Prayers for Tornado Victims

I woke up this morning to see that another city has been devastated by a tornado. This time it was Joplin, Missouri. Early reports say that over 35% of the town was destroyed with a death toll around 89.

Earlier this year towns in Mississippi and Alabama were devastated by tornadoes.

It's hard to understand why things like this happen and my prayers go out to those who are affected.

My hopes is that through the efforts of professional meteorologist and groups like Twistex, Vortex2, and the Storm Chasers can help local meteorologist and the National Weather Service to increase the warning times for towns in the paths of tornadoes.

On a side note: recently an outbreak of severe weather in my part of East Texas brought part of the Storm Chasers cast, in the TIV2, through the Tyler/Longview area.

Sitting in the Dark Because of IKE!

Even though IKE has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm; the eye of this storm is passing within 10 miles of us at this moment. Our electricity went off about 30 minutes ago and now we are in the dark. Limbs have blown out of our trees and are scattered all over our back and front yard. We are hearing thumps on our roof as the limbs are falling. (Maybe it will do enough damage to replace our roof?) It's an amazing site to watch the trees leaning over and our patio swing blowing across the yard.

Despite the 60 mph wind gusts, the kids and I went out into the storm to move some big limbs away from the house. It was fun getting blown around by the wind, until some smaller limbs fell and we decided it was best to go back in. We are even considering going to Sonic to eat, since we are afraid to open our refrigerator for a while.

Our poor Schnitzel is so nervous we had to drug him with Benadryl.

As Governor Perry suggested, we are hunkered down and riding out the storm. (Except for Sonic of course, if they are open!)

Facing "Certain Death" with Hurricane Ike!

Texans along the coastline today were warned to leave or Face Certain Death! My family lives well away from the coastline, but we were warned to stock up on water and make sure have plenty of batteries and a generator handy in case of power losses. We are also expecting lots of rain and a some possible tornadoes, due to Ike's large size. Ike is almost as big as the entire state of Texas itself.

I may be crazy but I like stormy weather and I am not afraid. I know my God is with me and my family will be taken care of despite the weather. Yet, God did give me a brain, so before I go home today I may try to stop by Wal-Mart or Brookshires and pick up some extra batteries, food and water (if there is anything left).

What strikes me as funny is the Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, told reporters that unless you live along the coast line, "It's just best if we just 'hunker' down and be prepared." What a great Texan! Ha-Ha.

Oh, well, it's time go prepare for "Certain Death!"

Hurricane Gustav not just a threat to Louisiana!

It seems Hurricane Gustav has forced many people from the coast lines of Texas and Louisiana to evacuate to areas of relative safety; however, it may not be just the coastlines that are in danger. My home is located in Northeast Texas, and according to local/national weather reports Gustav could park over Northeast Texas causing major flooding and possible tornadoes. As for me I love stormy weather, but I have kiddos, and a dog, who get a little nervous around severe thunderstorms.

Update: Sept. 2, 2008 -- Gustav turned out to be nothing but a bunch of rain; at least for my area of Texas. It is causing some heavy rain elsewhere, but here it is nothing more than more than a couple of days of light rain. Ho-Hum!!