I grew up on the east coast. The worst storms in terms of coastal living are hurricanes. I particularly remember Hurricane David in 1979. More recently, many of our relatives were affected by Hurricane Isabel a few years ago. But with hurricanes, you know they are coming, and you have time to decide what you are going to do to be prepared.

Here, in the midwest, storm preparation is a whole different ballgame. I have always been kind of a weather buff, but out here, my attention level has definitely racheted up a few notches. When the weather man, or woman, says there is a chance of severe weather, everyone pays attention. This past week was a great example of how quickly things can get dramatic out  here. And it all happens in a few hours.

Things usually start out warm and breezy. Then moisture will flow in from the gulf, and the humidity builds. It’s not too long before a cold front drops down from the north and then things start getting crazy.

This is my living room. It looks like nighttime, but it is 12:30 in the afternoon.

It’s so dark, the street lights are on, but it’s the middle of the day. It’s already raining as the edges of the storm begin to move over us.

Then the wind and heavy rains move in. I had to move indoors after this because all “hail” broke loose.

I have seen a lot of hail, but these were the largest I’ve ever personally witnessed. And when these ice rocks smacked the windows, I thought they would surely break.  And when they hit the side of the house, you could feel the vibration of the interior wall.  They were some tornados with this storm, but not near us.  We huddled in the basement praying for those who were getting it worse than ourselves and remembering Him who calms the winds and rains.

And then I made them do some math worksheets.  That always alleviates anxiety.