We're currently in our "tornado shelter" downstairs and waiting. I can't begin to say how scary this is...

There is a "violent" (to quote the Weather Service) tornado currently headed directly toward our house. We're praying that this tornado changes it's direction slightly, and we will be spared. This particular strong tornado has already left a devastating trail of destruction in its path. It's been a long tracking tornado that started around 5:30 PM. It's not showing any signs of weakening at all as it is coming closer and closer to us. It's now just one county away; with our being in the direct path as it continues to move East.

The National Weather Service is calling it a "Tornado Emergency." The local weather people here are saying that they have never heard that severe of a warning ever being given. They are saying that this is a deadly serious life threatening situation with the tornado now widening and traveling over very densely populated areas.

Currently, I can hear thunder as a severe thunder storm (proceeding the tornado) travels over us. I pray that we will come through all of this without incident. Truthfully, my hands are shaking as I type this. The storm is now in our county. Now, we're just waiting to see what is really going to happen at our house. It's still tracking toward us.

I can still remember the big Tornado outbreak of 2003. That year we were also in line for a direct hit. However, we were spared at the very last minute (literally) that year by a only few blocks. The next development wasn't as lucky. So I have seen how devastating an f/5 tornado can be.

Reports of damage are now coming in with houses destroyed and large trees up rooted. Since this is an on-going situation, little is known yet. Tornados are very erratic. Once this tornado passes, others seem to also be forming.

Just another fifteen minutes and we'll know if this tornado is going to continue straight toward us or if it will change directions. Just a quarter mile or less change in direction can mean and hit or miss.