Oak Tree Musings

A big Wind blows...

Living in the midwest, I have not been directly affected by hurricanes, until Ike.  Sunday morning I got up to get ready for church and watch the news to see what the weather had in store.  I figured it would be raining...but the weather man said the rain would hit north of us and our area would stay dry but could possibly see some straight lying winds or small tornadoes. 

My family & I drove to church, about 40 miles south of us, right across the river from Louisville Kentucky.  It was quite windy when we arrived.  My husband opened the car door for me and my skirt flew up in my face! 

After church let out we went to dinner with my in laws at Famous Daves.  I felt very umcomfortable, I knew the wind was racing and I am terrified of storms.  I wanted to go home so badly...our meal was nearly over when the restaurant lost power. 

Debris was flying everywhere, it was not safe to be out at all!  Traffic signs were actually bent backwards and touched the ground, some even wrapped around themselves.  The wind was howling and just had a strange feeling to it.  It looked like smog there was so much debris floating around.  The strangest thing is that the sun would even come out and shine perodically.  Absolutely no rain, just the intense wind.

My in laws only live about 15 miles from there so we attempted to make it to their home. The BIG problem was that they live in the country which means TREES everywhere.  It was normally a 15 minute drive, took us over an hour.  Everywhere we went there were trees covering the road.  Power lines were down all around us as well.  I was nearly in tears and was trying to stay calm for Abby & Luke. She was crying, I kept telling her that God was watching over us and keeping us safe.   

In the end, we ended up driving off the road into fields and under dangling power lines all the while trees  & limbs were falling all around us.  I thank God for guarding our path and wrapping his protective arms around us.  We made it to their house and immediatley prayed for all those out in the terrible storm.   We had seen people with flat tires due to the tremendous amount of debris on the road. 

We stayed till the storm passed.  Then my husband helped his dad cut tree limbs off the barn roof and off some power lines in their yard.  After it was safe we journeyed home.  I was afraid of what we would find...it was not as bad as I had feared.  We need a new roof and some sofits fixed. It destroyed the canopy on the kids playset, the flying debris broke some of my landscaping lights, and our new volleyball net was broken.  I feel we were very lucky. 

My parents live next door and their house was not touched.  The mess they had were with trees.  I have never seen such a mess in my life!  It has taken us 2 full days to clean it up.  The worst part is my father's corn crop.  It is destroyed.  The fierce winds blew it down and it is gone!  It looks like someone has taken an iron and smothered it down flat.  Please pray for him, I worry so much...he has a terrible heart condition and I know he will be worrying about the crops...

Our power just came back on last night.  Schools have been closed and remain closed tomorrow.  The news have reported that the wind gusts were between 60-80 mph!  I never thought I would see hurricane force winds in the midwest!  I have much more empathy for the hurricane victims! Also pray for the storm victims, there were 7 in my local area that lost their lives due to falling debris.  

There were no warnings about Sunday's devastation.  I am thankful for having faith and being able to lean on God to guide me through life's storms. God is good!

We can thank the Lord for your safety

10:28, Tuesday, September 16, 2008 .. Posted by husbandfirst

So many with weather troubles! And the Lord brought you through yours safely. It does sound frightening!

Untitled Comment

10:48, Tuesday, September 16, 2008 .. Posted by gabbie427

Oh I can only imagine how scared you all were with all this going on!! I am so glad God kept you safe and sound. Sorry for the damage to your new home, but as you said, it could have been so much worse!!! The most important thing is your family is safe!!

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

<em>Untitled Comment</em>

11:32, Tuesday, September 16, 2008 .. Posted by stitchnchick

What you described is what we saw on Sunday. I have never seen anything like this in my entire life. It was terrifying! We lost several big trees (we live in a woods and felt it best to evacuate to a safer location). Our power came back on, but there are some not far from us who may be without it for two weeks. It was so widespread. I know what you mean about the corn crop...we lost some, too. Anyway, I am thankful that we both had no injuries or loss of life. I also feel for those who had far greater damage. I just can't imagine!

Amy

Edited by stitchnchick on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 10:34

Untitled Comment

11:36, Tuesday, September 16, 2008 .. Posted by stitchnchick

Looks like we were visiting each other's blogs at the same time! :-) I agree...I will never forget that day.

Amy