Greensburg Kansas USA

[Harry61]

Nine confirmed dead. This tornado hit about 9:45 pm my time and was about 1 mile wide. One of the worst kind at night can see where it is coming from or where it is going.

I was at the Pet Clinic loading up supplies this morning to be shipped out there. I was up until 4am my time watching this, and of course making nonsense posts here.

This is a small town, but 95% of the homes and businesses are gone.

Went out and got water and gatoraide to be shipped there too. I also stocked up my supplies here for my family.

They have actually done a good job. Senator Pat Roberts said "this is not a Katrina situation" That should go over well with some other govt officals.

Anyway the picture I posted there were buildings all around the tower that says BIG WELL. This is the towns claim to fame a 400 ft, hand dug well. In the upper left hand corner there is some metal frame looking things, there was an old church that was build in the 1800's with 3 floors, full of antiques. It WAS my favorite stop in route to visit the family in that area.

[shortround]

Glad to hear your in one piece, and I hope the rest of your family is intact!

[Harry61]

Thanks

Everyone is accounted for except 1 family, but they are farther west and we are guessing there are volunteering right now. He's is a power and light guy.

Shawnee might know more about the area.

Got a call from one son who is going to drive a relief truck out there pretty soon.

Some more storms on the way tonight, so I am gonna eat and get in the basement, watch a movie and probably fall asleep.

[lycanox]

Hope they are ok. Good to hear that your safe do.

[Raptor Witness]

I'm glad that you're Ok Harry. How far from the swath were you, roughly? This one appears to have been a real monster wind. [Map of swath]

[Incredible Slide Show of the unbelievable damage]








[How You Can Help These Victims NOW]

[Harry61]

Thanks for asking.

I am about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hour away from there. Since many of you may have seen the maps, I am in Wichita, so I was safe as well as tonight I hope. There is much going on and you never know when these things want to change their paths. (this is the reason I changed my avie, I will change it back maybe after the season is over)

This is a situation where it could have easily been us, thank God it wasn't. I have been though this, but I was in may car. They lost a sheriffs officer who was on the road at the time, and another person is in the hospital who was in their car, so I can relate. I didn't exprienece this at night though.

UPDATE from my stand point. They imposed a curfew from 8pm to 8am so the son is set to take a truck of supplies first thing in the morning. We ran out and bought dog & cat food since I am a pet person (3 dogs 2 cats and 8 fish) and added that to the mix. The pet clinic said they needed more help tomorrow maybe and asked if I could come. I said yeah, I hope they don't have to put more livestock down.

Keep in mind, this isn't a metro city. But also keep in mind this is the bread basket which has already been hit by snow and then a late freeze and now this. They also have OIL wells that have been damaged.

My spouse said this may be a blessing since many were living in old, (not energy efficient) 100+ year homes and farms, maybe this will give them and chance to bring it up to date. But then again, I am going to miss that antique store I always go to. My next trip there will be in July, if not sooner.

I do have to say from what I have seen and heard, so far everything rescue wise, via the govt is going smoothly. Then again we aint in 'Orleans are we? Senator Robertson said they are going to ask for 'Orleans FEMA trailers that aren't being used. And the govt and more politicans will be here tomorrow.

Still wondering about Shawnee, isnt she in this region too?

[liberdave]

Originally Posted by Harry61

They have actually done a good job. Senator Pat Roberts said "this is not a Katrina situation" That should go over well with some other govt officials.

Glad to know your OK! Stay alert.

And are we sure the tornado didn't get Pat Roberts? I think someone should go check again. With a baseball bat.

[lady-t]

right now you really can't get into the area, it is pretty much closed off. they are not letting anyone in yet. still searching for survivors- gas leaks-- stuff like that.

if you are wanting to help, get ready and then wait for the green light. otherwise you will probably be turned back. i am sure however that there are relief centers getting geared up right now. probably the american red cross can route you to where you are needed most. as well as a list of necessary items.

they always need things like baby diapers, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, formula, just to list a few.

[krakatoa]

I dont know about you all, but it is the first time i see a whole village destroyed, no water, no electricity, no houses, This is the worst thing, i never saw, concerning tornadoes, in the way of a town destroyed, that i can remember, and the saddest thing, there is death related to it, and also critical injured peoples. I feel for them, it is very very sad.

Krakatoa.

[Cherisa]

Just heard on the news that 95% of the town has been destroyed and hope you are okay Harry61!!!!

[ryangti]

Thats pretty bad,what now for the families?I read there was a fresh wave on top as well.Declared state of emergency i guess.I give my heart out to those who have suffered such loss,thank god there were less killed,but could have been worse.I guess now they will be watching the weather very close.

[rynprov]

I hope you're ok, Harry61! Stay alert! And keep an eye on the weather!

[Raptor Witness]

May 2nd, 2007, 11:07 PM

"Good morning America how are you?
Don't you know me I'm your native son,
[I'm the train] they call The City of New Orleans.

[Penny a point, ain't no one keepin' score?"]

[Raptor Witness]

It's not unheard of for tornadoes to strike U.S. cities dead center like this. What is unusual, is that by far the deadliest this calendar year, have occurred in succession, and along a line leading backwards to Cape Canaveral. Not only that, but each of these three cities has a myth which is linked to [space travel] or [objects] from [out of this world.]

[Deadly Lady Lake Tornado - Groundhog Day 2007]

[RhymnRzn]

I have a handful of Scriptures that I feel benefit and comfort the heart in such cases. Take the book of Job (and the whole King James Bible):

Job 38:1

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,.......

Hosea 6:1

Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. (v.2) After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. (v.3) Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

Also, I have a room available in my apartment in Tulsa, to help if anyone (or two) is put out and looking for another destination. You can send an email, or a p.m. to me, or call me (918)582.1687. Peace.

[Raptor Witness]

THE Monster Greensburg Wedge - EF5

+ YouTube Video

[krakatoa]

I just talked to a friend, he is living at the neighbor town, he lost 2 friends in this catastrophe, he is keeping some of them in his house, in the shelters, it seems food is ok, but i am sure they will take more anyway, but what they need the most, is soap, dipers and everything you can think of about hygiene. When i saw all of it i knew it was an F5, and think you did to guys. Nobody over there recodnise, anything, nothing at all. What a drama.

Raptor Witness, thanks for that U Tube video and everything else.

I am happy Harry61 that you are ok. Krakatoa.

[FireAnt]

Looking at Raptor's pics its hard to imagine seeing that much destruction happen with my own eyes. I am amazed more people weren't hurt. I guess since that area is prone to tornadoes they would have been a little more prepared than most places. Anyway I'm glad you and your family are alright Harry, its sad that the same can't be said for others out there. I just hope that the town can be rebuilt after 95% of it was destroyed. It seems like a lot but its understandable looking at the pics.

[lady-t]

the may 3rd tornado in oklahoma was much worse. i saw it first hand. i truly understand how these people have had their entire lives exploded in their faces. they have my heartfelt empathy.

[Harry61]

Thanks everyone, I know the internet is a great way to communicate. It got me wondering what I would do if it were me.

Sadly we did know one person who lost thier life. He lived in an RV on the edge of town. Know one knows where the RV is, but I imagine it is shredded.

Thanks Rap for your photos and the video. That is the same one the TV has been showing all day today. One channel was total coverage no commercials until this morning about 10 am.

My son got on a truck today to deliver the water and gateraide he just said "I can't decribe it. Very scary." He is going to start taking me a little more serious now I guess. He was buying water and supplies for his family.

There is also a 1,000 pound metorite missing. It was in the a display case at the big well location. But this thing tossed around a 40,000# semi truck too.

We spent the day at the vet clinic again. We offered to take some dogs, but so did everyone else so I don't think they need us. Funny, we even offered to take a goat, even though we are in the city I said "let them give the a ticket then" But someone else got the goat.
I have seen this type of F-5 or in this case EF-5 before too...

http://www.andovernet.com/tornado/to...oking_back.htm

That one was very close. About 7 miles or 15 minutes drive time...

Anyway, you all know what I know since I can't get there and I am only relying on what I hear. I think one of the guys I work with has family there or somewhere near there I will see if he is in tomorrow and what he knows.

Oh and yeah Pat Roberts was on TV so he is alive and kickin' All the govt reps have had their muggs on TV, more exposure.

[Raptor Witness]

Widely reported now, as the [first confirmed F5 of the 21st century,] the Greensburg monster wedge is also the first EF5 under the new rating system. Interestingly, it's been [a record eight years] since the last F5, which occurred back in 1999, and which also took direct aim at a U.S. city., that being the Oklahoma City tornado of May 3, 1999.

So indeed the wind has become an unusual problem in 2007, as forecast [here on March 30th.] To create an EF5 tornado requires extreme circumstances, not the least of which, is high velocity upper level winds. It's so special, that it's been eight long years since we had the last confirmed F5. I alluded here on [May 2,] that something similar to what happened to New Orleans was about to occur.

[Raptor Witness]

Here's a smaller version from the good folks at the [weather underground.] Note carefully how the vortex picks up a debris ball upon passing over the city of Greensburg, revealing more plainly the donut structure of the radar signature. Storm chasers call this donut a ["bears cage."]

Looking closely at the Doppler velocity animation below, it's interesting how close this twisters path comes to the [April 27 mishap,] near [Bunker Hill, KS,] where a train carrying NASA's solid fuel rockets for an October launch of the space shuttle Atlantis, occurred. Also interesting, notice how the tornado crosses very [St. John] in route to just east of Bunker Hill. By chance, this was approximately the exact time Saturday morning, when I first laid live eyes on this amazing radar signature, at around 1 A.M., central time.

[CrystalSword]

Just tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this event.

RW, it's just an EF5. On the old Fujita scale, this tornado ranks as an F4, not an F5. So the last F5 was still in 1999.

And on average, an F5 occurs once every two years. So we are actually overdue for one.

[ryangti]

Lets hope we dont hear or see anymore disasters as it could have an impact upon rescues.A shortage of trucks, helicopters and other equipment -- all sent to the war in Iraq -- has hampered recovery in a U.S. town obliterated by a tornado, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said on Monday.I say thanks! Mr Bush,it was bad enough with the Katrina storm then bush turning up at the last moment.Has new orleans recovered yet?it never will or could take decades.this is now where people suffer when needed most by rescues teams,i find this disgusting but dont blame the troops of course.But it is leaving the US wide open now ,the iraq war ,or as i call it the illegal war is having not just an impact on them but people at home come first.I always say as the world helps poor countries,if we were in the same predicament who is going to help us in times of need?.
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNe...28506520070507

[Harry61]

Originally Posted by ryangti

Lets hope we dont hear or see anymore disasters as it could have an impact upon rescues.A shortage of trucks, helicopters and other equipment -- all sent to the war in Iraq -- has hampered recovery in a U.S. town obliterated by a tornado, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said on Monday.I say thanks! Mr Bush,it was bad enough with the Katrina storm then bush turning up at the last moment.Has new orleans recovered yet?it never will or could take decades.this is now where people suffer when needed most by rescues teams,i find this disgusting but dont blame the troops of course.But it is leaving the US wide open now ,the iraq war ,or as i call it the illegal war is having not just an impact on them but people at home come first.I always say as the world helps poor countries,if we were in the same predicament who is going to help us in times of need?.
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNe...28506520070507

There is plenty of help going on for this small town. Gov. Sebelius is buckin for the VP nod. She will say anything to get her noticed.

There were helicopters there, air ambulances are abundant because Kansas is really a large state side to side. There are national gaurds men there now, some showed up in uniform, weren't supposed to be there and were arrested for looting. What they need are Humvees, because the EMS and Rescue cars/trucks tires are getting nails in them.

This isn't like Katrina at all, those people help each other and the only thing they are crying about are their losses. You haven't heard, where's my money? There isn't a Stadium for them to go to but a high school, which is holding about 300 people now. Most people stayed with family in neighboring towns. We don't have rapes and shooting or store looting by the people that live there. They aren't screaming for someone to do something, they are doing it themselves with other people showing up to do anything to help. There was word today that trailers are lined up and waiting for the water, gas, and sewer to get hooked up so they can place them there.

If anything, the rest of the world should look at how they are responding and copeing. If everyone acted this way, there would be a lot less to bitch about. It is really a lot of people pulling together to help each other. I only heard one guy who said he was frustrated with not being able to get in right away. After he made that comment, they found someone alive in the rubble. There is a reason they won't let you go back in immediately. I have heard stories of people showing up with truck loads of stuff in neighboring towns and dropping it off at local gas stations to be picked up by someone going that way.

My point being, they are getting by with out all the supplies that are helping our Troops.

You have to remember this town didn't hold thousands like N.O. it only held about 1400 (I was wrong, I said 400 -- shows you how much you now about a town I usually only stop for gas, and go shopping at the Anitque store. Still sad about that )

What I have learned todate: We did know one guy that was lost, (so far not all the names have been released) We also had a good friend die from a heart attack on Friday. He was only 55, and if you go to the local website, I also know the owner of the house whose deck fell, killing one 46 year old with multiple others hurt. That is a bunch of lawsuits waiting to happen. Very bad weekend for us. (the heart attack was unrelated to the storms, that I know of he was here in Wichita)

I was very moved by the numbers that signed the guest book. A lot of them start out with "I used to live there, or I grew up there..." But there were several from parts of the world that just found the website. It isn't uncommon for our kids to grow up, get an education and get the hell out. That is every KS teens dream.

The website is:

www.kansas.com Newpaper for Wichita Kansas about 1 1/2 hour away from the damage.

I also received pictures taken from a KDOT worker, (KS Dept of Transportation) But I haven't figured out how to up load them yet. Maybe Rapture can help me?