The storms that struck Springfield, Illinois last night (my home town) hit here first. For the most part, we were very lucky. I am still trying to accept the magnitude of the damage in Springfield, though. This is where I shop, my mother and father live, I grew up, etc. So, it's very close to home.
My parents are both fine. At my mom's she lost two huge old blue spruce trees, but they managed to miss her house. My dad lives on the other end of town, and there wasn't much damage there. The tornado seemed to take a path just a few blocks from my mother's, though.
It was just me here with my four year old son, so I kept a very close eye on the weather. There wasn't much sleep. We did head for the basement around 2 a.m., when the whole house began to shake and penny-sized hail started pelting the windows. The power was out for around 12 hours, but is on again now. Springfield is not as fortunate, there are many areas still without electricity tonight.
If there is a good side to all of this, it is the fact that the warnings came early. Although the destruction was great, there were only minor injuries. Some people have lost their homes, some businesses will never reopen. The most important thing is that everyone is unhurt. Material things can be replaced, but my heart is with everyone in my home town who endured these storms. I'd appreciate everyone saying an extra prayer for Springfield and its surrounding areas, as well. Thanks so much.
My parents are both fine. At my mom's she lost two huge old blue spruce trees, but they managed to miss her house. My dad lives on the other end of town, and there wasn't much damage there. The tornado seemed to take a path just a few blocks from my mother's, though.
It was just me here with my four year old son, so I kept a very close eye on the weather. There wasn't much sleep. We did head for the basement around 2 a.m., when the whole house began to shake and penny-sized hail started pelting the windows. The power was out for around 12 hours, but is on again now. Springfield is not as fortunate, there are many areas still without electricity tonight.
If there is a good side to all of this, it is the fact that the warnings came early. Although the destruction was great, there were only minor injuries. Some people have lost their homes, some businesses will never reopen. The most important thing is that everyone is unhurt. Material things can be replaced, but my heart is with everyone in my home town who endured these storms. I'd appreciate everyone saying an extra prayer for Springfield and its surrounding areas, as well. Thanks so much.