Icky Weather

I finally know what my mom was talking about! When I was growing up she always said she didn't feel comfortable (in stormy weather) till all her little chickies were home. I kind of understood but now I REALLY understand!

Mankato and it's surrounding areas got hammered last night with some pretty ominous clouds and CRAZY rain and lighting. When the storm hit it seriously came from no where. It was hot and sticky all day but otherwise, it was beautiful. Not a cloud in the sky. Around 3:45 the radio started talking about weather headed this way and issued tornado watches but we were still not seeing anything.

At 4:00 things were different, the sky got really weird and the clouds were streaming across the sky VERY fast. And it only got faster and creepier! The sirens started sounding so it was full panic mode for me. :)

I stayed at work as long as I could (yup, I am a chicken!) but by 4:30 I wanted out and wanted to pick up Maddox. I just wanted to be home and I knew I would feel better when we both got there. Thankfully it was actually time to leave for the day so I headed off to daycare, praying it would start pouring quite yet. Thankfully I got Maddox loaded up before it really started pouring and we were only 3 blocks from home when the hail started.

Meanwhile, April called me to tell me she had locked her keys in her car and that she had a Dr. appt. to get to. Hard for me to help when I was clear across town!

So, the ever-loving big sister that I am, I headed back to LEEP to help April bust into her car and get to her appt. She had gotten a ride from someone already but since I was almost there when she told me that I tried to do my best at breaking and entering. No such luck. There I stood in the pouring rain, flooded streets, and wind holding an umbrella trying to open the door. Didn't happen. Called it quits and headed back home.

During this the sirens have continuously been going off and on so I decided it best to stay home. April made it back and we hung out and watched the weather on the news. JR was headed to work at 6:30 so we just watched. And watched.

He had to head to the hospital and about 10 minutes later the sirens went off again and there were urgent reports that anyone in the Mankato/ North Mankato area take cover as there was a tornado spotted (and had touched down) 3 miles south of town. NOT GOOD! Off to the basement we went and hung there till it was clear. We were joined by Behrens which of course lead to a relaxing glass of wine. Who doesn't need that when they fear for their lives?

Luckily Mankato missed a lot of the distruction but I feel terrible for those that lost their homes, belongings and even lives. I know storms are nothing to mess with but I have to admit I wasn't so nervous when I was in my own house BUT I still don't like storms. I can officially say that Mama Bear had adopted the full protect mode all through the night!!