Nice weather- for a duck

Images like this one, are common today in my town. Yesterday tornado warnings blared and winds reached 80 miles an hour. Both airports had to close. Many roads became impassible as flash floods rushed over them, and downed trees and power lines blocked lanes. The rains would slow to a drizzle only to have thunder rumble and the diluge start again. My daughter called home , and tried to leave me a message...it was only a partial due to a lot of garbling ; "Mommy - are [garbled]? We [garbled] a tornado.." then nothing. For 3 hours I tried to contact her with the result always the same. "All circuits are busy." Mary tries on her cell with the same result.

I assume many families were trying to contact each other. My roommate and I watched the news, which seemed to be all about the storm battering the midwest. Warning after warning for our county flashed across the bottom of the screen. Wordlessly, I fetch the old gym bag from the closet. I place a few bottles of water, and some food into it. I check the first aid kit, before tossing it in too. Mary looks at me, as I fold up a blanket and add it, along with a deck of cards , and the tiny TV ( no bigger then a transister radio). I place the flashlight nearby, with the valise that contains important papers. I ask her if she has anything she wants added. Wide eyed she asks me if I think we'll have to head for cover. I shrug , "Hard to say. But better to expect the worst, and hope for the best." I change from house slippers into sneakers. She follows my example. And after three tries manages to connect with her family here in town. I hear her tell her Mom to be ready to head for cover.

I finally reach Jess - but we can barely hear each other. She tells me the college was evacuated twice to the lower floors. I reassure her that Mary and I are fine, that I love her and to stay safe. There's aloud crackle on the line and the phone goes dead. Mary and I stare at each other.

Thankfully, we were spared any real hardships, but they are predicting more harsh storms for today- so the gymbag is ready and waiting- just in case.