Last night, May 10, 2008, Stephanie and I were shooting a beautiful couple and their wedding in Monett, Missouri. We had watched the weather and there was a forecast of some rain and thunderstorms, but we were hoping for just a ‘break’ enough to get in the pictures after the wedding ceremony. We did, and they came out great.
At the reception location in Monett, the weather began changing rapidly. The wind began picking up, rain followed by golf ball size hail started driving hard against the building and windows, I thought the windows were going to break…
The building had a metal roof so the hail was very loud and alarming to all the guests, all power went out. Then, the sky got dark green…
Cell calls began ringing as calls from concerned local families were reporting to us that the tornado sirens were going off in Monett and that a tornado had been sighted. We were isolated out at this reception area, so escaping was not an option, so we were advised to immediately position ourselves for a potential hit.
Obviously, that was the right decision as water poured in under the walls, the barometric pressure blew open the doors, there was a few minutes of uncertainty, and quite frankly a few moments of horror, but we were glad to be out from under that storm and missing a direct hit from the tornado…
Local NBC TV was right on top of the incredible damage, unbeknownst to us at the time…
This video was taken this morning, to show footage from last night, and the aftermath and damage of this dangerous tornado…
At the time of this posting, the report is now 22 fatalities. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this storm and are thankful that we are all safe.
Filed under: On Location, SMP News, True Life | Tagged: May 10 2008, Midwest Tornado, Missouri Tornado, Monett Tornado, Tornado, Tornado Pictures, Tornado Story, Tornado Video
This is so tragic. I’m so sorry for all those families affected by this Tornado. Thank you for your coverage and putting the Video’s on your blog for us to view.
This makes it real….it could happen to any one of us or to our family.
Stephanie, I’m glad you and Timmy are safe. My prayers go out to all those who were affected. God Bless!
Thanks. All turned out ok for all. Check out the new Raul and Erin video teaser I just posted from their engagement session. Let me know what you think.