I saw the tornado warning on TV when Moon and I were working out at the Princeton Club, but I didn’t think much of it. I figured we’d be finished and at home before the storm reached our part of the county.

The rain was just beginning when we went out the door. All of a sudden, the wind picked up and I felt the sting of sand and gravel against my bare legs. Loose bits of paper flew by. “Run!” I yelled. “Get to the car, NOW!” As Moon and I dove into the car seats and slammed the doors, I had second thoughts. Maybe we should head back into the building and wait the storm out.

Nah. Home was only a half mile away, and other people were getting into their cars. I turned the key in the ignition and scanned the darkening sky nervously. We were off.

I tried to keep my eyes on the road, but my attention kept wandering to the clouds. They were moving so quickly. Across the sky… and down…

“Oh my god, that’s a funnel cloud,” I concluded, with a mix of horror and fascination. “Keep an eye on it,” I told Moon. The mom in me was compelled to explain, “It’s not a tornado unless it touches down. That’s just a funnel cloud, it’s not touching anything on the ground.”

It was less than two miles away. And it was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. Despite all my dreams about tornadoes, I’d never seen a funnel cloud except in pictures.

I gazed at it as we pulled into the driveway. Now I understand why people sometimes feel compelled to chase after the darned things. I reluctantly went inside when the downpour started. The kids were already in the basement, and Peter was walking in circles with his blanket, saying, “I’m freaking out a little bit. You might not be scared, but I’m only 10.”

That was two hours ago. I wish I’d had the camera in the car, but I suppose it’s all for the best. Driving and photography don’t mix well.