Kats’ Korner: The Stormy Spring

This has been a spring to remember. Not fondly though.

Many people have lost their homes, possessions and jobs due to the wrath of Mother Nature.

We know tornadoes and flooding happens. We endured a flood in 2011 that did much destruction.

Tornadoes happen all over the country. Until they hit close to home, I doubt many give people give them too much thought.

The day Craig, Uehling, Blair and other areas were hit with severe weather was a memorable day as well.

It was the first bad storm in the area. My mom and I were sitting at my house, worried about what may be coming our way. It did storm hard, pounding rain and wind, but small hail here. The only damage in Oakland was a few trees down in the park and some branches elsewhere in town. We were lucky. As the storm passed, it intensified and did damage in the other areas I mentioned.

I have to admit, I was scared. The clouds looked very ominous, dark and green. I was glad mom was here.

Jeff works at Craig Cattle Company and was caught in the storm in Craig driving home. He had to stop because he couldn’t see in the pouring rain. I am just grateful he was able to get home safely.

I kept having a feeling that day. I thought we were going to be in for a miserable spring. I listen a great deal to the weather and have learned a bit about fronts. When the front was just to the north of us last week, storm predictions started occurring. What I learned is storms erupt along fronts. I am sure that is common knowledge, but I had never paid attention before. I watched the radar throughout the day. I started paying more attention as the storm developed by Stanton. It was getting larger and larger as time went on. It was quite alarming. As it began to take shape, one could tell, this was not going to be good.

It was so hard to believe that Pilger was hit by twin tornadoes! I was in shock. It wasn’t just Pilger that was hit. The tornadoes kept going, destroying homes, farms, anything in its path, all the way to Wakefield!

The pictures were shocking. I felt so guilty for being safe. I knew if the front had been further south, maybe Oakland or any other community, would have been destroyed.

Losing everything in the blink of an eye would have to be so upsetting! I just can’t imagine!

It is wonderful to see everyone stepping up and assisting all of those in need! Nebraskans are so loyal and caring about their neighbors. My prayers have been and will continue to be with all of the victims of the storms. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Life is precious, and can change, or be lost in a heartbeat.

We have all seen that in the last couple of weeks.

Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.