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April 15, 2012 9:11 PM

Spending prom in a Kansas tornado shelter

By
Dean Reynolds
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(CBS News) WICHITA, Kansas - As tornadoes bore down on central Kansas, students from one Wichita high school were preparing for their prom.

It began as a typical prom night at Wichita's "Trinity Academy."

Then, with the sound of warning sirens, chaperons led 90 juniors and seniors to shelter.

"We know the tornado's on its way. We heard that it's 10 to 15 minutes away. I've been outside; it's pouring down rain. It's kind of scary," said student Lindsay Porter.

They huddled in a basement bunker. Some tried in vain to contact parents.

"I'm really scared, and tornadoes are my biggest fear of all time," said student Harlee McCarty.

Others made light of the situation.

"It's ridiculous it happened on prom night, of all nights. But it creates a big memory," said student Preston Crisp.

A memory of keeping themselves entertained with song, including the classic "Singing in the Rain."

After two hours stuck in a shelter, the students got the all-clear and were able to resume their prom for half an hour.

To see the Dean Reynolds report, click on the video in the player above.

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  • Dean Reynolds

    Dean Reynolds is a CBS News National Correspondent based in Chicago.

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