Aftermath

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All storms eventually come to their physical end.

 

No one can predict what occurs after destruction departs. Certain measures have been taken to assess damage. The Enhanced Fujita consists of six scales, from zero to five to indicate degree of damage. It is created to better determine preventative measures, to better understand which wind speeds, which cloud formations resulted in the most devastating storms.

 

The scale, a 5 by 7 chart, offers estimated wind speeds, description of the potential damage, and even a picture illustrating expected damage. An EF 0 tornado is considered to result in minor or no damage. It may break branches, and peel off some roofs, but nothing major beyond that.

 

An EF 5 tornado is characterized with wind speeds greater than 200 mph. Its description reads: “total destruction.” The picture reveals a foundation standing resolute, surrounded by nothing but broken wood planks and twisted metal.

 

The aftermath is returning to the leveled foundation. It is walking along its four edges, and picking up the broken pieces. It is working day and night to rebuild. It is lying on the ground, surrounded by ruins. It is gazing up, and watching cottony clouds laze across a blue sky.

 

Altocumulus clouds are billowy, and pure white. They commonly occur after a storm. They are dense enough to partially block sunlight, but only fleetingly so.

 

This is collecting broken bits and parts, and beginning to piece them together. This is building a foundation that will endure storms that will inevitably come its way again.

 

This is recovery.