Hail

Take a look at what rolled in last night.  That's golf ball to tennis ball sized hail!  It was larger but had melted some before we were able to go out and gather a few.  You might also notice that three of those have rough edges.  That's because they were jagged when they flew from the sky.

You should have heard it crashing onto our metal roof.  Thankfully there was no damage.  I still don't understand why in the world the horses didn't get in their shelters.  They just stood out in it!  They seem to ride out the storm fine although I'm sure they have some bruises.

This hail was extreme but here in Oklahoma, we have weather extremes of all kinds.  However we are blessed with some of the best meteorology centers in the nation and the news stations here do an amazing job.  When severe storms or tornadoes roll in, they have storm chasers and helicopters out monitoring.  They can tell everyone where it is, what direction and speed it is going, and where it will hit even down to the block. For example, while listening to storm coverage you might hear something like, "The tornado is crossing the intersection of Rockwell and 63rd Street going NW at 30 mph.  It will hit MacArthur at 7:16."  Living in the center of tornado alley, we need that kind of warning. 

It's so sad that some states don't have those kind of systems.  The loss of lives is terrible when there is no or insufficient warning.  We grieve with the families of Joplin, Mo.  It's just devistating.

Today is predicted to be a major storm day.  The conditions are right and the chasers are out.  We are ready  with bottled water and snacks in the storm cellar.  If one comes our way, we will be safe there.

Comments

  1. That hail is unbelievable! Here in the Pacific Northwest we really don't have major weather "happenings" like so many other parts of the country. It's amazing that your area is able to follow your weather and events so closely for your safety!

    ~Chris

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  2. I don't think I could live with the constant threat of a tornado...we lived in an area of Canada that had tornado warnings every once in awhile and that nearly did me in with worry and stress....how do you handle it all?

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  3. What a miracle it didn't do any damage.

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  4. Wow! Living here in Arizona where it is warm and the hot, I forget about the crazy weather I grew up with in the midwest. I am glad you are safe and prepared for whatever storm lies ahead. xo Caroline

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  5. Amazing hail (and scary!). Praying for you and yours during this storm season. Have you ever posted pics of your storm cellar? We truly need a cellar. I've threatened to start digging it myself! :) Yes, I do wish we all had that kind of warning. It's normally pretty efficient, but Joplin really only had about 24 minutes (I think) before they were slammed. Be safe! -Tammy

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  6. yikes! you are in tornado alley! be safe again today/tonight!

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  7. That is some serious hail!! Be safe!

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  8. Glad you have a safe haven! What do people in the Midwest do with their farm animals during tornadoes?

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  9. Good for you to be so prepared. I have never seen hail that size. You think it could knock a horse out cold.

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  10. That hail is amazing! I've never seen it that big.Glad you and your family are okay. I am so scared of tornadoes. One hit our farm years ago and it left a lasting impression. It picked up a 40' spruce tree that was only about 8' from our house and threw it down in our yard. It took the roof right off one of our barns. That was a while back and I still start shaking like our dog does when a bad storm comes!

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  11. Yikes! That is the biggest hail I've never seen! We've only gotten the pea size to marble sized here and with that it is very loud. Can't imagine what you got! Hope the tornadoes stay away from your house again tonight!

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  12. It's later in the day as I'm reading this; hoping you guys are OK! Stay safe!

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  13. Yes, this kind of weather is terrifying! After the tornadoes in MS, AL and TN last month, we've seen more devastation than we ever wanted to. Did you see that on the news? So glad you and your family are safe and will pray for those who weren't as fortunate.

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