Brina, you've confirmed what I heard. I was in a car with friends, driving south to the Mexican Fine Arts Museum, for the opening of the Day of the Dead exhibit. My sister called me on my cell to tell me that a tornado had been spotted on the north side. My friends and I kind of laughed, "Oh, you'll never see a tornado in the city!" It sprinkled a bit of rain, got a little chilly, but by the time we came out of the the museum, nothing. We laughed again about the dire weather predictions. Then I come home and read your post! Amazing! Scary. I'm glad you got home OK. And you, too, Kitsune.

I had a great time at the Dia de Muertos exhibit. http://www.mfacmchicago.org/

I've adopted some Mexican customs, and this is one of them. It's nice to build an altar every year to honor the beloved ones who've gone on ahead. The exhibit this year was the best they've had in at least 5 years. I'll go back a couple of times before it comes down in December. Check it out if you can. I am sure that the SW and CA gals see some amazing Dia de Muertos altars and ofrendas.