(no subject)

[lollardfish]

So there we were, driving back from Gigi's Playhouse, a pretty terrific place, and the rain started a little. As we approached the ramp to the highway, however, suddenly the wind started to pick up. I looked up at a big glass office tower, and could see the wind moving in big gusts, sideways, fast. The car shook. The air suddenly filled with leaves and twigs. I said, "Maybe we should ride this out." Shannon said, "We could wait in a store or something?" I said, "Let's go shopping!" Shannon, "Words I never thought I'd hear you utter."

We actually went into a big parking garage that seemed stable and basement-like. We pulled out our cellphones to check the weather, and discovered that in fact a tornado was heading down the Eisenhower Expressway to intersect with 294 - highways we would have been at in about 20 minutes - before heading into Oak Park and the vicinity. Afterwards, it'd move on to Indiana. So we waited for 45 minutes in the garage, then had a snack (Shannon was starving and traffic was at a standstill, and got home around 5:30. Thirty minutes later, a severe thunderstorm rolled through and pummelled more of the region. There are lots of people without power, and we are thankful not to be among them. Our cable is out - so no internets at home, but through the good graces of the coffee shop, we're online.

No damage to our building or our things, but the same can't be said for others.

Comments

[neogrammarian.livejournal.com]

Thank god you're all well- I'll be checking in w/my city pps today.

[lollardfish.livejournal.com]

Except for people on the road or in trailer parks, the real danger now comes from downed wires, gas leaks, and flooding. There are more storms expected today and the rivers may flood. Well, flood more. They are already flooded.

[neogrammarian.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I've been watching that whole situation pretty closely via my folks- they're on high ground, and can thank that for the water -running- over the ground there (otherwise it'd just be standing). It's been that way for days, and soaked ground for weeks previous, and subsequent rain is just making things worse. I hope the forecasts dry up soon.

[lollardfish.livejournal.com]

It's not drying. Freeways are flooding. There are sandbags by the Des Plaines river-bridges near my house. More rain predicted.

[mizzlaurajean.livejournal.com]

Do you have smoke detectors yet?

Carbon monoxide ones too? especially since Nico's close to the kitchen.

[lollardfish.livejournal.com]

We have one. It's in the kitchen, but not mounted yet. It works though.