The Daily Independent, Ashland, Ky., Andrew Adkins column

March 06--Breakneck winds rattled my windows. I drew back the curtains and watched sparks fly from a transformer and two neighbors abandon a morning jog to scamper home.

Welcome to March, I thought.

The thunderstorm that ripped its way up from Pikeville to the Tri-State on Wednesday was brief, but damaging. It peeled roofs, bent and toppled utility poles and knocked out power for more than 30,000.

Speeds reportedly reached up to 108 mph, which is faster than any pitch thrown by former Cincinnati Reds great Aroldis Chapman. The National Weather Service confirmed the high winds were born of a microburst, strong air currents that can lay waste like tornadoes.

But fortunately for area residents, the storm apparently did not cause major injuries and left town quickly before it could cause extensive damage. Even more fortunately, local first responders worked hard behind the scenes to help the region recover.

Boyd County Emergency Management Director Tim England called it a "very good group effort" by local fire and police agencies and the road and street departments, and it absolutely was.

Those emergency workers, and everyone living here, will certainly deal with storms much more devastating than the one last week, the only question is when. That's why it's crucial to be prepared.

The severe weather season usually peaks in April and May in Kentucky, according to the NWS. So, now's the time to remove dead trees and cut branches near your house or business, and move loose objects from porches, decks, balconies or patios.

It's time to create an escape plan, make an emergency contact list and stock up on necessities. It may even be time to invest in a backup generator (I sure was glad the newspaper had one on Wednesday.)

I write these tips because as I looked out my window at the sparks shooting off that transformer, I also saw my garbage can bounce down the sidewalk and realized how ill-prepared I was for that storm.

Next time, I'll be ready.

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