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Siwsan

(26,177 posts)
Tue May 28, 2013, 09:31 PM May 2013

Tornado reported in southern Genesee County, in Michigan

Down by the Fenton, Linden, Howell area. This sounds really serious. Unfortunately, it sounds like it is going through right where my sister lives. I think it will be a long, sleepless night.

Damn, my heart is pounding. And the storm is also heading towards where my mother lives, in Grand Blanc.

Keep some positive thoughts for the people in the paths of these storms!

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JimDandy

(7,318 posts)
1. Hope everyone has headed for their cellars
Tue May 28, 2013, 09:39 PM
May 2013

or a tornado-safe shelter. Luck favors those who are prepared.

I'm so sorry your family might be in harms way.

Siwsan

(26,177 posts)
3. Now it sounds like multiple tornados, north and south of Flint
Tue May 28, 2013, 09:47 PM
May 2013

Most houses around here have cellars. Unfortunately, my sister is in a wheel chair and uses a walker for limited mobility. She has a cellar so no doubt her husband tossed her over his shoulder, and took her to shelter.

JimDandy

(7,318 posts)
9. Wow. Going to go watch the news.
Tue May 28, 2013, 09:53 PM
May 2013

Scary about you sister. Didn't consider all the extraordinary arragements that must have to be made to keep the disabled safe.

Siwsan

(26,177 posts)
5. Thanks - this is terrifying
Tue May 28, 2013, 09:49 PM
May 2013

We are about a week away from the 60th anniversary of the big Beecher tornado, that is still in the top ten most deadly - 116 dead. So, after the Oklahoma tornado, people are hyper alert.

Siwsan

(26,177 posts)
6. Thanks - now it's headed towards my 85 year old mother!!!
Tue May 28, 2013, 09:51 PM
May 2013

I am praying my brother is home, with her. Fortunately, she is still capable of getting to her basement.

kentauros

(29,414 posts)
8. I hope you're able to remain in contact with them.
Tue May 28, 2013, 09:53 PM
May 2013

Txting is probably best, if the networks get jammed with voice calls. Give them plenty of reassurance; it truly helps (I know from my past-wife txting me during Hurricane Ike in 2008.)

I hope they all stay safe

Siwsan

(26,177 posts)
10. Just talked to my brother - he and Mom are fine
Tue May 28, 2013, 10:17 PM
May 2013

A tornado touched down about 3 miles from them and they had strong winds and heavy rain, but he doesn't think any damage. He had quite a nice little nest set up for Mom, in the basement. I'll tell this - there's little more terrifying than hearing your mother's street being named as being in the path of a possible tornado, and knowing there is nothing you can do but hope and pray.

It sounds like a lot of damage in southern Genesee County.

kentauros

(29,414 posts)
11. I'm glad to hear they're okay.
Tue May 28, 2013, 10:31 PM
May 2013

Keep in contact with them, even if the main storms are past. It helps keep you calmer, too.

Siwsan

(26,177 posts)
12. The just spotted another tornado, north of Flint
Tue May 28, 2013, 10:38 PM
May 2013

It's in the same area hit, earlier tonight, and the area is full of people looking at the damage from the first storm. Hopefully they are all taking shelter! And, it's in the same area destroyed in the 1953 tornado!

So, we now have 4 tornados 'confirmed' on the ground, and lots of damage. Reports are saying people are trapped in damaged buildings.

And another storm headed my way, but they say it's just a run of the mill thunderstorm. Needless to say, I won't be falling asleep any time soon.

Siwsan

(26,177 posts)
16. Yea, it's a rough night
Tue May 28, 2013, 10:49 PM
May 2013

Some are visually confirmed and some 'doeppler' confirmed. I think it's going to take a while before they can officially confirm everything. Reports and updates are constantly coming in. Another radar indicated tornado just sighted in Lapeer county, but it's losing strength. Unfortunately, the one north of Flint is a 'rain wrapped' tornado which is hard to see, and it's not getting any weaker.

People reported trapped in Goodrich high school. People reported trapped in destroyed houses. Large numbers of trees down. Tomorrow is going to be an emotionally draining day, once we see the extent of the damage.

Cal Carpenter

(4,959 posts)
14. Ugh, I hope everyone is alright up there
Tue May 28, 2013, 10:46 PM
May 2013

We had a short-lived warning earlier today down here (a couple counties south of the current danger zone) and it was all okay but man, hearing those sirens, I always hate it.

I'm reluctant to go to bed myself, watching that storm coming across Lake Michigan right now. Hope it mellows out before it gets to this side of the state, and that everyone in it's path are alright too.

So much rain. Tomorrow I suppose we'll be more worried about flooding than tornadoes.

kentauros

(29,414 posts)
15. Weather Underground allows you to see info about storms
Tue May 28, 2013, 10:49 PM
May 2013

on their "WunderMap". Check the "Severe" box to get those features displayed. Then you can see what is being reported for each cell (such as hail, rotating thunderstorm, and so forth.) I don't know if that will help calm you, but you might be able to relay information to others, too.

http://www.wunderground.com/

Wundermap for Kalamazoo:
http://www.wunderground.com/wundermap/?lat=42.26388168&lon=-85.46399689&zoom=8&pin=Kalamazoo%2c%20MI&rad=1&wxsn=0&svr=0&cams=0&sat=0&riv=0&mm=0&hur=0
Just pan around to find the correct area. I see the tornado symbols already.

Siwsan

(26,177 posts)
17. I've had the sight up, all night, along with weather.com and local TV
Tue May 28, 2013, 10:53 PM
May 2013

I'm seeing horrible storms to the north, east, south and west of me. So far, all we've had, here, is some heavy rain, kind of strong winds, and very little thunder and lightning. I don't know if I'll be able to sleep, tonight, for fear things will change.

kentauros

(29,414 posts)
18. I understand about the not-sleeping part.
Tue May 28, 2013, 10:59 PM
May 2013

Plus, you need to be prepared to act, just in case.

It's good you know what resources to use in getting information, too. Keep your phone charged as well, and use the computer for information-gathering, as I'm sure you know.

Take care!
(off to bed here.)

freshwest

(53,661 posts)
20. So scary. I am thinking they should stay underground for a day or two? Hugs and vibes to all of you.
Wed May 29, 2013, 12:07 AM
May 2013
 

kestrel91316

(51,666 posts)
21. I hope that isn't anywhere near Ann Arbor.
Wed May 29, 2013, 12:33 AM
May 2013

My nephew is in the process of moving there from Lansing.

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