The New Year

As I look forward to the new year there is one thing I'd like to avoid--a repeat of February 2008.  I never eagerly anticipate severe weather, but I really don't enjoy it when it comes during the winter months.  During February, most kids are looking for the next snow event, not the next tornado outbreak.  February 5th, 2008, was one tornado outbreak that none of us in Memphis will ever forget and never want to repeat.

Tornadoes on that Super Tuesday killed 3 people at the Hickory Ridge Mall.  In all, 57 people lost their lives that afternoon over four states.  There were a total of 87 tornadoes reported across the southeast United States.  Memphis, Jackson and Nashville were all hard hit.  Who can forget the images from Union University where about 2000 students were hunkered down before the tornado hit?  I was on the Union campus the following day and couldn't believe the level of destruction I witnessed.  It's hard to imagine that no one on that campus was killed as a result of the tornado.  The school administration had an emergency plan prepared and they made sure that it was enacted. 

I was also on the scene for tornadoes which hit Lauderdale county Tennessee, Enterprise, Mississippi and Tupelo, Mississippi.  I don't enjoy seeing the destruction, but it's always heart warming to see families and communities come together to support those affected by tornadoes. 

One of the best ways you can be prepared for severe weather is to subscribe to WREG's Weather Call program.  When severe weather threatens your neighborhood, we'll call you.  Go to wreg.com for more information.

Here's hoping that 2009 will bring us some great weather!