I have lived in Topeka nearly all my 65years. I've got memories of this event because my family had just moved back from Hawaii and we had to take cover in our new home. Fortunately, we didn't get hit but we saw the horrific damage in the days and weeks afterward. I've experienced the terror of taking shelter under the I-70 Gage overpass and hearing a funnel cloud rush over us. So yeah, I know better now not to take cover there. I've lived through earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes still scare me the most.
I went to that event and reception and met Bill personally! Very great man. Also met the current and former mayors at that time also. Unfortunately shortly after the event the former mayor passed away and I enjoyed a conversation with his daughter at the event. Great story she told of getting him ready for the day. This day I will NEVER forget! Thanks Bill for signing my shirt. Thanks CJ Online for uploading this!!!!!
Four months after Topeka, a similar deadly tornado here in Iowa destroyed the town of Belmond on October 14. The local school's homecoming parade had finished a half-hour earlier, and one can only imagine the carnage if the parade had started later...
Bill Kurtis is a icon and a hero his emergency broadcast warning to people saved many lives the tornado caused 18 deaths which would have been much more if he did not give the warning.
This happened 1 year before I was born. To think tornado even back then.That tornado would be called a f4 or f5.And he is right the damage it left.Did look like a atomic blast.But thanks to Bill and few others saved a lot of lives.
I have lived in Topeka nearly all my 65years. I've got memories of this event because my family had just moved back from Hawaii and we had to take cover in our new home. Fortunately, we didn't get hit but we saw the horrific damage in the days and weeks afterward. I've experienced the terror of taking shelter under the I-70 Gage overpass and hearing a funnel cloud rush over us. So yeah, I know better now not to take cover there. I've lived through earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes still scare me the most.
I went to that event and reception and met Bill personally! Very great man. Also met the current and former mayors at that time also. Unfortunately shortly after the event the former mayor passed away and I enjoyed a conversation with his daughter at the event. Great story she told of getting him ready for the day. This day I will NEVER forget! Thanks Bill for signing my shirt. Thanks CJ Online for uploading this!!!!!
I'm most familiar with Bill Kurtis from American Justice, but his role in this twister undoubtedly saved many lives. Thank you, Bill.
Wow. A superb presentation by a superb gentleman!
Four months after Topeka, a similar deadly tornado here in Iowa destroyed the town of Belmond on October 14. The local school's homecoming parade had finished a half-hour earlier, and one can only imagine the carnage if the parade had started later...
Bill Kurtis could read a long roster of names and turn it into an adventure.
I agree
Bill Kurtis is a icon and a hero his emergency broadcast warning to people saved many lives the tornado caused 18 deaths which would have been much more if he did not give the warning.
Mr Kurtis the gentleman
This happened 1 year before I was born.
To think tornado even back then.That tornado would be called a f4 or f5.And he is right the damage it left.Did look like a atomic blast.But thanks to Bill and few others saved a lot of lives.
Love it. ❤️