Wow what a night. Lexington South Carolina is usually a quiet little place without much drama. Not last night.

We got home late from a scrimmage ballgame and was getting everyone ready for bed when suddenly I heard a distinct BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR of a freight train. What? Grabbing my children from upstairs we ran to the lower level and took cover. The next 5 seconds was scary! It seemed like 5 minutes.

NO WARNINGS ISSUED. As I have a all weather radio that didn't make a sound.

Official reports say it was a microburst but for those that seen it we know what it was. It was a small funnel cloud (tornado) that hit the ground for maybe 5 seconds. The wind was in excess of 60-70 MPH.

Westbrook and Martins Grove Community in Lexington South Carolina has some major damage and lots of debris all over the place. I have not ventured out yet this morning but I will post pictures as I can. I know there are large trees down and a few roofs that are gone. All within 5 seconds with no warnings. No rain no lightning no nothing!

Animated-Tornado.gif Tornado image by ehtycsarbil

Laura Jefferson

My New Convertible....Homefirewood now

These are my neighbors homes

 Chip Jefferson

Gibbs Realty & Auction Co. INC
Mobile 803-360-0491
Office 803-808-1260
Fax 803-808-1264

 

 

 

49 Comments on The next 5 seconds of your life

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JUL
02
2009
153,128 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Laura - good for you and your family to be safe. What a reminder - we are so helpless before the power of nature. Wow! Just 5 seconds!
1:49pm • #30
1,246,683 Points 159 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Wow! Who wudda thunk it? It is amazing what the weather will do...

Your building consultant for life in Nashville, TN
1:49pm • #31

Puts it all in perspective!  Glad you and your family is safe and relatively minor damage to your home.
3:02pm • #32
320,757 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

It was at 10:15 or so last night so it was dark. No warning to anyone by NWS. No one was hurt in my neighborhood but a few minor injuries were reported around the immediate area.
4:18pm • #33
1,120,819 Points 25 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Laura, 5 seconds...amazing what can happen in that short period. Glad you and family are OK.
5:14pm • #34
331,172 Points 16 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Gives me chills - I'm so glad you and yours are okay~!!!!
5:16pm • #35
805,295 Points 43 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Laura, so glad to hear that your scare was not more than that, I hope everything turns out well for your neighbors as well.
5:38pm • #36
448,509 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Laura, stories like that make us realize the preciousness and fragility of life.
5:58pm • #37
197,853 Points 5 Featured Posts

Holy Cow!!!  That is so scary!  I am so glad that you and your family are safe!  Take care and be careful.

Jeani
5:58pm • #38
1,980,751 Points 484 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wow!  Glad you had no injuries.  I've never been in one.  They are rare in this area, but one did come through close to my home about 5 years ago and did some major damage. 

I would have guessed that Columbia is pretty far east for a tornado.  They seem to pop up just about anywhere lately.

 
5:59pm • #39

Hi Laura, glad you and your family are okay. I thouhgt they came along with bad weather and at least you would know to prepare. i have never seen or experienced one. Hope your neighbors are okay too.
6:14pm • #40
466,655 Points 1 Featured Post

Great post today with a real "heads up".....we should not take things for granted that's for sure. Things can and do change in minute  Each day is a gift.

Patricia Aulson/portsmouth nh
7:42pm • #41
806,112 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Laura, I'm glad to hear that you and family are OK.  Life can change in an instant.  The Greater Toronto Area rarely gets tornados.
8:07pm • #42
650,291 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Initially saw your post and wondered if it had something else to do with the S Carolin news. All the best.
8:26pm • #43
470,604 Points 40 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

out of the blue, things can change so quickly. Growing up in West Texas, tornado's are prevalent and unpredictable. Good to hear you anf family are safe and well!
8:57pm • #44
882,832 Points 50 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Glad everyone is OK.  I have seen some strange things... that isn't one of them... and I'm cool keeping it that way.
9:32pm • #45
1,363,859 Points 42 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I'm glad you and your family are okay.  Mother Nature can be both awesome and scary.  We never get warnings with our large earthquakes.
11:43pm • #46
628,495 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Oh wow. Glad that you and the kids were safe. We've been having a few of those up here as well this week (but we were warned at least - or maybe you missed the warning while at the game?).
11:49pm • #47
569,592 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Laura: Good to hear you and your family are OK... Just think if this was 15, 25 or even 45 seconds what damage could have happened.
11:51pm • #48
JUL
08
2009
243,359 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Laura, glad to hear you and the neighbors are ok.  Mother nature is amazing!
1:09am • #50

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Chip Jefferson (Gibbs Realty and Auction Company)

Chip Jefferson

Columbia, SC

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