"... didn't have the strength to open the shelter door to let their neighbors in ..."

[Electric Monk]

I just heard some reporter on CNN (KFOR?) use that phrase (in the context of the OK tornadoes), and I'm troubled to even imagine how that could lay on one's conscience over the years afterwards.

[redwitch]

1. I agree. I would never be able to get that out of my heart.

The stuff of nightmares.

[Texasgal]

2. The wind was too strong

they couldn't lift it, I feel so sorry for them. I'd be riddled with guilt forever.

[Poll_Blind]

3. I suppose those types of doors use low air pressure to help seal the door more tightly.

What a terrible memory to have. In a situation where the tornado had considerably reduced the air pressure, it might indeed by incredibly difficult to open such a door from the inside.

Just my 2 cents. Don't know anything more than I just read in your OP.

PB

[NotThisTime]

5. I would think it humanly impossible to open one of those doors given the situation... a sad memory,

but not one those in the shelter could help.... it's so sad for all involved.

[Tx4obama]

4. It's not like they didn't want to open the door, wind was too strong - was impossible to open door

It's a tragedy, with only the tornado to blame.

[Journeyman]

6. And had they managed to open the door, might they all have been sucked out? . . .

Not certain the physics of these storms, but either way its considered -- impossible to save those outside, potentially deadly for those inside -- it seems a nightmare for everyone, no matter which side of the door they were on.

[dixiegrrrrl]

7. I would find it very hard to deal with for a long time..

I imagine those poor folks will, too.