When did you learn of the brute force of nature?

With over 200+ dead in storms across the Southeastern US and that number climbing, my brain is kinda distracted.  But a "friend" on FB asked people: What is your first memory of being aware of the brute force of nature?  Below is my off the top response.  I thought it was pretty good.  So, I decided to post it here for posterity's sake.

At the tender age of four, my world shook.  A 6.8 magnitude quake moved Southern Italy, my parents both US Navy were stationed in Naples and had left me with friends for a short trip.  I vividly remember the shaking and the mad dash down the packed stairwell from the apartment some floors above ground level and wanting my mama and daddy.  1980 was the year I learned of the brute force of Nature.