Yes, it is coming this way. Forecasts, of course, vary - but the upshot in more than one tracking-map I've seen seems to point to pretty intense inland flooding, which means: for all the frustration it took me dealing with JES (ugh) to get it, I *am* provisionally glad I have a pretty new sump pump and waterproofed basement.
For all the frustration JES caused me over a year and a half trying to get it right, I will also be WATCHING carefully to see how well the 'proofing and pump will perform.
As for the rest of it ... I stopped this morning for gas. There was a pretty impressive (but blessedly not static) queue, and this at a station with ten pumps. There are several gallons of water for me and the fur kids, kibble enough for them for more than a week, and for me some less-perishable foodstuffs and a non-electric can opener. Tonight, I need to remember to throw several large bags or bottles of water in the freezer; these can help it act as a cooler for at least *some* period of time in the event of an outage. Other than that, plentiful candles and funeral fans.
Funeral fans, for those not familiar with this Southern tradition, are good-sized stiff paper fans, most often provided by funeral homes for those ladies sitting beside a burial in the hot Southern summer. These fans outpace any folding fan I've ever had, for maximal air-movement output. And, fella babies, I can tell you: as a woman enjoying the frequency of hot flashes reserved for those of us passing out of August and our fertile years, moving air is not low on my priorities list in facing this possible emergency.
It tends to be hard for me not to be amused at the way my hometown responds to the merest whiff of emergency. We go mad for grocery stores and water when weather calls for anything beyond routine, and so when a disaster may actually be looming, the drama still looks quaint - because, frankly, I've seen this city go nuts time and time again, when six flakes of snow were in the offing. Sixty miles away.
So, facing what could end up being a twenty-four-incher on uncertain heading, but looking likely to visit here, even if peripherally ...
Yeah. I'm amused by my community. But don't think I didn't buy gas on purpose, and that inventorying the hand-fans and water available are just entertainment.
As seldom as I have troubled to actually *write* anything here since my stepfather died, I will check in.
For those of you so much closer to the impact of winds and real danger: my prayers are with you. Be well, and check in when you can too, please. Donna. Colin. Anyone in the Carolinas.
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3 comments:
Thanks, Diane! We're keeping a close eye on this one down here. I pray everyone in the affected areas will be safe and that Florence takes her machine and scoots out of here quickly! :)
My family lived through Superstorm Sandy in New Jersey, Katrina in Louisiana, and other less memorable hurricanes now that they're in Georgia, so I've learned to take these things very seriously. Even if all your prep turns out to be for naught, you'll be ready for the next hurricane or blizzard. (Up here, people were stocking up on water as early as Monday; it's amazing how much water you need to flush a toilet when you're on a well-and-septic setup and the power goes out. Anyway, we're relieved that we won't need to worry about it and that our annual small-town festival can occur on Saturday as planned.)
Be safe! I'll be glad for all concerned when this thing is over.
Hi, guys!
Of course, the storm turned southwest, so my area is just getting outer bands. It's a constant heavy drizzle with occasional gusts, some of which could have some power. But definitely less concerning than it was three days ago.
My employer is heavily engaged, though, so this week has been busy and productive. With Friday here, I am looking forward to a climatically uneventful weekend, if a dreary one.
Colin, still hoping all is well for you and yours. I know the machine's not moving as fast as we would like.
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