Monday, May 20, 2013

Reflecting On the Moore, OK Tornado


Bryan McCormick and I sat in the Storm Center this afternoon watching this tornado unfold. We have the ability to access the Oklahoma City Doppler radar site on StormTRACK Doppler 8. The images we were seeing as the storm moved into Moore, OK were astonishing. But, they were not as horrific as the images after the storm passed. The above picture is from the AP. It shows a mother carrying her child from property of Plaza Towers Elementary.This is the site where several children died today because of this violent tornado.

I showed this image at 6:00 when the Associated Press released it on Twitter. I started my weathercast with it and a flood of emotions hit me while I was live on air.

I'm a dad. I have 4 kids and instantly I thought of them. I pictured each one of them in the arms of my wife. I pictured each one of them going through a scary moment in their life. I thought of the feeling this mother must have had when she KNEW her child was not one of the dead. I also thought about the parents that did not carry their children home tonight. That's tough to think about...

Tornadoes are real. They disrupt life. They kill people. They kill children. They are to be taken seriously.

Far too often, the meteorology community gets giddy about storms, and tornadoes. Far too often, the weather community gets excited when the ingredients are coming together for a severe weather event. I'm sure I'm guilty.... especially in my younger days.

I promise to never get giddy over tornadoes again. A colleague of mine, Dave Freeman, at KSN once reminded a group of us to never root for the tornado. ALWAYS root for people. Wise advice.

So, tonight... as I sit in the storm center watching a decaying line of storms move into Region 8, I pray for the families that lost loved ones. I'm not sure if this is right or not, but I'm praying even more for the parents that lost children. I simply can't imagine the pain.

Pause and pray for all of the victims in the Southern Plains that have been impacted over the past couple of days. Also, hug your kids.

Ryan

11 comments:

shelly_201027 said...

Very well said..

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Ryan, I know your intent is to keep everyone informed about severe weather and for everyone to be as safe as they can be given the information they have. Thank you for your watch keep over us, and the lost sleep and your genuine care for us. I for one am very grateful for all you and the rest of the weather team at KAIT do to keep us informed and weather safe.

Di from Bay

Lpye2011@yahoo.com said...

Praying for everyone tonight.....Well Said Ryan...

Debbie Gee said...

Thanks Ryan. I'm holding my babies just a little bit closer tonight. Only by Gods Grace.

Unknown said...

Never doubt your prayers. God is giving you the words. Always trust in Jesus to lead you! May God bless you as you lead the example to pray for Oklahoma and other tragic or sad events. I'm praying for them too! Thank you so much! Olen

Unknown said...

Never doubt your prayers. God is giving you the words. Always trust in Jesus to lead you! May God bless you as you lead the example to pray for Oklahoma and other tragic or sad events. I'm praying for them too! Thank you so much! Olen

Unknown said...

Never doubt your prayers. God is giving you the words. Always trust in Jesus to lead you! May God bless you as you lead the example to pray for Oklahoma and other tragic or sad events. I'm praying for them too! Thank you so much! Olen

Unknown said...

Never doubt your prayers. God is giving you the words. Always trust in Jesus to lead you! May God bless you as you lead the example to pray for Oklahoma and other tragic or sad events. I'm praying for them too! Thank you so much! Olen

Unknown said...

There's first time for everything!There's first time for everything!There's first time for everything!There's first time for everything!
Sorry

Kevin said...

Sobering

Chad said...

Ryan Thank you for setting the tone of compassion regarding these types of events. As a dad, I am still moved tonight as I read your blog.