They didn't runs at the gates and they evacuated from the sterile areas. All passengers went downstairs at the baggage claims. They have to put the passengers in the shelter. I did not see this incident. Why the escalator is different way and not wrong side of the terminals.

This is a little longer version of the video that features the TSA guys running for cover to the restrooms. In the background you can clearly see many dozens of PAX taking a direct hit while running for cover from what looks like the gate area at the moment the tornado hits. Clearly the sterile areas were not at all evacuated even slightly.

http://www.kmov.com/video/featured-v...120544144.html

I'm of the impression no one was even aware of the Tornado Warning at the airport.

I arrived into MSP once when a menacing storm was approaching, but I was able to hear the tornado sirens inside the Boeing 757-300 I was on as we were landing. We did a quick taxi and deplaned.

Inside the airport terminal, you could also hear the tornado sirens from outside. Announcements were made via the overhead PA to take shelter and to stay away from glass.

While very few people did take shelter, many at least moved away from the big glass windows. I waited out the warning in the F/G club where staff also kept us away from windows. There were a # of diversions, but airport ops resumed once the storm cleared.

At least, in MSP, there was awareness of the Tornado Warning.

I didn't see any panic. I saw people either waiting right up to the last minute before evacuating or, as SDF_Traveler put it, perhaps unaware of the imminent event. And I saw TSOs return to the checkpoint after it had been hit. Pretty foolhardy, if you ask me, because at that point, no one can verify the integrity of the structure.

The airport was hit by a freaking tornado, why wouldn't they run for their lives? I'm sure you all would as well.

` They looked in the wrong SOP. They neededl to look alt the one entitled
SissyrishOverall Panic.

:D

I guess the tornado wanted to opt-out :p

Pretty cheap shot to criticize anyone running for safety from debris flying through a building.

The NWS confirmed that it was an EF-4 that hit the airport. (EF-4 = 166-200 mph). It's been probably 20 years since I have flown out of STL, so I'm not sure how the terminal is laid out. But, I will say that I have never seen screeners move that fast.

The Enhanced Fujita rating scale for tornadoes.

FYI, my meteorologist friends tell me that the term they use for an EF-4 or EF-5 is "Pavement Puller."

Bio on Ted Fujita -- one of the true icons of severe storm meteorology.

They must have raised the estimate on it. On the way to work this morning, the news was reporting is as an EF-4 when it first touched down but was down to an EF-2 by the time it got to the airport. Scary stuff either way. I've experienced an EF-1 and that was enough for me.

Many are already sufficiently weighted down-- especially in ATL. ;)

Well, it isn't like they take an IQ test to become a TSO.

This is TS&S. @:-)

That's for sure!

Nope, they didn't go through the body scanners.

"down to an EF-2" = 111-135 mph. Mrs Flies and I took a direct hit from an EF-0 (65-85 mph) last Saturday night (April 16). It uprooted a tree which crashed into the garage and ripped off some shingles. ...got my attention!

I'm glad you and Mrs. Flies are OK. :)

The EF-1 hopscotched through the town we were living in, it passed overhead our condo and then touched down again less than 1/4 mile away. Wife and I were huddled in the bathroom on the bottom floor during the whole thing.

You're right. We didn't realize that this was the standard training exercise for the proper response if a clerk ever sees a real terrorist. Deafen the terrorist with girlish screams. Stun them with the sight of overweight slovenly porcine smurfs moving with astounding speed.