I woke up this morning with the sun streaming into my window like nothing happened, but I knew better. Outside, it looked like Nature had a kegger, drank too much, and spewed tree debris all over everything.
Yesterday, edge of Hurricane Irene hit central Virginia (where I live) with a much more force than had been predicted. I was ready for the 20-30 mph winds and rain that the forecasters projected for the area. I think most of the city was ready for that. What we didn’t expect were the sustained gusts of 70mph that shook buildings, knocked over trees, and frayed traffic light wires.
When I had finished doing most of my laundry and running the sweeper, I went out to pick up a few more non-perishable supplies yesterday afternoon, and maybe some ice if I could find any. I had no trouble getting around in the wind and rain at that point, and I was able to get everything but the ice, which was out. Along with most of the milk, eggs, and water at the grocery store (I didn’t check for bread). At that point, I didn’t know if I should be concerned or if folks were taking this far too seriously.
When I came home, the power was out at my apartment, so I make sure the cats were okay and headed over to a friend’s house, where she still had electricity. I stayed there until dusk, and then went home while it was still light out. By then, the winds were picking up, and there was more debris on the road. One of the traffic lights was lying in someone’s yard, with the broken wires dangling over the lanes.
This was my first hurricane, and I can’t tell you how thankful I am that the worst damage I have is being without power in my apartment. There are some folks who lived through Isabel and Gaston who are acting like this was nothing, but this was an experience unlike any I had before. And I certainly wasn’t prepared for it to be any worse than it was.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
glad to hear you are okay
2 - Mandy Southgate
Gosh, so it turns out it was far more serious than expected? I agree with you, 70mph winds and fallen trees strewn around the show is pretty serious! When my friends in east coast of the US were checking out last night one by one, I did wonder if it was a false alarm but I certainly don't believe people have over-reacted.
3 - Joe
I know it was bad for some, and my prayers go out to them, glad to see your OK....
My whole town was evacuated, I didn't go any where, would never leave my dogs. Anyway, it wound up being just some heavy rain and a few power outages...
Thank God...
4 - Frank Nolan
The news needs to be over-hyped in order for some people to heed warnings.
5 - yima
sorry to hear this