Hazelwood Editor Survives Tornado: 'I Never Got a Chance to Pray'

As I wrap up my almost 24-hour work day, I'm finally able to sit back and think about the fact I survived a tornado on Wednesday.

You always look at media coverage and movies where natural disasters happen, and I don't know about you, but I've asked myself time after time: "What would I do if I were in that situation?"

First, I would pray to the good Lord above. Second, I would whip out my camera and go into journalist mode. Third, when all the chaos was over, I would ensure my family was OK.

When it happens, plans go out the window, kind of like when you deliver a baby.

As I drove down Howdershell Road Wednesday night, slowing to a halt near Lynn Haven Lane because of heavy rains, I can't tell you much about what happened because I was in shock.

But I can say I heard a loud boom. The loudest I've ever experienced. I saw dark and I saw green flashes, which probably came from the transformers blowing.

I, along with the other drivers, had to cut onto the Howdershell Road Dollar General parking lot because the traffic lights and trees were thrown down and barricading the road. 

I never got a chance to pray because it happened so fast.

I was in shock.

I held on to my steering wheel as my car shook and could think of nothing besides the fact that I wanted to hug my little boys again.

After getting out of the car and asking my neighbor if we had really just experienced a tornado, I called home to ensure my family was OK. I told my other half how much I love him, and then I whipped out my phone and captured video.

Still shaking. Still in awe.

Tell me where you were when the storm hit? What did you see? How did you react?