Tornado/Crazy Storm

Saturday evening we were sitting around the house watching the storms develop over the desert. About 6:15, Chris noticed that there was rotation on the radar and not a few minutes later we were sent warning of possible tornado. We love storms and this one was coming right for us. We knew by the time it arrived in Idaho Falls, that the tornado warning would be downgraded to a severe thunderstorm. We were correct.

 We watched from the kitchen window as the storm creped up the valley. We could see the grove of trees and then all of a sudden they were gone and the animals in the pastures came running for cover. They didn't make it before the hail began pelting the earth. The hail was about a nickel in size at our house and some areas in Idaho Falls were quarter to golf ball sized. The noise level in the house was like a freight train running straight through our yard. At one point, I yelled for Lucas to move away from the windows because I was afraid they would shatter from all the hail. It did damage to homes and cars all around Idaho Falls.

During the storm lighting and thunder were continuous. If it were darker it would have been quite the show. In town they found about 120 snow geese that were struck by lightning in flight. They pelted the roof's of local businesses and their parking lots. 

After 15 minutes of the hail pounding, the storm passed and we could see a beautiful rainbow. Unfortunately I was unable to get a picture because I could hear baby kittens bawling. So I ignored the rainbow and went on a search. I found the kittens in their den with about 2 inches of rain in with them. They were soaked and no momma around. So, I scooped them up and brought them into the house until I could solve the situation. I used an old Rubbermaid tote and cut a hole and used old linens to secure them and get them warm. I placed them back by their den in the tote and came back a couple hours to find their mom had found them and they were warm and safe. It was a happy ending to a scary storm. 

Tornado Warning. What the heck!



News crews burst on to the scene when tornado warnings came in.
You could tell they were busy doing family things when they came into work.

Captured this lightning strike as the storm came closer.

Holy Hail Pile.

Just a small chunk of ice.

Refugees from the storm.

Sunset following the ciaos was incredible.