Tornado hits NC- and Sanford area devastated

[Francis Morin]

First and foremost, whenever Ma Nature shows her wrath, good American people band together to help, whether at home, in Japan, in Haiti, the Guft Coast- etc. Recent news shows major damage to the infrastructure of the Tar Heel State, including the Sanford area. Has anyone yet heard from Bill Kempferrer about the Southern event and if that will have to be rescheduled? Josh L. is in that area, perhaps he might be our "Point Man" for the PGCA on this situation.

Best wishes for a recovery to all the citizens of NC-and if the event goes forward, safe travel to all PGCA members attending.

[Eric Eis]

Have not heard but I know Sanford got hit hard. Hope for the Best.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Eric, 21 dead so far in N.C. Sanford, Raleigh,Bertie county hit hard, NOAA says 60 confirmed tornados in N.C.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Eric the number of storms may be wrong getting a lot of conflicting info

[Kevin McCormack]

Lots of ripped up areas locally; Loudon County VA next door hard hit in typically "micro burst areas"; pictures on The Weather Channel (local area cable channel 69) showed a huge oak tree complete with root ball torn out of the ground and blown who knows how far into a lovely country house's yard, set down just inside the idyllic white picket fence and leaning heavily agains the 200-yr. old plus house; will have to be dissected carefully by the local tree guys. Had to be a 75-80 foot tall tree. Damage to the historic house unknown.

Bad damage report areas still coming in nearby. Potomac river near Point Of Rocks south of Frederick MD angry and roiling; will probably crest near flood stage around Wednesday around dawn or shortly thereafter.

On Friday and Saturday morning at the Chantilly Gun Show just south of Dulles Airport we were waiting for the metal roof over the massive Expo Center to do the "Sardine Can peel" Luckily no damage there; reminded me of my days in Kansas when the sky turned the color of a real bad bruise on your arm of leg, then the sudden stillness and the incredibly fast drop in temperature just after the still air and high humidity - TORNADO WARNING!!!

Grab a couple of bottles of good wine or whiskey, snacks and the Coleman lantern and the portable radio and head for the root cellar or the below-ground laundry room. Never will forget the sound or the fury of the wind out on the plains; always seemed just around the time of the first new moon before Easter.

[Mike Kobos]

I called Deep River this afternoon and even though they are open on Sundays, just got the voicemail. I also called the Hampton Inn and they said they were not damaged at all by the tornado.

[Eric Eis]

Eric, 21 dead so far in N.C. Sanford, Raleigh,Bertie county hit hard, NOAA says 60 confirmed tornados in N.C.

Gary,

That's not what I wanted to hear... You and the family ok?

[Eric Eis]

Gary thanks for the last info, damn scary...I just wish the best to all of those

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

THe news this morning said the tornado that hit Sanford and Raleigh was a F-3 and stayed on the ground for 63miles. Do we know for sure everything next week is a go?

[David Dwyer]

I just talked to Rick Hemmingway and he checked this morning and Deep River in Sanford is OK. Some down limbs but everything is a go for the Souhern
David

[Dick Miller]

I have a friend who lives in Sanford and talked with him yesterday afternoon. The tornado passed through the south end of town in a northeasterly direction, doing a lot of damage in the south business district on Horner Blvd (421 S), but both Deep River and the motels on the north end of town are undamaged.

[Francis Morin]

Winds in excess of 160 mph- storm started in OK and moved Eastward, gathering force- Glad to hear the Southern shoot will still go forward, I am not going to be able to attend (and enjoy the fine hospitality and a "meet and greet" with my friend from the neighboring Palmetto State, George Lander.

I cannot, of course, speak for Bill K. and the Deep River Gun Club, but inasmuch as our John Dunkle has founded and funded RennWish, to help the ravaged peoples of Haiti- perhaps the PGCA will again take the "point position" here and see if any funds can be raised to help local agencies in both NC and neighboring VA. Many of us are lucky indeed, but some know the brush with fate, and not just from combat-that somehow spares us, but touches our neighbors or fellow man- Sort of a 'spin" on the phrase: "There but for the grace of God--etc--"

I know this personally, as I had hoped to meet Col. Bruce Day last June (2010) at the Yooper Fest- but he called and mentioned some serious damage to his house- roof and tree limbs, power out- so of course, had to stay back home and restore things to somewhat normal.

I wish everybody in the PGCA a safe trip- both ways-!!:bigbye:

[Dean Romig]

I just received an e-mail from Deep River confirming that all is well and the damaging tornados have not affected the Deep River facility.

[Bill Murphy]

Bill's website confirms that no damage was experienced at the Southern Side by Side venue.

[Jim Thynne]

Called Bill and there was no damage at the club or the grounds.The event will go on as usual..... See you there........Jim Thynne

[calvin humburg]

Kevin, The wind still blowes here in KS the other day blew 55 with 70+ gusts all day brutal. Sorry for all the tornado victums Prayes for them. I really enjoy watching thoes storms you talk about out of my tractor window but I don't want a tornado to hit anybody of course. best ch

[lee r moege]

I'll second that Calvin! We native Kansan's have a long history dealing with tornado's but for some reason the weather patterns are changing and what we used to get all the time,(tornados, dust storms, and deep snow) are now happening farther East. Of course the wind never quits so that is still making a round of "clays" a real experience! Glad all are OK back there! Lee.:)

[Drew Hause]

A few pics of Kansas weather comin' here :rolleyes:
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20611291

And a glorious Easter to all, esp. the good folks in Sanford