When the sky turns red, do not go outside

Aug

5

Filed In: chicago

For a while I lived in a really rural area. While driving through southern Illinois during a pretty bad storm, I noticed all of the cars on the highway pulling over and people running beneath a viaduct. Being the intelligent woman that I am, I pulled over and called my mom. Looking back, I wouldn’t have pulled over if I were able to see out of my window. I definitely would have kept going. “What does it mean when people go hide beneath a viaduct during a storm?” I asked my mom. I had her check the weather and learned that there were a number of tornadoes in the area. I was still about two hours from my house and decided that I’d be fine. I can race the tornado!!\
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I laughed as I drove past the people under the viaduct. “Ha ha suckers! I’m going home and I’m NOT wet!” About fifteen minutes into my drive, the winds picked up and the rain pelted my car. Once again I had to pull over because I couldn’t see. When I was able to I noticed the sky was black. I could feel the wind push my car and I was pretty sure I’d see a cow fly across the highway. Where’s Helen Hunt when you need her?\
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Long story short, I survived. I later found out I was a mere mile away from where the tornado hit. Awesome. I like to think that my survival tactics (aka stupidity) help out when tornadoes attack Chicago.\
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As soon as I got out of the shower last night our TV screen went black with a message from the national emergency broadcast folks. They warned us that a storm was quickly approaching the Chicago area and we should all take shelter in our basements. I tap into my survival skills and what do I do? I go outside! I walk down to my mom’s house to borrow some candles. The minute I say “Well, I should go before the lights go out.” Boom! Lights out. Awesome. As I walk home I watch the sky change from gray to red to black. Just as we sit down and start enjoying the candlelight my cell rings and my aunt tells me there is a tornado headed for Harwood Heights (a little town about 5 minutes away). We hear the sirens and head for the basement.\
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Thinking that it’s totally possible for the roof to blow off, I go upstairs, yank my cats out from under my bed and hide them in the basement bathroom. Seven thought it would be fun to stab me with her claws before setting her down. Jerk. She managed to get me right where a doctor would draw blood.\
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The thunder was right above us for a little while. The windows shook from the wind. Where was I? Standing by the back door which is made entirely of glass. I wanted to take the lanterns off of the table before they blew off and broke. I’m glad I had my priorities in order. So being the genius I am, I go back outside! Nevermind the 60mph winds, black sky, the 15 lightning strikes a second or the thunder that shook the ground. Thankfully I didn’t blow away and the lanterns are safe.\
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After the storm calmed down we went back upstairs to find pieces of tree all over the place. I read a book out loud and burnt myself with candle wax. I fell asleep while watching High School Musical on my laptop (don’t judge me, I was traumatized) It was an awesome night.\
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It was even better to wake up and find out our power hadn’t been restored yet. Please imagine the levels of humidity in a closed up house. Needless to say I am NOT a happy camper today. I’m thinking about staying at work later than I need to just so I can have lights, AC and the internet. If anyone with AC wants a roommate, I’m very clean and quiet.\
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I recommend checking out Pete’s pictures of the storm, as well as Kayleigh’s experience with the storm.\
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Pictures courtesy of the Chicago Tribune.

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That is so crazy. I was talking to Josh last night and he was stuck in the basement area of a bar for an hour because of the tornadoes. I hope this isn’t a regular thing in Chicago.

The Maiden Metallurgist - \
Bad storms are common in the summer months, but tornadoes don’t often hit. Suburbs might see one or two touch down, but it’s usually not as bad as it was last night. No worries!

Yikes! We had several storms as well although it wasn’t as bad as it was in Chicago.

I’m glad to hear that you’re ok!

I was playing video games when our tornado horn went off. The hubby was already downstairs with Diana watching the Cubs.\
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“Honey, is the tornado horn going off on your TV or is that a real one?”\
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“Real one hon, why don’t you come down here?”\
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“Let me get to a save point-”\
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*zzzzzttttttt* \
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“Okay then……”\
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*High tail it downstairs in the dark*

awww I feel bad for that persons car. and they <3 obama. I wish the tree would have fallen on a mccain fans car. LOL

Wow, that is totally intense. Also, you have a cat named Seven? I love you!

So glad you are and your kitties are okay!\
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I’ve been through more hurricanes than I can count and Mother Nature does not screw around when she’s ready to party. Been through several earthquakes, too, but they are different. Still scary, though, because there’s really nowhere especially safe you can go when they hit.\
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Also, I feel like I know you and feel inclined to say this as I would to any friend of mine: Maybe next time stay inside, where it’s safe and no ginormous trees can squish you? LOL

im out in the way west burbs. and we got it pretty bad as well.\
actually there is a telephone poll that was struck by lightening right around the corner from my house, still in our subdivision. its hanging by the wire just inches above the sidewalk. it buzzed and smoked all night long, and the street has been blocked off all this time. i liked watching the lightening, but seriously, that shit is freaky!

I’d piss my pants. \
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I’ll stick to California and deal with a big earthquake every 15 years or so

I hate tornadoes sooo much!! Growing up in Oklahoma we’d always have tornado scares. We haven’t had any this year for once, but I’m glad everything went alright for you.

That’s crazy! I absolutely love strong storms, but tornadoes are NO fun whatsoever. I’m happy you survived, despite it all.

that poor, poor BMW.\
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was everyone ok?

Blimey! I’m lost for words. Glad you’re OK (and that isn’t your car).

oh man i can’t even imagine that. we just have earthquakes here, haha. \
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glad you’re okay though.

I love being outside in dramatic weather, it’s thrilling. But dangerous. So I see where you’re coming from. Glad that you’re A-OK, and don’t worry, a little humidity builds character!

Glad everything is OK. These things make me glad I live in the middle of a valley, making Tornados much more rare. Sorry about the electricity!

I feel your pain! I was home alone with the dogs last night when the power went out. Then, about a minute later came the tornado sirens. I ended up watching Gilmore Girls on my laptop and cuddling my dogs. Still no power here. The good word is it will likely be 2-3 days. I say, “Suck it ComEd.”

I’d probably be flipping out if I were hearing tornado sirens going off…. I’d rather be in earthquake country any day!

So glad you and the kitties are safe! Tornadoes are scary, even if they do create amazing photo opportunities.

Ack! ‘m glad you are all ok! Tornadoes are not ok with me, but I can’t think of a better way to restore your soul after a traumatizing storm than with “High School Musical.” Well-played.

I’d likely also be hanging out near windows during a tornado, but only because my Pennsylvania-upbringing was short on those natural disasters. I’ve always wanted to witness one … as neurotic as I’m sure that sounds.\
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Glad to hear you (and the cats) are okay!

Don’t worry - in Cleveland we had snow, 70+ degree weather, a hail and an earthquake in the span of one month.

Haha… you could give Survivor Man a run for his money!\
Seriously, though, there is something about tornadoes that just scares the bejeesus out of me. Probably because they seem so foreign to me, growing up in the mountains.

It WAS intense, wasn’t it?

Knowing me, I’d be outside trying to catch a glimpse of the storm. I’d be like, I really want to see the tornado! And then I’d want a picture to remember it by. Glad things are getting better! The weather everywhere seems crazy.

I am genuinely concerned. I’m heading to the US in like.. six days, and there’s storms everywhere?! What’s going on..!!\
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Meanwhile, I am glad the lanterns are safe.

Ay yai yai girlfriend- we have to give you some tornado/storm lessons. Going outside!?! Continuing to drive!??! Reading this nearly gave me a damn heart attack. I’m so glad that you are safe!!!!!!!

Are you kidding? I can’t live w/o power - I HATE when it goes out. Even when the cable goes out & the lights (etc) are ON I go nuts. I used to love storms - the sounds would even relax me, but I noticed that as I grew up, and my toys got more electric, I go crazy at the first sign of a storm.

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5

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