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Residents console one another in the town of Washington, Iowa, as they survey damage to their home after a tornado ripped though the area Friday, May 15, 1998. (AP Photo/The Cedar Rapids Gazette, David Lee Hartlage)

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Lessons Learned From Tornadoes

By Justin Foss, Reporter

By Nick Weig

Story Created: May 15, 2008 at 9:25 AM CDT

Story Updated: May 15, 2008 at 10:27 PM CDT

WASHINGTON - Ten years have passed since a tornado injured dozens of people in Washington County.

The tornado touched down near Washington on May 15, 1998. The tornado was rated an F-3 on the Fujita Scale with winds in excess of 158mph. Forty-seven People were injured in the storm. Damages totaled $15 million.

When a tornado came to visit 405 15 St East, no one was home.

"I remember asking a lady, 'Did it just take the roof off?' And she said 'No, it took everything.' The roof was literally in the front yard," said Joan Hippen.

"I sat there and looked. And I was in a state of shock and then after that the tears started to flow," said Chad Hippen.

When the storm came, Joan was 6 months pregnant with their first child. Today, she still tells the stories to her two daughters.

These two elementary school teachers weren't ready for the aftermath, but they handled it.

Now, they have a lesson for everyone.

"Make sure you take storms seriously and don't go out and watch them. Make sure you take cover," said Joan.

But first, make sure you know what you have at home. Inventory everything, and keep that list in a good place.

"It's so cliche, but you don't think it's going to happen to you until it does. Now I tell people don't say that. Because it can happen to you," said Chad.

Goes to show, even unexpected visitors, should always be expected.

Email Justin Foss at Justin.Foss@kcrg.com

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Thursday, May 15 at 9:30 PM DMH wrote ...

I lived in the apartments at the north end of town with my then 6 month old son. I can't believe it has been 10 years. That day will always be in my mind and how lucky we were that we wasn't home at the time. It took me along time to get over this. Because of the tornado I freak out like a crazy person when the weather gets bad. I think it's good to look back on events like this just to remind people that it only takes a minute for people's lives to be turned upside down.

Thursday, May 15 at 6:46 PM Amazed wrote ...

I can't believe that has been 10 years already! I think it is good to look back at events that have happenend.

Thursday, May 15 at 5:22 PM i was there wrote ...

people that say this is dumb and that they shouldnt be doing this. people that were in that thing remember it like it was yesterday. people lost there homes and were injured and during it didnt know if they were gonna live thru it or not. before u start to be an idiot about things think about how u would have felt if u lost ur home from it. it took a long time to recover from it and the town still isnt the same and never will be. it always in the back of our minds!

Thursday, May 15 at 2:06 PM anonymous wrote ...

to Max: What school did you graduate from and what are you talking about?!!!

Thursday, May 15 at 1:48 PM max 2 wrote ...

learn how 2 spell. you dont make since

Thursday, May 15 at 1:18 PM To Max wrote ...

Ummm.... what?

Thursday, May 15 at 10:29 AM Anonymous wrote ...

u need to fix the video on the 10 yr ann it is showing the 40 yr video

Thursday, May 15 at 9:45 AM max wrote ...

i think it is stupid that they r doing this , ya there eleagl and all but during gradguation season thats my openion

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