I grew up in tornado country but was fortunate to have never crossed their paths but twice in all that time, as usually could be found in a closet (literally) and they did not come near our neighborhood thankfully. I have seen the damage and destruction of neighboring areas, something to fear and not mess around with.

The one time was driving home from college, 350 mi trip, and wasn't aware of any bad weather reports, only rain. The sky had turned that grey/green color and could see storm clouds off to the north and east; the wind had picked up some. I had been paying attention to the road when I heard a train, where there should not be one, no tracks nearby. Looked to the right and about 2 miles off was a huge funnel moving towards the interstate. We had always been taught to get out of the car and get into a ditch. Always worried about that and what would be in them, (snakes and such) but better than getting sucked away. I get out with the dog, my large lab, who knew something was up. Trying to get him to lie down and stay still was a real problem so I harness him wrapping his leash around him to get a better hold and under me as it got closer and then trying to cover my head. My father always made me keep a blanket in my car of emergencies, this qualified and it kept me somewhat protected from the debris. Oh the crap flying in the air. It passed about 50 yards south of us. It picked up some of the cars that were moving on the hwy that did not pull over, the stopped ones in the ditches were still there. Had some serious bruises after that but was fortunate, others did not make it.

There was another time at the dorm and weather warning for tornado that day, I am in the closet of course (our only interior room with no window). Roommate walks in, "Holy cow, will you look at that!", of course had to look, saw two twisters in the parking lot picking up the cars and bikes and then the window blew in shattering not 10 sec later. I don't think I have ever moved so fast back into the closet. It was astounding and fearful the power. A few nicks from the glass, shame from my own stupidity, and now you won't get me out of the closet again when there is an area warning. Thankfully otherwise there was only property damage with those two.