My first tornado

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When hazardous weather and four tornado warnings shut down Championship Sunday, Dave Mercer suddenly had a free day. The Bassmaster emcee and roving reporter had never been in a situation with tornado warnings. So when a safe break in the weather appeared, he and photographer James Overstreet went out to investigate the scene. This photo gallery is in Mercer's very own words.
When hazardous weather and four tornado warnings shut down Championship Sunday, Dave Mercer suddenly had a free day. The Bassmaster emcee and roving reporter had never been in a situation with tornado warnings. So when a safe break in the weather appeared, he and photographer James Overstreet went out to investigate the scene. This photo gallery is in Mercer’s very own words. “Hours before the sun arose, myself and the media were forced to deal with the realization of a Championship Sunday that was for naught.”
Yep, this is real - and now it's time to tell the world we ain't going fishing.
Yep, this is real – and now it’s time to tell the world we ain’t going fishing.
Suddenly, being Canadian it occurred to me ...
Suddenly, being Canadian it occurred to me …
... I know nothing of real tornadoes.
… I know nothing of real tornadoes.
In my country, a
In my country, a “Tornado” is a drink. What is a Canadian to do in this situation?
Run!
Run!
Wait! I can't go anywhere without official tornado-proof boots.
Wait! I can’t go anywhere without official tornado-proof boots.
One of the most important tips of tornado survival is being aware. A handy tool may just be my cell phone.
One of the most important tips of tornado survival is being aware. A handy tool may just be my cell phone.
But sometimes you just got to put boots on the ground and survey the situation yourself.
But sometimes you just got to put boots on the ground and survey the situation yourself.
Upon further investigation and advice from my tornado survival tutor, James Overstreet, we see a safe weather window ahead on radar.
Upon further investigation and advice from my tornado survival tutor, James Overstreet, we see a safe weather window ahead on radar.
Running again ...
Running again …
Now I cannot confirm this works, but upon the advice of my tornado survival tutor, I learned that a manhole is otherwise known as a poor man's tornado bunker.
Now I cannot confirm this works, but upon the advice of my tornado survival tutor, I learned that a manhole is otherwise known as a poor man’s tornado bunker.
Really?
Really?
As the storm got closer you'd be amazed at how cozy this manhole started to look. The running's done, it's time to seek refuge.
As the storm got closer you’d be amazed at how cozy this manhole started to look. The running’s done, it’s time to seek refuge.
No wait, the running is not done!
No wait, the running is not done!
Man needs two things, shelter and nourishment. And now that the storm has passed, it seems many men have abandoned the shelter in search of nourishment. That's Kevin VanDam on the left and Jonathon VanDam on the right. They're smiling because they are in 3rd and 4th place.
Man needs two things, shelter and nourishment. And now that the storm has passed, it seems many men have abandoned the shelter in search of nourishment. That’s Kevin VanDam on the left and Jonathon VanDam on the right. They’re smiling because they are in 3rd and 4th place.
KVD will always take a quick break from his eggs and pork chops for a fan.
KVD will always take a quick break from his eggs and pork chops for a fan.
Now that the fear has passed the sadness starts to set in, as I realized the Championship Sunday we had all dreamed of was literally blown from the calendar.
Now that the fear has passed the sadness starts to set in, as I realized the Championship Sunday we had all dreamed of was literally blown from the calendar.
How could this be? How could this beautiful lady turn her back on our crowning day?
How could this be? How could this beautiful lady turn her back on our crowning day?
They say the ones you love hurt you the most.
They say the ones you love hurt you the most.
If a boom-shakka-lakka is screamed in the forest, does anybody hear it?
If a boom-shakka-lakka is screamed in the forest, does anybody hear it?
No matter how hard I may boom or shakka-lakka... it's all for naught. Nobody will hear.
No matter how hard I may boom or shakka-lakka… it’s all for naught. Nobody will hear.
The triumphant cheers I once envisioned for our anglers, are now only my solitary echo.
The triumphant cheers I once envisioned for our anglers, are now only my solitary echo.
Yes! I really did get in a manhole.
Yes! I really did get in a manhole.
Finally, my people! Canada geese!
Finally, my people! Canada geese!
Let 'er eat!
Let ‘er eat!
This day just keeps getting better! First anglers, and now my fellow Canadians.
This day just keeps getting better! First anglers, and now my fellow Canadians.
Together we flee!
Together we flee!
But enough about Championship Sunday, tune in for Championship Monday! Be sure to check it out on Bassmaster LIVE all day Monday, May 1st.
But enough about Championship Sunday, tune in for Championship Monday! Be sure to check it out on Bassmaster LIVE all day Monday, May 1st.