We missed the Billings storm on Father's Day because we had traveled north to Denton, Mt to celebrate with my father and all 5 of my sisters who were all visiting at the same time!
These pictures were forwarded to me by a friend. I have no idea who took these pictures, but they are clearly Billings storm pictures.
Above - is the interior of the Metrapark Sports arena. The roof was taken off by the tornado. Miraculously, nobody was injured. The arena was empty (nearly 4000 people had been there for an event the day before). Several businesses were destroyed or severely damaged, but not one person was injured!
This funnel cloud was photographed just a few miles from our home. I recognize the landmarks.
These two pictures show water flooding the streets in downtown. When we did arrive back in town Sunday evening, we drove through some pretty deep water standing in the streets - necessary to get home.
It was dark by the time we reached our home, but there was no damage and apparently we had only received about 1/2" of rain (as opposed to 2 1/2" in some other areas of town). No apparent hail damage - while others experienced egg sized hail.
I am always amazed by how devastating and yet beautiful they are. Glad there weren't any serious injuries.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! I have never heard of a tornado in Montana, are they a normal weather occurance there? Thank goodness you and your neighbors are safe!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing those remarkable photos of the tornado. Having lived in Billings off and on over the past 50 years, it always sparks memories when it makes the news. I didn't expect to see it on your blog (which I follow almost daily). Your irises and your work are lovely.
ReplyDeleteHi Cynthia. Been visiting you often - so love your art and your photographs. I had to comment on this because we just returned home from a two week Harley Davidson ride through Montana to pick our homestead. We started in Idaho and drove up to Glacier and back down through Wyoming. We' just missed that storm - and we heard all about it every where we went. Billings was the one city we didn't get to. We spent alot of time in Missoula (loved it), Bozeman, Glacier and Helena. Been traveling out that way for 17 years and have finally decided to make it home. I always enjoy looking at your pictures - they are magical.
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