My Nickel’s Worth

Being weather aware is something I have taken for granted. Unlike sixty years ago, with today’s technology, we can know several hours ahead that the conditions are favorable for a flash flood or tornado.

Last weekend, several people tried to warn me about tornadoes and flash-flooding in Tulsa, where I was traveling to visit my fiancée. There was a flash flood and tornado watch and an arctic blast possible. I laughed and said, “tornadoes in January?” One of my family members even sent me a list of every tornado that has ever been recorded in Tulsa in January. I just shrugged it off. When I left for the four and a half hour drive to Tulsa, Oklahoma, the skies in Texas were clear. I smiled to myself, knowing I had made the right decision to go on with my trip. Yeah, they get it wrong sometimes. One year in college, class was canceled due to a pending ice storm. Guess what? It didn’t even snow. But from now on, I will heed the weather warnings and not laugh at them. I am thankful for the national weather service and the lives which are saved. Don’t be stupid like I was: check the weather and plan accordingly. It could save your life. Because I didn’t, I almost lost mine.