How do I begin this blog? I guess the best way is this way:
~Last evening, and the early hours of today, were spent in a "shelter", which was the ladies room at the campground we are staying at in Dodge City, Kansas. Yesterday, all day, we were watching the weather, as a storm was brewing southwest of here and it was at times heading north, northeast and then it was heading north, northwest. Regardless of its original path, it became very red and very purple on the weather map and it was heading towards Dodge City! The weatherman was describing this storm as violent with favorable tornado activity at some point! There were actually two storm cells with the smaller-appearing cell making its way here; however, Dodge City had not yet been put in the direct path so no warnings were being issued here. The route of the larger storm, now with tornado landing confirmation, was heading towards Montezuma, KS and the folks were told to get into their shelters immediately, but then that warning was lifted, to only a few minutes later change again when the storm took that northwest turn.
Meanwhile, the second tornado cell of the smaller-appearing red/orange/purple area on the weather map, was heading our way. At 11:45 p.m. we made our way to the shelter with Fritz and Jake, Thom's laptop, our cell phones, purses and wallet. We brought the slides in on the motorhome to keep the slide awnings safe from the winds. We notified our neighbors (from FL) of our plans and they, along with 2 other couples (one from FL and one from California), made their way to the shelter as well, just as the tornado siren was going off!
Inside the shelter, you could not really hear what was going on outside. We knew there was a possibility of golf ball size hail and winds 60 to 70 mph. We also knew there was a severe thunderstorm out there. The weatherman kept informing us that if the two storms collided then the tornado probability would diminish. Thom watched the storm closely in the shelter and sure enough the storms collided just as it reached Dodge City! Oh thank God! I did not and never want to hear "the train coming", and I don't mean the B&A Railroad train!
Still, we were under a tornado warning, watch, and then severe thunderstorm warning until 1:30 a.m. All our cell phones were going off all the while with alerts, which made for ominous surroundings in the shelter. The men went in and out of the shelter and you could hear the wind at times, but when you could hear the "rain drops" on the roof, you knew it was coming down in a vicious manner and there was hail.
Finally, at 3:00 a.m. we left the shelter with the cats and headed back to the motorhome, put the slides out, and went to bed. But the light show that Mother Nature put on was something I have never seen in my life, nor is it something I will ever forget! There was nothing but bright white flashes and bolts in the dark skies! Beautiful, like Thom said, but scary at the same time! There were also times that the pea-size hail returned, all while we were still in the shelter area. It was simply a crazy evening in Dodge City! ~
Today, as we ventured out to tour Dodge City, we spoke to the locals at the Visitor's Center and they all slept through it! This is a way of life for them. They didn't hear the sirens and were surprised we had! They also said that Dodge City, as long as they have lived here (some for longer than 17 years), has never had a tornado; they usually hit west or south of them. We were quite surprised to hear this! I guess this is a way of life for the folks who live here in Kansas, a place I must say I would never consider!
Today is our last day here. We are getting out of Dodge! But, before we leave, we still have some sightseeing to do!
Until next blog ... (see photos/videos below)
The local post office building and its true to stay Western form! The architecture here is remarkable!
Many of the streets have these hanging on them. I think that's a lovely way to decorate this western city.
"El Capitan", a tribute to those longhorn cattle leaders.
This bird was having so much fun in this bush! I hope you can see it.
Thom and Wyatt!
This is just some scenery around Dodge City (we were not in Fort Dodge at the moment).
We went here for lunch yesterday and the meal was awful! I said to Thom later today (the day after the storm), that I was thinking last night, "was that our last meal"!
The last casino I will lose $20 to before we get to Minnesota!
Lot 52, before the storm, before the slides were taken in!
Our "shelter friends" - 2 other couples from FL and 1 couple from California. What a way to meet people!
Thank goodness I thought to bring a few blankets! Thom was freezing (I think from too many times going in and out of the shelter to "look")!
Fritz and Jake, who knew something was brewing before we did!
ENJOY THE LIGHT SHOW!
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