Spring weather can be unpredictable, and deadly, especially tornadoes. Last Friday unprecedented tornadoes tore through Mississippi, killing 23 people and leaving lives changed and massive destruction in its wake.
While there was some warning beforehand and residents had time to seek shelter, not everyone was able to shelter safely. In fact, the situation grew so grave that a local meteorologist broke down and prayed live on air, invoking the name of Jesus Christ in asking his to help the people in the storms path. The video is gripping, and reflects the life and death gravity of the situation. Fox News reports:
A local Mississippi meteorologist invoked the name of Jesus Christ live on air as he watched a deadly tornado approach the town of Amory, Mississippi Friday night.
While reporting on the tornado’s trajectory and seeing it get close to the populated town, WTVA’s Matt Laubhan told viewers to get into their “Tornado safe place.”
He then paused and prayed to Christ to keep its resident’s safe.
WATCH: WTVA meteorologist Matt Laubhan overwhelmed as major tornado hits Amory, Mississippi pic.twitter.com/JDd8n46X31
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) March 25, 2023
Tornadoes can change course very quickly, and Laubhan noted that, seemingly attempting to will it out of the towns path. When he saw what the inevitability of the situation was, he simply issued a warning to residents to find a safe place, the did the only other thing he could; called on the name of the Lord to help the town and its residents. The moment was dramatic, and genuine. Fox News continued:
Laubhan was tracking the deadly tornado Friday night at the NBC-affiliate’s news station in Tupelo, Mississippi, as it tore through the state, where it would ultimately kill 23 people.
The Emmy-award winning meteorologist was glued to his storm tracker screen as he reported the movement of the storm, becoming noticeably perturbed as he realized the tornado was most likely going to veer directly towards Amory.
As radar images behind the meteorologist displayed the storm getting closer to the town, Laubhan warned, “This is a strong, life-threatening tornado that’s going to move either extremely close to Amory, or in through the northern part of the city of Amory.”
He then offered his viewers a disclaimer that he could be wrong about his prediction: “Y’all trust me too much. I tell you where it goes and some of you are like, ‘That’s where it’s going to go.’ But the reality is, this could be changing directions.”
Upon seeing a new scan, Laubhan grew tense. The tornado appeared to be moving directly toward the town. He said, “We got a new scan coming in as we speak. Oh man, like north side of Amory this is coming in.”
Growing more emotional, he again said, “Oh man,” and bent over his instruments, letting out a heavy sigh.
At that moment he then turned to the Almighty, saying, “Dear Jesus, please help them. Amen.”
The storm went on to ravage the town and kill 23 people. Anyone that has first-hand experience with this terrifying natural phenomenon knows there is no reasoning, no pleading, and no mercy when one descends on an area.
Sadly, despite WTVA’s Matt Laubhan and his emotional plea to Jesus, the tornado did exactly what nature designed it to do. Perhaps the situation could have been worse, and perhaps Laubhan’s prayer was heard, and some lives were spared. Either way, the video and emotional plea was a gut punch and a reminder, especially in the Spring, to have a plan and be alert.
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