Eye on the Sky

Spring has sprung in the South, and with it, the typical outbreak of violent thunderstorms and tornadoes. This time of year, it’s not uncommon to have a couple of tornado warnings a week. Warm air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cold air from Canada, and before you know it, your house is in another state.

Savvy Southerners have created tornado shelters in their basements that serve double duty as a wine cellar. That way, when they have to spend a couple of hours hunkered down in a basement – at least they can enjoy themselves.

Last week, we had a “super cell” storm in the area that spun off several twisters. I was home alone and spent an hour in the basement with the bare essentials: flashlight, blanket, dogs, plain M&Ms, book, cell phone, lip gloss, and weather radio. It was a little scary, but for the most part, not too bad.

Unfortunately, some people aren’t so lucky. Also know as “The Finger of God” these storms can be devastating and deadly. But unlike earthquakes in California, at least you know when a twister is coming (which is a Southerner's excuse for not living in California).

Today however, the weather is divine. The sky is blue and the grass is green and the trees and flowers are blooming like crazy. This brings up another topic – pollen – which I’ll discuss in another exciting edition of Beyond the Blue.