes hit just a 1/2 mile away, and destroyed a small shopping area, then veered away from us. That was the closest we came, and that was Close Enough. We were a bit relieved when I got a transfer to Kansas City.
The immediate area we live in now hasn't had a recorded tornado in over 100 years....hope it stays that way. About 2 years ago, one ripped through Jefferson City, about 50 miles away, and they are still rebuilding from that mess.
The immediate area we live in now hasn't had a recorded tornado in over 100 years....hope it stays that way. About 2 years ago, one ripped through Jefferson City, about 50 miles away, and they are still rebuilding from that mess.
The one I was in was back in 1990. I had the news on and was making goulash. I was married at the time. He was working and I heard the weather alert come on the tv. At the time I didn't know N S E or W so I turned off the goulash and grabbed the phone and headed downstairs. The chord was 90 miles long. It had come from McPherson. Took an hr for the fun to begin. Then the storm started. We got rain on our side of the road. Neighbors got hail. Then everything stopped.
That ominous silence they talk about before the tornado comes had arrived. Meanwhile since it was Durham and in the country the Sherriff came flying down the road as far as the Lehigh road with his siren blaring and in 5 min he managed to circle back and was flooring it back to town.
I had called the husband to tell him it was coming. He wanted to come home but I had no idea where it was going. I told him I'd be fine. It took the home of the only neighbors that weren't home that night. Left me with a 6 yr long phobia of tornadoes. Turned out there were two small ones. One on each side of the road. Sounded like a giant Hoover vac when it came and it vibrated the ground like a freight train.
I could hear boards being ripped away and I thought it was taking the house. Turns out it took the barn which was like a city block from the house. Peeled the wall and roof back like a can opener right before it got to an ancient Studebaker and lifted up and moved on.
That ominous silence they talk about before the tornado comes had arrived. Meanwhile since it was Durham and in the country the Sherriff came flying down the road as far as the Lehigh road with his siren blaring and in 5 min he managed to circle back and was flooring it back to town.
I had called the husband to tell him it was coming. He wanted to come home but I had no idea where it was going. I told him I'd be fine. It took the home of the only neighbors that weren't home that night. Left me with a 6 yr long phobia of tornadoes. Turned out there were two small ones. One on each side of the road. Sounded like a giant Hoover vac when it came and it vibrated the ground like a freight train.
I could hear boards being ripped away and I thought it was taking the house. Turns out it took the barn which was like a city block from the house. Peeled the wall and roof back like a can opener right before it got to an ancient Studebaker and lifted up and moved on.
fmdog44
Well-known Member
- Location
- Houston, Texas
At least with hurricanes we get a warning days in advance not so with tornados and like terry123 said get your stuff in order. With hurricanes the water causes more damage than the wind. Watching the path and projected path of hurricanes can get intense as they approach our area. Sometimes they will do a drastic change in direction so there is no guarantee of safety until they are gone. We are very fortunate to be living in an age of high technology giving ample warning.
I prepare for hurricanes with the usual supply of emergency goods. Have cases of water, many types of batteries for power outage needs, non-perishable food. .. I usually hunker down and don't go anywhere. Far enough inland - in 40+ years, have never left home during a hurricane - yet!
I'm on a 3rd floor, very secure, apartment building these days. I keep my gas tank full just in case.
Had a tornado come very close many years back, and with them you can only react after they hit.
I'm on a 3rd floor, very secure, apartment building these days. I keep my gas tank full just in case.
Had a tornado come very close many years back, and with them you can only react after they hit.
Jules
SF VIP
Wow, to all those stories.
My DD in eastern Canada was caught in a tornado once. She was in the sleeping cabin. The track went between it and the main house and up the hill where we would have been parked if we’d arrived a week earlier. They’re very rare there. That was over 25 years ago.
My DD in eastern Canada was caught in a tornado once. She was in the sleeping cabin. The track went between it and the main house and up the hill where we would have been parked if we’d arrived a week earlier. They’re very rare there. That was over 25 years ago.
fuzzybuddy
SF VIP
- Location
- The Sticks, Northeast PA.
I live in Northeastern PA. We don't get the monster twisters the Plains states get. But , a small one ripped up the forest near my home. I live, out in the sticks, in a 'manufactured home" ( the dealers get mad if you call them mobile homes".) There really isn't a good shelter near me. I heard the best place was in your car, if nothing else was available. And the hurricanes, that make it to me, are generally on their last leg.
BTW When I was a kid I used to have a dream about a tornado that came over a nearby mountain, and this was way before I saw "The Wizard Of OZ".????
BTW When I was a kid I used to have a dream about a tornado that came over a nearby mountain, and this was way before I saw "The Wizard Of OZ".????
Irwin
Well-known Member
- Location
- Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.
Just make sure to always have plenty of tequila on hand.
Today, June 8th, is the anniversary of the Topeka, Kansas tornado. June 8, 1966. 55 years ago. 17 people lost their lives. If you've lived in Kansas for a few years, you've probably encountered one or two. Greensburg... Clay Center.... Emporia... One went through our community in about 2006.
They are destructive. They can do really weird things. Used to say they wouldn't cross a river. Ask Clay Center, Kansas. It was said a tornado would never come over Bunker's Mound in Topeka. One did. I've seen quite a few, over the years. Have helped clean up after one or two. Over the past few years, it seems the frequency of tornados has decreased here. Hope that's a good sign.
Most communities have pretty good warning systems. With current technology of weather radios, cell phone warnings, etc. even those in rural areas can have some semblance of confidence they will have some warning.
Living in what was once 'tornado alley', you don't fear them... you do respect them.
They are destructive. They can do really weird things. Used to say they wouldn't cross a river. Ask Clay Center, Kansas. It was said a tornado would never come over Bunker's Mound in Topeka. One did. I've seen quite a few, over the years. Have helped clean up after one or two. Over the past few years, it seems the frequency of tornados has decreased here. Hope that's a good sign.
Most communities have pretty good warning systems. With current technology of weather radios, cell phone warnings, etc. even those in rural areas can have some semblance of confidence they will have some warning.
Living in what was once 'tornado alley', you don't fear them... you do respect them.
NJ isn't known for tornadoes... more hurricanes that can kick the hell out of coastal towns. MANY years ago (like 30+) i was in prison... as a teacher. was working one night. sky (thru thos little windows) just kept getting darker & darker. then a creepy green. lots of thunder & lightning but the prison was cinder block. then the power went out briefly. an inmate immediately spoke up... DO NOT MOVE!! said id surely trip over something and one of them would catch it. lights came back on after 15 secs or so and COs walked all civilians out.
by then the bulk of the storm was headed elsewhere. closer i got to home (ride not much more than 15 minutes)... trees down, branches down everywhere. neighbor's house had hunks of siding missing all over. nothing with my house but big aluminum shed , right next to house... just flattened. we never found one of the sliding doors... hunk of metal about 4'X5' just wafted away somewhere. husband said dogs started acting odd. scratching at door to small basement. they HATED going down there, but when he opened the door... right down behind the bar?? he settled down with them while they shook. then they got up and scratched same door to get out.
weather people said it wasn't a tornado. think something like "straight-line" wind. up the street there were tennis courts. every single tree around the fence was neatly cut off at same height as that fence.
by then the bulk of the storm was headed elsewhere. closer i got to home (ride not much more than 15 minutes)... trees down, branches down everywhere. neighbor's house had hunks of siding missing all over. nothing with my house but big aluminum shed , right next to house... just flattened. we never found one of the sliding doors... hunk of metal about 4'X5' just wafted away somewhere. husband said dogs started acting odd. scratching at door to small basement. they HATED going down there, but when he opened the door... right down behind the bar?? he settled down with them while they shook. then they got up and scratched same door to get out.
weather people said it wasn't a tornado. think something like "straight-line" wind. up the street there were tennis courts. every single tree around the fence was neatly cut off at same height as that fence.
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