That storm was one of the more intense experiences I’ve had on the homestead. The hail was baseball-sized in some places, and the winds knocked trees clean across roads and power lines. Thankfully, most of us were spared direct hits, but the destruction just a few miles away is a sobering reminder that we’ve got to stay ready for severe weather in these parts.
The video captured the chaos and recovery efforts: branches scattered everywhere, water pouring over roads, power outages, and a real sense of urgency to clear paths for neighbors. Having a solid communication plan was crucial—and you can see where we almost dropped the ball. Despite investing in GMRS radios and repeaters, it only works if you keep them powered, turned on, and loud enough to hear the alerts. It’s a great lesson in redundancy: the best emergency gear in the world is useless if you’re not in a position to utilize it.
Historically, small rural communities had their own methods of weather awareness long before modern meteorology took off—watching the sky for certain cloud formations, feeling temperature drops, or even using simple barometric readings were key. In some places, folks would rely on designated “storm watchers” who’d climb high points (like church towers) to watch for funnel clouds. No fancy electronics, just keen observations and a network of watchers passing the word along. It may not match NOAA’s accuracy today, but it underscores the value of neighbors taking care of neighbors—which is exactly what we ended up doing after these tornadoes passed: checking on one another, hauling out the chainsaws, chipping debris, and working together.
If you’re looking to bolster your own emergency prep, a few things are worth considering:
The takeaway is pretty straightforward: nature doesn’t wait for us to be ready. Tornadoes, hailstorms, floods—all these events test not just our homesteads but our communities and cooperation. The “old ways” of self-reliance, neighborly help, and paying close attention to the environment blend perfectly with modern backup systems and communication tools. Don’t wait until the funnel cloud is overhead. Prepare now, stay vigilant, and lean on the folks around you. That’s how we truly recover and thrive, even after the worst storms roll through.
Products Mentioned (Affiliate links support our homestead at no cost to you)
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The video captured the chaos and recovery efforts: branches scattered everywhere, water pouring over roads, power outages, and a real sense of urgency to clear paths for neighbors. Having a solid communication plan was crucial—and you can see where we almost dropped the ball. Despite investing in GMRS radios and repeaters, it only works if you keep them powered, turned on, and loud enough to hear the alerts. It’s a great lesson in redundancy: the best emergency gear in the world is useless if you’re not in a position to utilize it.
Historically, small rural communities had their own methods of weather awareness long before modern meteorology took off—watching the sky for certain cloud formations, feeling temperature drops, or even using simple barometric readings were key. In some places, folks would rely on designated “storm watchers” who’d climb high points (like church towers) to watch for funnel clouds. No fancy electronics, just keen observations and a network of watchers passing the word along. It may not match NOAA’s accuracy today, but it underscores the value of neighbors taking care of neighbors—which is exactly what we ended up doing after these tornadoes passed: checking on one another, hauling out the chainsaws, chipping debris, and working together.
If you’re looking to bolster your own emergency prep, a few things are worth considering:
- Backup Power and Shelter: Even a small generator helps keep the essentials running—like your freezer of food—when the grid goes down. Keep your storm shelter stocked with basic supplies (non-perishable snacks, water, a headlamp, and first-aid kit). Historically, root cellars and dugouts doubled as storm shelters on older homesteads, so if you have a basement or an old root cellar, it can still be a lifesaver.
- Communication and Alerts: GMRS handheld radios (like the ones shown in the video) are a fantastic option if you don’t want to tackle a ham radio license. You pay the FCC fee, get a call sign, and you’re set. In an actual storm event, have at least two separate ways to get weather alerts—like a weather radio, phone apps, or community text groups. According to NOAA’s severe weather guidelines, the earlier you receive an alert, the better chance you have to seek safe shelter.
- Teamwork: After the storm passes, cooperating with your neighbors can make the cleanup infinitely faster. As shown, multiple hands and even small machinery (chippers, tractors, trucks) can clear roads and fences in short order. Historically, barn-raisings and community harvests were social events where everyone pitched in. That same spirit works wonders in disaster recovery—share your resources, whether it’s a chainsaw, strong backs, or a trailer to haul debris.
- Old-School Monitoring: While technology is a game-changer, it helps to go back to basics. A simple barometer, wind vane, or local cloud observation can give you enough time to take precautions—especially if your power or data go out. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has plenty of traditional weather-reading tips, such as checking how low the clouds hang or noting sudden wind shifts. Pair these old methods with modern radars and you’ll have a well-rounded approach.
- Equipment Maintenance: The video showed the value of keeping equipment in good working order—whether it’s that large chicken tractor or the DR chipper. If you store everything properly and do regular checks (tires, blade sharpness, engine tune-ups), you can reduce breakdowns that could stall cleanup efforts. A century ago, farmers had to be mechanical jacks-of-all-trades because outside help might be days away. Even now, that do-it-yourself skill set can be a game-changer in crisis situations.
The takeaway is pretty straightforward: nature doesn’t wait for us to be ready. Tornadoes, hailstorms, floods—all these events test not just our homesteads but our communities and cooperation. The “old ways” of self-reliance, neighborly help, and paying close attention to the environment blend perfectly with modern backup systems and communication tools. Don’t wait until the funnel cloud is overhead. Prepare now, stay vigilant, and lean on the folks around you. That’s how we truly recover and thrive, even after the worst storms roll through.
Products Mentioned (Affiliate links support our homestead at no cost to you)
Premier 1 poultry netting electric fence https://amzn.to/3WVTXRf
Premier 1 Electric Rope Connectors https://amzn.to/3VnOEsM
https://amzn.to/4dYUJ64
BTECH GMRS-PRO IP67 Submersible Radio with Texting & Location Sharing, GPS, Bluetooth Audio, Compass, NOAA Weather Alerts, Dual Band (VHF/UHF) Scanner, Long Range Two-Way GMRS Walkie Talkie https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4BLZ67Z?
https://amzn.to/3wWHnXk Detail K2 6inch 14HP Gas Powered Kohler Engine Commercial Chipper with Tow Hitch
