It was about 2:30pm on Thursday, April 26. I left the house needing to get to Mid America Bank on Weber Rd. in Romeoville; I wanted to clear up a charge that went to my account as well as get a debit card for that new account. Following that, I had to get to Wal Mart on 127th & Rt. 59 to return a car filter that was the wrong size for our Saturn. The whole day was a rainy one. Earlier, at around noon, I ran my best 5k in a long time: 24:49 - despite the downpour that ensued during my last mile. That time will improve even more for sure.
I arrived at the bank where it began to rain hard while I was in there. After getting everything done, I left at around 2:50 or so. I was aware of the time because I know how Weber gets at around 3pm with traffic - I wanted to get ahead of it. The plan was to go north on Weber, turn left at frontage road (just north of Rt. 55) which would then turn into 127th and take it to the Wal Mart. I made my first mistake getting in the turning lane to get on Rt. 55-south. At first I was mad. I never do that. But then I got to thinking it wasn't so bad - I can take it to Rt. 126; go right on Essington and get to 127th from there. The sky was getting real dark awfully quick. However, I'm thinking that it was only another downpour coming.
So, I get off at 126 and turn right at Essington. Now, it is like night outside. Except for on the near-western horizon it was sunny. I still had my sunglasses on! Then comes my next mistake.
I end up turning left on 135th street instead. Now why did I do that? No idea. Whatever, I'll just drive straight ahead to Rt. 59 and then go north to Wal Mart. The sky is now really dark and, as predicted, the downpour begins. It was shortlived however. I get to 59 and turn right (north). It looked real odd to my right. There are still a number of farm fields that stretch east from 59 for a couple miles. Soon, I fear, the subdivisions will end up tearing them down. However, this time, as I look and see, maybe 500 yards or so away from the road, this wall of brownish-black. My impression was that it was one heck of a downpour! The storm was moving away to the northeast; I figured that was it for the rain. On my way down 59, several emergency vehicles were heading south.
I get to Wal Mart and make my exchange. The sky was almost sunny at this point. But, the tornado sirens start running outside. I leave the store. But, right as I get to the door, employees are yelling me back to get to the center of the building - there was a tornado warning. Ok, I know that is what you are supposed to do: go to the center of the building. However, I have seen too many news flashes of roofs torn off and down from large buildings from wind/tornado damage. I wanted no part of that place! If needed, I would hit the ditch that was just outside by the parking lot. Besides, I was just through that storm and it was sunny now. I get in the car and head home.
So when I get home I start hearing on tv about a tornado hitting Plainfield and Bolingbrook. I then find out that it hit at Route 126 and on Essington Road by 127th st. I then find out that it hit at about 3pm, right when I was there! Oh boy! That was close! What made me make those turns that I would not have normally made? Now, it wasn't the biggest tornado - fairly weak they say. Still, it was interesting how it all turned out. But the story isn't over...
I occasionally work 2nd camera for my dad at various playhouses during the year. That same night I had to go preview one in North Riverside (we actually record the following week). I couldn't remember the play we were seeing - there are so many, I can't remember them all. I get to the place and look on the marqee. What play is it?
Wizard of Oz
I arrived at the bank where it began to rain hard while I was in there. After getting everything done, I left at around 2:50 or so. I was aware of the time because I know how Weber gets at around 3pm with traffic - I wanted to get ahead of it. The plan was to go north on Weber, turn left at frontage road (just north of Rt. 55) which would then turn into 127th and take it to the Wal Mart. I made my first mistake getting in the turning lane to get on Rt. 55-south. At first I was mad. I never do that. But then I got to thinking it wasn't so bad - I can take it to Rt. 126; go right on Essington and get to 127th from there. The sky was getting real dark awfully quick. However, I'm thinking that it was only another downpour coming.
So, I get off at 126 and turn right at Essington. Now, it is like night outside. Except for on the near-western horizon it was sunny. I still had my sunglasses on! Then comes my next mistake.
I end up turning left on 135th street instead. Now why did I do that? No idea. Whatever, I'll just drive straight ahead to Rt. 59 and then go north to Wal Mart. The sky is now really dark and, as predicted, the downpour begins. It was shortlived however. I get to 59 and turn right (north). It looked real odd to my right. There are still a number of farm fields that stretch east from 59 for a couple miles. Soon, I fear, the subdivisions will end up tearing them down. However, this time, as I look and see, maybe 500 yards or so away from the road, this wall of brownish-black. My impression was that it was one heck of a downpour! The storm was moving away to the northeast; I figured that was it for the rain. On my way down 59, several emergency vehicles were heading south.
I get to Wal Mart and make my exchange. The sky was almost sunny at this point. But, the tornado sirens start running outside. I leave the store. But, right as I get to the door, employees are yelling me back to get to the center of the building - there was a tornado warning. Ok, I know that is what you are supposed to do: go to the center of the building. However, I have seen too many news flashes of roofs torn off and down from large buildings from wind/tornado damage. I wanted no part of that place! If needed, I would hit the ditch that was just outside by the parking lot. Besides, I was just through that storm and it was sunny now. I get in the car and head home.
So when I get home I start hearing on tv about a tornado hitting Plainfield and Bolingbrook. I then find out that it hit at Route 126 and on Essington Road by 127th st. I then find out that it hit at about 3pm, right when I was there! Oh boy! That was close! What made me make those turns that I would not have normally made? Now, it wasn't the biggest tornado - fairly weak they say. Still, it was interesting how it all turned out. But the story isn't over...
I occasionally work 2nd camera for my dad at various playhouses during the year. That same night I had to go preview one in North Riverside (we actually record the following week). I couldn't remember the play we were seeing - there are so many, I can't remember them all. I get to the place and look on the marqee. What play is it?
Wizard of Oz
3 comments:
That my friend, is a great story. I'm glad you didn't get transported - I have a feeling you wouldn't get along too well with munchkins...
I think he will take the munchkins on the road and open a New Thing Church in Oz! I too was in that mess going to pick up Alyssa. So I know how you feel brother.
Yeah, I'll take the munchkins on the road. We can play many concert venues.
I got the perfect name for the band:
Little 'Feet'
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