Special offer

It's that time of year, isn't it? Tornado season that is.

By
Title Insurance with Old Republic Title 126029

Well, it must be May in Oklahoma because the tornado's are here and with a vengeance.  I am sorry to report that two Oklahoma's thus far have lost their lives and probably over 100 homes either damaged or destroyed.  It was the May 3rd, 1999 tornado that we will always remember even though we've had a couple of doosey's since then but the one in 1999 was the bad one.

May 3rd tornado

The photo above was one of my favorites that I had shot that day.  To me it really showed the Oklahoma spirit and determination that we will not lose faith in the face of adversity.

Upside down truck

 

This one you just have to shake your head at and hope there wasn't anyone driving it at that time!  We did rebuild and came back better than ever and we will do it again and again as the need arises.  As you look around at the debris fields it makes you really wonder how things can get back to normal but they do.  I suppose the same could be said for you folks in your California earthquakes or the hurricanes in Florida.  You simply pick up the pieces and out them back together, again and again.

Please pray for everyone here in Oklahoma along with prayers for those suffering from the oil spill.  I think we just need lots of prayers everywhere right now.

Posted by

Russell Benson, Realtor®
Prudential Alliance Realty
Oklahoma City, OK
Serving Oklahoman's since 1998
www.RealEstateOKC.com

Kerry L Klun, Broker/Owner
Palm Realty - Melbourne, FL
321-626-5868

The tornados were the opening story on this evening's news.  I am so sorry!

May 10, 2010 05:37 PM
Ray Saenz
Exit Realty Laredo - Laredo, TX
Homes for Sale in Laredo, TX - Texas, Realtor

Russell,
that's an impacting photo the one that you posted !, here in colorado we have had some tornado alerts but nothing big, take care

 

May 10, 2010 05:47 PM
Marilyn Boudreaux
Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Bono Realty - Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles LA Century 21 Realtor

Hi Russell, Growing up in Oklahoma I don't miss the tornados thats for sure.  I lived in Broken Arrow from 1973-1981 and remember hearing the sirens and laying in the hall or bathroom back in the day with my parents.  We have endured some bad storms thats for sure.  Now I live in Louisiana and have hurricanes to deal with and actually lost a home in 2005 from Hurricane Rita.  As soon as I heard the news tonight I was praying and posting on Facebook to check on my friends.  Hope you are safe and sound!

May 10, 2010 06:10 PM
Don Spera
CR Property Group, LLC - East York, PA
Serving York and Adams County, PA

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  These weather patterns have been unbelievable.  Every year it seems like a new surprise.  Wishing you all a speedy recovery from this devastation, from PA.

May 10, 2010 06:35 PM
Tim Lorenz
TIM LORENZ - Elite Home Sales Team - Mission Viejo, CA
949 874-2247

Those weather patterns would frighten me to death.  I will take the earth quakes.

May 10, 2010 06:50 PM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

That is so amazing photos. .and it looks like you had a tough day yesterday

May 10, 2010 11:15 PM
Russell Benson
Old Republic Title - Norman, OK
We'd love to close your deal at Old Republic!

Thanks everyone.  Five deaths attributed to the tornado and I suppose it could have been worse.  Here is a short video of the hail that was coming down at my house.  As you can see, it literally exploded when it hit the ground and the sound from inside sounded like big booms.  Really something else.  I guess I am used to this but would you believe I have never been in a tornado where my home was damaged but growing up in the country we would watch the tornado's jump around and over the house but you always knew when it was time to get to the storm shelter!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqcLzp6cWNo

Stay safe!

May 11, 2010 03:20 AM
Russell Benson
Old Republic Title - Norman, OK
We'd love to close your deal at Old Republic!

Marilyn,

Is there anywhere we can live where something bad never happens?  If anyone knows, let us know and I'll start the home search ASAP!

 

May 11, 2010 03:22 AM
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Russell, I remeber that May tornado being scared out of my wits, glued to the TV while Gary England and his staff did an incredible job of saying where it was going. Fortunately for me I wasn't in the tornados path. I remeber going down I-35 to visit friends in Norman and going through Moore I was astounded at the site. It was like those old WWII pictures of berlin after the fall. You are so right about the Oklahoma spirit. This and the Murrah bombing showed not only our resolve, but also that kindness in helping those affected.

May 12, 2010 06:18 AM
Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

I see this is your most recent post. Hope all is well with you and yours, that you're really busy, but that you'll be back soon to Play in the Rain with us. Take advantage of that love affair between Google and ActiveRain!

Jul 25, 2010 11:46 AM
Russell Benson
Old Republic Title - Norman, OK
We'd love to close your deal at Old Republic!

Well, lots of heat right now but some heavy rain in the previous month.  Our new roofs have been well tested!

Ready for cooler weather all around.

Jul 28, 2010 03:56 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Russell, how sad. It is unfortunate that Nature is so powerful. We have Natural Hazards in Southern California, that make the news all the time. I will take an Earthquake anyday over this.

Aug 21, 2010 01:43 PM
1~Judi Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK
BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

Russell,

Couldn't help but notice that it's been a while since you've posted anything.  Hope all is well with you.

 

Nov 02, 2010 01:01 PM