A day of tornadoes

Though the wind continues, we weathered the storm.  We had a couple of days warning for the day of tornadic activity that hit the central part of our country yesterday.  NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration) Weather Service told us to prepare.  I'm not certain how we were to prepare other than to make certain we had batteries, flashlights and candles available.  We knew we would have water nearby.  Personally, we stayed close to home because of our pets.  They are part of our family too.  The local weatherman stated those in our viewing area facing the onslught of storms amidst warmer temperatures would be fortunate if the cloud cover remained strong throughout the day; if the clouds broke and the sun cam out, look out!  We were fortunate.  It was late afternoon into the evening hours as the storms moved into our section.  Sunset proved detrimental to any of the storm chasers who were out.  The time came.  A tornado was crossing into our county.  My husband and I grabbed our shoes, called for the cats and headed to the basement.  The dog had been inside for about two hours already.  I ran back upstairs to turn on porchlights and unlock the back door in case the neighbors needed to get in.  As is the case for several families in town, they don't have a decent basement.  In weather like this anyone is welcome.  I noticed vehicles lined up across the street.  People had come to find shelter at both the Lutheran and the Catholic churches across the street from us.  I dashed back down to the basement where we waited out the worst watching the weather broadcast on the television and listening to the storm outside.  The dog alternated trying to sit in my lap with eating and worrying our tomcat wouldn't let her out of the room.  The female cats never did come downstairs and would not have stayed if we had carried them.  This tornado was a monster.  The storm chasers said it was better than a half mile wide as it zigged and zagged and tossed debris.  It was heading straight for our town when it suddenly moved east of us and skirting the edges of another town danced above the reservoir before making its way north and east in its zig-zag pattern sashaying between the towns as it went.  After a little over an hour the threat was past.  Knowing we might have to go back down if another tornado blew up, we were able to come out of our refuge.  For now, it was over.  Other than wind and rain the night passed without another tornado for us.  We were fortunate, indeed.  Sure there was some wind damage and a few people lost vehicles when trees were toppled on top of them, but major damage from what could have been a horrendous situation with all our small towns around here was averted.  I think a lot of prayers were heard and know our communities are grateful.