Last Friday night my husband and college age grandson and I were watching the NCAA championship basketball game between Alabama and Mississippi State. Our grandson had stopped for the night on his way home from the University of Alabama to South Carolina for spring break.
It was an exciting, close game and the two guys were glued to the TV hoping for an Alabama win. Suddenly everyone in the stadium of over 20,000 people started looking up toward the ceiling of the dome as the roof started swaying and pieces of the roof tore off. There was a loud noise that was later described as sounding like a freight train. Those seated highest up in the "nose bleed" section started making their way down to safety. The sports announcers and several cameramen were visibly shaken as they recounted what had happened. And one of the cameramen who was perched in a swaying basket like filming structure near the roof said he rushed down a ladder to safety as fast as possible.
No one knew exactly what had happened. The game was delayed for over an hour as the officials accessed the situation. Tornado or high winds they decided.
As it turned out it was indeed a tornado that had struck downtown Atlanta, the CNN Center, Georgia World Congress Center, skimming directly over the Georgia Dome with all those fans inside. What a close call for them. The sports announders said that the security and officials in the Georgia Dome did a great job of maintaining calm; thus avoiding a stampede for the exits.
We live within 5 miles of the area where the tornado hit but we were not directly affected. We did have high winds, heavy rain and lightening and thunder Our weather radio alarm kept going off with tornado warnings but thankfully our area was sparred the direct impact.
"ATLANTA (AP) - Alabama and Mississippi State were locked in a thrilling game at the Southeastern Conference tournament. Suddenly, everyone started looking toward the roof of the Georgia Dome, wondering where that rumbling sound was coming from.
What they saw was terrifying.
Metal scaffolding and a temporary video board swaying back and forth. The huge fabric roof flapping like a flag in a stiff breeze. Two large panels above the upper deck starting to peel away. Small chunks of insulation and debris drifting toward the court."
9 comments:
Chancy, I am sure that the people inside the arena were scared of what might happen. I am glad to know you weren't harmed!
So glad to hear that you were okay Chancy. How frightening for everyone. I have relatives in the Atlanta area....they're okay too.
I thought of you when I heard those tornado reports. Glad you posted here to let us know you're okay. Scary even watching what was happening in that arena.
Reminded me of watching the news out here in L.A. years ago when an earthquake hit, shaking lights, cameras, and one of the newsmen dived under the desk. Much debate later about his actions, but I think he and those you described did exactly what they should do -- seek safety.
Weather has really been doing a number on us, hasn't it? It could have been terrifying to have been so close--especially had one a clue as to what was happening! I rejoice in your safety; but, don't wish anyone harmed by such weather.
Cop Car
OMG.. how very terrifying. Thank goodness no one was hurt.
Only Mother Nature can bring us back to reality when we are focused on March Madness!
I've been near, but not in, a tornado and even from a distance they are terrifying. I can only imagine the fear of those in downtown Atlanta. So glad to hear you are safe.
Good to hear y'all escaped harm!!!
I am glad you were not any closer to that tornado. The weather all over the states has been unusual, but I do not remember a time there have been so many tornadoes.
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