2048 Studio

My apologizes for not responding to the many who have visited my site yesterday afternoon, and today.

As you may have seen on the news – in fact, my brother saw it as far away as Scottsdale, AZ – the Lovell Crossing Apartments of West Knoxville were hit and damaged by a tornado – see here.

Driving home in the rain yesterday, I encountered winds as strong as I can remember. Soon after I turned into the front drive, where trees along the road were observed bending low to the ground, a very powerful wind shifted the rear of my vehicle to the right by 2-feet. Then, within a second, a large tree snapped and flew into the road in front of me. I was luckily able to avoid hitting it, turning to park at the front office, where I waited for the storm to pass.

The scene was total chaos. Everywhere I looked, trees were snapped in half, or entirely uprooted. After checking my apartment, where I observed a small ceiling leak through a vent, I retrieved my point-and-shoot camera and walked the grounds. Living on the top floor, my neighbor across the hall had approx. 1/3 of his roof missing. This was a common scene, where many roofs were partially destroyed.

Several cars were damaged, crushed under downed-trees, and pelted with projectiles of loose lumber. Parked cars were relocated sideways, and an entire 100-foot long garage was decimated, with nothing left standing except a motorcycle.

The damage was severe and widespread, and I couldn’t imagine that people would be permitted to remain in such circumstances. So, I returned and started packing, toting several items on long trips to where I’d parked. Electricity was out (and remains so), though the ambulances, police and firefighters were one the scene – in force – quickly.

It wasn’t long before instructions were given for doors to be forcibly opened with sledgehammers, to ensure nobody was trapped. My door & lock were also destroyed. Fortunately, I was able to fill my vehicle with my most important belongings, shortly before authorities began to ban people from entering their respective residences. People had to leave everything behind – cars, etc..

Another downside is that I can’t share any pictures with you, as the cord required for downloading photographs from my point and shoot camera was left behind.

Spending the night with family, I visited the apartment complex this morning, and again in the afternoon. The many doors that were destroyed were now boarder over, inaccessible, with nobody allowed beyond the gates.

Before repair work can begin, electricity must to be restored. Each building must then be inspected and coded. Insurance inspectors must do extensive work, also. All told, it’s a disaster.

Personally, I don’t think that people will be allowed to move back in for probably at least a month, though hope I’m wrong. I have a Renters Insurance policy and, meeting with representatives today, will have temporary housing provided at no cost, for an indeterminate period of time. Not the ideal situation, certainly, though I’m grateful that I wasn’t injured, and that the next step is underway.

I suspect that forthcoming posts over the near future will be few and far between, if at all. Consider it a hiatus, and know that I look forward to creating, sharing and interacting with each of you, my dear friends.

Peace out.