I was excited when my father mentioned that his cousin Dominique was getting married in Houston. This was unusual for me, because as a Northerner, I was legally and morally obligated to make fun of the South whenever it came up.
I was excited for two reasons: one, we would be driving there, and I needed driving hours for my license; and two, I’d be missing school. After a few weeks of being thoroughly badgered, Dad heaved an overly dramatic sigh and called the school, informing them of my absence?and we were off!
However, as tar roads turned to trails and prairies to hills, doubts began to creep into my mind. I’d barely even remembered Dominique and her family. Would we be welcome there? Would I be able to understand anyone through their thick Texan accent? And just how many Confederate flags would I see, anyway?
I would soon realize that I shouldn’t have been worried about the Southerners. I should have been worried about their storms.
Let’s set the scene: a wide Texas highway, a 2011 Toyota Corolla underneath the steadily darkening sky, and two nervous travelers. As rain pattered on our windows, the wind began to pick up, and we began to worry. Driving through rain was one thing; driving during a thunderstorm was another.
It didn’t take long for things to become hazardous. Looking out the windows, it seemed as if we were driving through a carwash. Sheets of water cascaded down the windshield and over the road until the car began to slip. Frantic, my dad and I looked around for an overpass, but trying to see out the windows was a task in and of itself?the only time we would see clearly was when bright strikes of lightning would illuminate the dark gray sky. I fumbled with the radio, trying to find a weather station, but only static crackled through the speakers.
At this point, few cars remained on the highway. It looked like everyone else had either deserted the scene or fallen behind. Screeching notifications from our phones read, “TORNADO WARNING. TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.”
Wind buffeted the Corolla, and my dad decided to take a risk and get off at the nearest exit. Miraculously, an overpass emerged out of the dark, and along with other travelers, we took refuge.
The search for a radio station was still on, and I fiddled with the knob until the speakers sputtered out weather updates. We’d never been so relieved to hear the voice of an announcer, who informed us that although the worst of the tornado had passed by us, we still had to be on our guard.
“For those who are driving, be aware of lightning strikes,” the man warned. “Lightning is one of nature’s deadliest phenomenons.”
Comforted by this reassurance, we prepared to head off, the car crawling forward out of the underpass. Suddenly the sky flashed, and, a classroom’s length away, lightning struck down and hit the road. I blinked, the impact so blinding that it had burned into my retinas, and looked at my dad.
“Maybe we should wait a little longer,” he said nervously, and we stayed where we were for a few more minutes before driving off.
The rest of the trip was a nail-biting experience, but we ended up at our hotel safe and sound, heaving our luggage into the room and flopping down on our beds, soaked with rain. We glanced at each other.
“That was scarier than anything else I’m going to see in Texas,” I sighed. My dad laughed.
“Yeah, you’ve got nothing to worry about now.”
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Horror in Houston: When the South Turns Stormy”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog aand check again here frequently.
I’m quite certain I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks
We absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for.
Do you offer guest writers to write content
for yourself? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write concerning
here. Again, awesome site!
Essential bags: Remember to bring commonly used medicines, prescription medicines, motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, wound closures, etc.
Thanks for sharing
Very nice article. I certainly love this site.
Contine the good work!
Wow, Fran Falkin’s pet travel tips are a lifesaver! ? Planning our pet-friendly vacation has been a breeze thanks to these insightful tips. We followed tip #2, and now our fur baby practically loves their carrier, making our journey stress-free. Plus, we found a cozy hotel that welcomes our pet, so they’re enjoying the adventure just as much as we are. Thanks, Fran, for turning our pet travel worries into tail-wagging excitement!
Hey There. I found your weblog using msn. That
is a really smartly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of
your useful info. Thank you for the post. I will certainly
comeback.
i wish i was chinese
I am genuinely pleased to read this weblog posts which includes plenty
of helpful information, thanks for providing
these kinds of statistics.
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular
article! It’s the little changes that will make the biggest changes.
Thanks for sharing!
Explore the beauty of Sri Lanka with our family tours. Discover unforgettable experiences for all with Family Tours Sri Lanka. Book your adventure today with Sri Lanka Family Tours.
Great post.
Yes, recent trends suggest that Americans are regaining confidence in vacations and travel. As travel restrictions ease and vaccination rates increase, many Americans are showing a greater willingness to travel and explore destinations again. However, it’s important to stay updated on travel advisories and safety measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Reading Fran Falkin’s insights took me back to my first trip with Whiskers, my feline companion. The chaos of ensuring he was comfortable amidst the hustle of the airport was a lesson in patience. Had I come across these invaluable tips earlier, our journey would’ve been as smooth as a calm sea.
Thank you! I value it!
Great information. Cheers.
Very good write-up. I certainly appreciate this website.
Continue the good work!
I read your article on the Sheep of Sun Valley and I found it very fascinating and enjoyable. You have given a detailed and colorful account of your experience at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, which celebrates the history and culture of sheepherding in Idaho. I think your article is a great way to introduce this unique and fun event to other travelers and families who are looking for a different and memorable adventure.
This is something new I saw on the internet today I want to thank you for writing such a great and helpful blog. I really appreciate your efforts.