With severe weather approaching our area, today, Feb. 22 at 12:22 p.m. the tornado sirens went off throughout St. Charles County. Students were alerted by their phone, and moments later, assistant principal Dr. Kiesel went over the intercom sending students to the first floor for safety. 

By 12:23 p.m. students were crowded together and seated against the lockers on the first floor safely.  

Dr. Kiesel spoke again over the intercom, “If a bell rings, stay put until we are all clear.”

The Wentzville and St. Charles area was under a tornado warning until 1:30 p.m. According to the warning, a severe squall line capable of producing both tornadoes and extensive wind damage was located over Warren County, moving northeast at 40 mph.

“If the bell rings, just stay put,” athletic director Mr. Eldredge said as he walked down the 100 hallway. “For now, relax. Stay calm.” 

Junior Landon Woodson listened to music to keep calm. He hasn’t experienced a tornado shelter-in-place before, but he doesn’t mind it much. “I wish I could go outside to see it,” Woodson said.

“I have a very big fear of tornadoes, and I have a lot of anxiety surrounding big weather and so I am very stressed out,” said junior Anna Simms. She hopes nothing bad happens as she has rehearsal later for the musical being performed next week.

By 12.49 p.m. it was 72 degrees outside. 

“It’s stuffy, because there is like 100 plus kids in a hallway,” senior Audrey Beckhardt said.

Students were still waiting in the hallways as of 1:01 p.m, when Pryor went over the intercom again.

“This is not a drill, we need everyone to tighten up a little bit,” he spoke in regards to students wandering and spreading out in the hallways.

As the heaviest of the rain and wind passed the area, the tornado watch was lifted and students were sent back to their 7th hour classes at 1:23 p.m.

“Thank you for your help and support through the Tornado Warning today,” Dr. Kiesel said in an email to staff. “Everyone’s flexibility and willingness to help is sincerely appreciated.”