Storm Wrath

My thoughts and prayers go out to all who suffered in the past few days from tornadoes and storms. Over 200 people dead across the south, and that count likely to rise from what I hear. The worst has been in Alabama and I pray that our blogging friends from there are OK. Arkansas, too, was hit, and though my family did not have any trouble, other families did.

I remember long enough back to recall the early 1970s, when it seemed tornadoes did horrific damage every year in the south. Things seemed to quieten down in the 80s, 90s and into the current century. I hope we're not at the beginning of another upsurge.

The sun is shining bright here today. But there is a darkening of spirit when I think of those who have lost homes and loved ones. I pray for good news today to give hope to the bad.
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Storm Season

I was rudely awakened last night by the tremendous crash of thunder from a bolt of lighting that hit the woods behind our house. More bolts followed. Zeus seems to have been royally pissed. And who is the god/goddess of rain? He/she was pissed too as the rain came deluging. This morning I can see at least one shattered tree through my office window, and the backyard may very well be hiding alligators in its swampy environs. But apparently we got off lightly.

At least one tornado and probably two ripped through parts of New Orleans before dawn, although I didn't find this out until I was already on my way into work. One tornado hit along Carrollton Avenue, which is where my university sits, and I've heard the school is closed for today. But I'm also hearing that it's just because of electricity outage. I hope so. We blew all our money repairing the damage from Katrina. We can't afford a tornado. No tornadoes hit in the area where my son was sleeping so I hope he's alright. He's not answering his phone, but that's most likely because he's sleeping. Still, a little more to worry about.

Looks like I have the day off, but I'd rather not have it at this cost. So far they have one known death, but at least it doesn't look right now as if there will be more.

I think I'm going to have a closer look at what lightning did to that tree.