First, my prayers are with the people of Myanmar (tsunami) and China (earthquake), and people in many states around the U.S. harmed by tornados. One disaster is bad enough, but it feels like we (the U.S. and the world) are having disaster upon disaster upon disaster.

Trivia - the SE PA and Eastern Seaboard areas had windstorms, I think the tail end of the storms that have caused tornados elsewhere, and I hear lots of reports of road closures and downed trees in my area. And, of all things - it is May, after all - a forecast of snow in the State College, PA area this afternoon!

By Tayjar on Monday, May 12, 2008 - 03:40 pm:

Here's a bit of trivia from the insurance gal:

Each year, what weather disaster causes insurance companies to pay more claims combined than a hurricane?

Hail storms. Even during years like Andrew and Katrina, my company paid more in hail storm damages than hurricane damage. Hail storms just don't make the news. They aren't as glamorous as death and destruction.

By Rayelle on Monday, May 12, 2008 - 03:52 pm:

I think weather is just crazy. Fortunately I'm not in an area prone to disasters but who knows anymore. We've been touched by a tornado before and they used to say it wasn't an issue since we're in the mountains. I'm only a few hours away from State College and I can believe a snow forecast. It's been shorts weather for weeks and now it's freezing and rainy.

By Dawnk777 on Monday, May 12, 2008 - 10:56 pm:

Shorts weather? What's that? Little girls keep coming to school in capris and flip-flops with bare feet. I keep thinking they are crazy! I haven't come close to wanting to wear sandals yet! It was only in the 50's today, and windy!

By Imamommyx4 on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 - 08:14 pm:

When Katrina hit a couple of years ago, I thought the same thing Rayelle. We aren't in an area that gets hit by disasters much. But last year the drought did wide spread damage thru here. Not near the magnitude of Katrina or cyclone or earthquake. But it was a rough summer. And the tornadoes this year have ravaged across Tennessee plenty. My mom got hit by one in April.