Bracing for Irene

[creagdhubh]

Often the heavy rainfall is worse than the wind, in terms of widespread damage. The school where I teach is beside a river, and the normal river level is about 20 feet below the level of the football field. In 2004, Hurricane Frances dumped untold amounts of rain, such that there was 9 feet of water on the football field.
It looks like BEEDEE (in New Bern, NC) will be hit pretty hard, as his town is pretty much in the path of the storm.

Yep, I use to live in Onslow County, Jacksonville and Swansboro, NC to be precise. The storm's path is heading straight for this area!

Stay safe,

[JiminDC]

I went to the grocery store at 6:30 this morning and got 8 gallon jugs of water, two cases of bottled water, 2 loaves of bread and some cup cakes. Tonight we're going to try to get patio furniture, trash cans, and recycle bins into the shed.

[Jerry]

So far it doesn't look like it will be too bad here in Amelia county. Heavy rains and winds maybe reaching 40mph. But I don't have any trees really close to my house, and we are situated on a hill, so there shouldn't be any flooding. Worst possibility is an extended power outage. But I do have a small generator and enough gas for a couple of days. The generator will provide enough power for my freezer and the jet pump on an old well which is set up so that I can valve it into my house to provide water for the toilets and cooking. I also have several Coleman lanterns and a gas fueled camp stove. WE are about as set as we can be.

[BLHS209]

Yeah, watch/warnings are up for upstate NY until Monday some time. Schools are already canceling classes for Monday.

Chris Shepherd

[Mirthlesstroll]

I took all my outside stuff and crammed it in my shed. Got some 5 gallon buckets & am filling them up later. We don't have to evacuate, but many of my Maryland friends have gotten evacuation orders.

[Mark R]

According to latest reports, eye of the hurricane has collapsed and pressure is rising. Good news for those in the path as it means the sustained winds will be much weaker and the storm will break down much faster.

Better to be safe than sorry, but looks like things arent going to be as bad as predicted. Wish everyone God speed.

[Santa Wally]

My prayers for all those in the path of Irene.

Besides the wind, it is the rain to look out for. Hurricane Agnes in 1972 caused A LOT of flooding along the Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers in NY and PA. It was a slow moving storm. The flood was called a 100 year flood. It sounds like Irene is moving right along, I hope so in order to keep the amount of rain down.

It would be better if the rain was headed for the drought stricken area of Texas.

[sevenoaks]

"My fingers are crossed for you all in its path. I hope you don't mind a wee humorous observation, but perhaps, it might be best not to wear the kilt for a while!"
Jock... you totally cracked me up on this one.

[sevenoaks]

I pray you all keep safe and do listen to the advise you will get from the radio. No heroics please until the storm is over. Protect yourselves, your family and your neighbors. Help those after the storm and know the rest of North America and the rest of the world will be there to help you.

[Mikewood]

You folks stay safe. These storms are not a picnic and can cause a real mess. Living in Houston we know. Praying for you guys.