Mips

Part of the driveway is still blown clear to pavement, the rest is buried to undiscernable levels. Living at the base of a T shaped intersection: 1 street has a plowed swipe down it - at least for now. The other is blocked by previous plow ridges and is unreadable variable height ridges of drifting and previous plowing attempts. The birds are still being blown off the birdfeeders. The birds holding their perches are going to be my time to shovel indicators.

1259 Aug 19. I just got a NWS weather alert Tor Warning for my area in Rowley. We have torrential rain, have had it nearly constantly for some time but totally vertical, no winds to speak of. My phone must think I'm somewhere that I'm not.

Short video of the Somers tornado by a resident of route 83. Videographer was not certain of what he was looking at.

I don't know what age is actually a good age to pass away (especially as I get older) but 31 is way too young. Deep condolences to his parents & family.

The lightning strikes are incredible. Like non stop and all around. It was continuous thunder on its way down here from the NW and when it hit (like right up the road maybe 1/8 th mile) it was multiple strikes all around. Passing through to the SE now. The rain has been a constant strong gray curtain as I look out. No gauge as I live under trees...good for shade until something brings them down. Not good for measurements or gardening. lessening in intensity now as storm quickly rolls away to the SE.

Power lost for 2-3 minutes The grid might be stronger out here (?) than it was when I lived in North Andover MA where the power would go for a day during every other summer thunderstorm. Wind is still blowing, but it has never gotten as strong as April storms were. Intermitent rain drops that have you wondering whether it was rain or bird spit.

They're all short without their stilleto heels. Manolo Blahnik doesn't do functional snow boots. Off to get my functional boots, gloves and shovel for round 3 of shoveling another 7-8 inches.

ZONKS! There are priorities in life! (tongue in cheek) It's good to hear from him. I know I have been pinging my friends in other parts of MO, OH, IL, IN and even in PA which had some earlier warnings today. The more I read and see about the damage in Joplin, the more haunted I am. I do not understand why.

I was not picturing the fast development of this tornado until I saw this video these chasers shot of the funnel dropping then developing into a monster so very quickly.