Why I Got Into a Storm Shelter

6.03.2013

I need to tell you about this weekend. 
[Image via news channel 4 Facebook page]

[I took this on our way to Jordan's parents' house. 
I have never seen clouds look like that in my life.]

You may or may not know that we here in Oklahoma had ANOTHER tornado outbreak, and for the first time ever since I moved here, my town was literally in the danger zone. Like, the arrows they use to point the track of the storm? We were right in the middle.

Long story short, Jordan and I ended up with 10 other people and a dog in an underground storm shelter for 2 hours on Friday night. When we finally came out, there was massive flooding, trees split down the middle, roofs caved in, and fences destroyed. It could have been so much worse for us. Our roof leaked, and our electricity was out for about 12 hours. Actually, half our apartment still doesn't have electricity, but that's basically no big deal considering what could have been.
Oh, and just for the record, rushing into a storm shelter is officially exciting for 5 minutes. After that, it's desperately hot, humid, and smelly. And poor Jordan cranked our Red Cross emergency radio the entire time so we could keep getting radio reception. My parents hit the jackpot with that Christmas present.
BUT, I will say this: you feel incredibly safe, being that you're under the earth in a concrete box. Sadly, the tornadoes did cause more deaths over the weekend, so please continue to pray for our state and those who have lost loved ones.

Now it's officially June, and everyone is breathing a HUGE sigh of relief. 

Dear May, we're over you, and we're crossing fingers and toes and everything else for no more tornadoes.

And if you're wondering why someone would want to live in Oklahoma with all this craziness, I'll just say it's the same reason people live in places that get hurricanes or earthquakes or have deserts or snow all the time (or rain, if you're Seattle). We live here because we love it. So don't be knocking OKC, because it's LEGIT. Okay? Okay.
Hearts & Crafts Boutique said...

Oh my goodness...what a weekend for you! That is so scary! I'm glad to hear you're fine.

Found your blog through the bloglovin' link-up and I'm a new follower!

I'd love it if you could stop by!
Here's my bloglovin' page:
http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4329659/hearts-crafts-boutique

Phylicia
http://heartsncraftsboutique.blogspot.com/

Breenah said...

So glad you're okay! I couldn't believe you guys got hit twice so close.

We have to drive to either my mom's or MIL's (depending on which direction weather is coming from) because we're in a second story apartment and our complex doesn't have a shelter. Luckily, they're both less than 15 minutes away.

Jeneric Generation said...

Oh, man. These are the moments I do not miss living in Oklahoma. I don't remember the last time the tornadoes were this bad. I am glad you are all safe!

In other news, great party! :)

Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often said...

So scary that OKC was hit twice in such a short time period. So sad for the families that have lost loved ones. Glad that you made it out unharmed.

Erin said...

I'm so glad you are okay and had access to a storm shelter! Very scary.

17 Perth said...

Holy cow, that is crazy. Glad y'all are okay!

Mimsie said...

Funny, I was actually thinking about asking you to write a post on why you live in Oklahoma. There are many places I would not care to live, and that is one of them. California is another. Sorry to hurt your feelings!

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you are safe and sound! I am not surprised that you could find something to smile about and/or laugh about in a stressful situation. Prayers all around!!! (love that radio)

Shaylynn... a girl, a story, a blog said...

Thank goodness for storm shelters! Oklahoma most definitely has been on my mind!

Tamara said...

Praying hard for our OK neighbors (I live in Texas) Glad that you all made it out with minimum damage to your home.

Niken said...

oh man!!!
for the last few weeks, work is getting way crazier that i haven't really read anything. i missed this news. but glad that you're ok and kicking. send my prayers to oklahoma

Raige Creations said...

Yikes!
So glad you are safe.
Sometimes, the time in a safe shelter is the good part...sometimes it's the aftermath that is hell.
Good luck getting things back to normal. hugs.

Alicia | Jaybird: Home in Motion said...

I'm glad to hear that you are safe! I've never been in a storm shelter but I can imagine that mix of excitement that can easily turn to boredom/awkward, warm proximity to other people for a long time. I will keep the people affected in my thoughts.

Saxon @ Lets Drink Coffee, Darling said...

Sure glad that day is done and over with! Last year's tornado season was a nightmare! We'd only been in our apartment for a week and let our parents convince us to not stay at home and take shelter in an interior room (like we should have) and became one of the thousands of people stuck on the highways. Never again will I leave during a storm. Ever. Good thing you guys were able to find a place underground!

・ DESIGNED BY ECLAIR DESIGNS