While we were waiting to see if our house would be hit, I took a photo of the alert on my Cell Phone with my husband's Cell Phone. Until the very last minute, we were in line for a direct hit.
See: https://pbase.com/britestar/image/169263790
Once again, the fates were on our side. The tornado weakened just as it passed over us a few blocks away. So our area had very little damage. However, once past us, it again re strengthened. The local TV weatherman, on air right now, said that Kansas City in general was VERY lucky because the National Weather Service had expected a series of multiple, strong tornados to hit the area at the same time. They were also expecting a high death toll. However, unlike in 2003, there was only one single tornado tonight.
Yes, we were VERY, VERY, VERY lucky!!! To say the least. There were injuries from tonight's tornado, but so far, no deaths have been reported. Some homes were flattened to the ground (in the counties on both side of ours) & debris sent as far as 50 miles away. But our county escaped the worst of things. Prayers go out to those who suffered a direct hit & lost all.
Copyrighted Image. DO NOT DOWNLOAD, copy, reproduce, or use in any way without written permission from Elizabeth Bickel.