Micro-burst descends on Oberlin and leaves its mark

By now, the film Twister has swept the country, and even a banker in New York City can explain the difference between an F-3 and an F-5. But a few weeks before tornadoes were the rage, when most people couldn't tell a tornado from a thunderstorm, Oberlin was hit by a micro-burst that inflicted damage throughout the area.

A micro-burst forms when a series of clouds form a shelf and propel the wind beneath it. A micro-burst hit Oberlin on April 12, and lasted for nearly a minute. When the storm had passed, power was out, windows were broken and the temperature had dropped thirty degrees.

President Nancy Dye was returning from the airport when the micro-burst hit. "When we got back, my son and his friend came running out of the house," Dye said, "We'd lost a couple of windows. I hope that doesn't happen again."

A track meet was disrupted by the storm. Hurdlers in the middle of a race were forced off the track by the 85 miles per hour wind. Members of the track team huddled in the men's lockerroom with spectators, and members of the lacrosse, baseball, rugby and ultimate frisbee teams.

First-year April Davies was eating in Stevenson Dining Hall when the micro-burst struck. Davies said, "Stevenson is not the best place to be. The whole building is almost all glass." According to Davies, people began hiding under tables and running downstairs for safety.

The damage to college property that resulted from the storm has been repaired. Physical Plant Office Manager Suzanne Overstreet said, "Practically everything is up to par."

The wind storms through: A tree suffered the wrath of high winds. (photo by Alison Hales)