It has been awhile since I have mentioned getting a good book from The Dollar Tree.I have read plenty.I just haven't posted about them.
That ends today.I just finished a fantastic read about the largest single day outbreak of tornadoes in United States history[148 tornadoes in a twenty four hour period that killed 335 people!]called 'F5',by Mark Levine.
As chance would happen,this super cell storm happened exactly 36 years ago today:April 3rd,1974.
The title of the book refers to the most powerful of tornadoes,a level F5.F5's have a strength of over 318 mph.The 'F' actually stands for Fajita,the last name of the Japanese/American scientist that invented the 'F' classification system for tornadoes.
According to the book,in all of the 1960's there where only nine tornadoes classified as F5's.On April 3rd,1974 there were six!Plus numerous F4's,F3's and on down the line.
Though the public persona of the storm was in Xenia,Ohio(just a hop,skip and a jump away from where I live),author Mark Levine chose the people of Limestone,Alabama to put a true face on this horrific tragedy.
While the book reads like a horror novel,it also shows the heroism and love of the people in Limestone.All does not end well.Families are killed,disfigured,displaced and are just generally put through hell on Earth.The horrors of the aftermath is even discussed.And ,in some cases can be considered just as tragic.
Yet,the author shows the resilient nature of people before,during and after the super cell outbreak.
I have gained a great respect for tornadoes after reading this very good book.I don't think I will be taking tornado warnings lightly ever again.
One good read.
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