Written by chief forecaster Daniel Wilson of the storm alert center
Three years ago this evening, Storm Anchor Keith Richardson and me sat for over four hours in the Storm Alert Center doing severe weather coverage during the Generational Tornado Outbreak that started in Arkansas and ended up in Kentucky. Those days were December 10-11.
A day after the storm hit, Bro. Myles Wilson and myself went into Dawson Springs at night and surveyed the damage. We were the only ones in this area…no police…no victims…no other cars…just us.
The moon was about 50% and it caused an eerie shadow to to be cast by what few things were standing. The cold wind blew colder than any wind I’ve ever seen because it seemed to penetrate our skin more due to the location. — We cried on our way home.
Our coverage drew people from all over, some were flipping between us and the big TV stations because WBKO was off the air and no other media had established coverage along the Louie Nunn Cumberland Expressway before the storms impacted this area.
When daylight came, the damage was insurmountable. I walked with friends of mine the streets of Dawson Springs talking with victims, handing out gift cards and offering help if needed.
The Storm Alert Center has tried to be proactive for severe weather preparedness but, I fear people are beyond complacent and one day, WHEN the big one hits, we could be as Mayfield and Dawson Springs.
I preach and preach and it seems to fall on deaf ears. As we remember this event, let us be thankful for being spared and hope and pray we never experience such again locally.
SamanthaCSinclair.com 