STORMS RAVAGE THE MIDWEST
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine Nolan
This past Friday, as many looked ahead to a relaxing weekend, little did they know exactly what was in store for them.
A powerful storm carrying tornadoes and packing a robust punch, made its way across Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama and Florida leaving deadly destruction in its path. It took the lives of 38 in total; 19 in Kentucky, 14 in Indiana, 3 in Ohio, 1 in Alabama and 1 in Florida. The National Weather Service confirmed the touchdown of 90 tornadoes. Over 17 million people were affected in some way from Indiana to Georgia with over 17,000 left without power.
Just 11 months ago, Limestone and Madison counties in Alabama suffered this wrath of Mother Nature in much the same way. Now, to their dismay, some residents had just finished rebuilding their homes and their lives and have experienced the same horror once again.
Winds ranging from a fearful 160 to 200 mph, whipped through states and leveled towns to the ground. Piles of concrete and wood are familiar scenes in many areas with citizens staring in disbelief at what is left of their belongings. Beautiful stately trees stand no longer but instead litter the ground. Power poles were ripped out of the earth. Cars were flipped and thrown into destroyed buildings. Residents crouched low in bathrooms, closets and safe rooms as the twisters rapidly flew past. One tornado was recorded as moving on land for over 50 miles. Others captured tornadoes on camera and video solidifying the fact that it was not a sleeping nightmare but instead a reality that many would love to forget. Families were separated and this, in some cases, resulted in loss of lives.
As a bright ray of light in a dark moment, a discovery was made of a 20-month girl totally alone in a field who was the only member of her family found alive.
President Barack Obama offered his condolences and federal assistance if needed to the governors of Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, the White House said in a statement. State officials communicated that close to 250 National Guard troops were deployed to Indiana, with 220 more dispatched to Morgan County, Kentucky.
The weather has now taken a turn and a cold front is on the way from the north predicted to dump snow on many of the hardest hit areas.
Millions of people are left homeless but absolutely nothing can destroy a strong spirit. Residents will rebuild with a resilience that will keep them going through the most difficult of times.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES, AP PHOTOS AND CNN
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