Hurricane Irene

12 years ago

Today I emptied out my greenhouse and will be keeping all its inhabitants indoors until the storm passes. Last spring we had a crazy windstorm that formed without warning where winds hit 70 MPH, and I was freaking out thinking the greenhouse would blow away! I'm not risking it this time around.

My neighborhood already got warnings from the county about evacuations, since I'm near the coast.

For better or worse, I'm leaving for the Florida Keys tomorrow, ironically. I knew months ago when we planned the trip that it was hurricane season, but the tables have been turned! I hope when I arrive back home, all this hurricane hoopla turns out to be an overcautious reaction.

To anyone else in the storm path, be safe.

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Comments (22)

wantonamara Z8 CenTex
12 years ago
Take care and have a fun time sweating it out in the Keys. Keep your eyes out for some Semaphore Cactus.
squishyplant
12 years ago
I'm here on the east coast of Florida, right on the beach. It was a pretty nice day today. A little gusty, maybe 20 or 25mph.Barely any rain or wind. Everybody still freaked out though. Never fails. I hope you guys weather the storm, come on down the sun is shinin'!
Matthew
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Hurricane Irene Reports / Damage / Photos
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Well, after a rather harrowing night, the last half of today turned out to be amazingly beautiful. Perfect weather to be outdoors, and for all the clean up. That said, I'm sure most people were not exactly having 'fun' today though. It seems like the absolute worst of this storm and its damage occurred from about Cape May, NJ, south along the coast to Va Beach, and inland to the big cities west of those points. The Damage seems to be less severe the farther north you go from NC/VA. For us here in the DC area, well, I have to say I was 'surprised' at this storm. The damage left behind was just about as bad as Isabel in 2003, maybe slightly less. From about 30 miles west of DC, to the coast the damage is what is being called 'major'. The most common are trees being blown on homes and going through them and crushing cars. The sheer number of trees down around just the DC Metro is staggering. Probably in the thousands. Lots of roads / streets were blocked and many still are. No real structural damage to most buildings from winds alone, other than a couple buildings having roofs partially peeled back / loss of shingles / some siding / gutters ripped off. Some minor to moderate flooding from storm surge along tidal waters which capped out at about 3-4 feet. The far worst of the flooding came from the massive rains. Ranging from 3-4 inches 30 miles west of DC, to 5-8" right in the city, to 10-12" 30 miles east and much more the farther south/ east you go from here. Lots of river and creek flooding causing road overwashes. My rain gauge maxes out at 5", and was full by 1:30 am. I'm guessing we got 1-2" more than that here. Reports of 4-8" in the immediate metro area were commonplace. Over all, it was probably 'worse than expected' in our area. The absolute worst of it came in the period from midnight to about 5am, when we were having sustained winds of 40-50+ and gusts 55-75mph. The worst part was pretty much like a 6 hour long severe thunderstorm. It would come in waves. Backing off to 40MPH or so for a few minutes, then big huge gusts around 55+, then every 7-10 minutes or so we would get a period of several minutes where the sustained winds were like a gust that just would not stop, and then an even higher gust on top of that, topping out around 70+. The wind reports all around our region were pretty consistent, with the highest gusts just west topping out around 55in places 30 miles west, to 65-70 inside the beltway, and 75-80 30 miles east and south along the Chesapeake Bay. about 40 miles west of D.C., almost no damage to speak of. Just some heavy rains at times, and gusty winds of 35+, but nothing very bad. It was a very sharp cutoff line between damage and almost nothing. The thing that made this storm worse, was its size, and slow movement. Had this been a quick event, we probably would not have seen nearly the damage. But, because this event was very protracted and lasted for 20 hours, most certainly lead to more damage. Isabel in 2003 was in and out fairly quickly. She was here less than 6 hours at her worst. The other difference, with respect to storm surge anyway was that it was less here because the storm passed to our east this time, in stead of to our west. This was a east, northeast, north, and northwest wind event here, which helped to push water more OUT , than in on top of the storm surge itself. Partners mother in Smithfield VA had a pretty bad night, as I suspect most did in SE Virginia and Eastern NC where the damage reports are much worse. No power since 6AM Saturday morning. They lost two large trees in their yard, but fortunately both missed the house. Their neighorhood is literally littered with trees down, and quite a few homes damaged by them. The pictures coming out of Va Beach, and the NC beaches are by far and away the most incredible. Even along the MD/ Delaware beaches there is quite a bit of damage. Tornadoes caused damage in both Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, DE. As for my yard, well, just 1 large tree limb from someone elses tree is in it, and most things that were not either VERY HEAVY and/ or tied down , did blow over. It looked like a war zone, but fortunately nothing was really damaged except for a clay pot with my rosemary bush in it. The palms, well, 2 got knocked over, but the big 8 foot pigmy date came through it like a champ. I tied it down with rope and rebar and it went no where. Ill post some photos in a bit. I hope everyone made it through OK with no significant losses / damage!
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Hello Everyone... I HAVE POWER!!! YES!!! Kuan. LOL i only have 3 days...i wish it was 14 days off...i just had vac so i think my employer would have issues right now...LOL!! Thanks for all of your concern. I hope all is well with you. Dave, Ii agree tha those generators are wonderful. Most new homes here have them built in already, but the older homes just use the portable generators, its funny that you mention that. We were all talking about the ones that will run your whole house..my neighbors just had theirs installed last week. It worked like a charm for them. But pricey....it does cost quiet a dollar....running from about 5-7 thousand. That is some serious change.... But as we get older and cant keep running around outside and get the lines, gas and do the natural routine, then that will be the time to consider something like that. Actually, i think my DH really enjoys getting all of the "guy things" ready..LOL and i get all of the other things together. IT kind of becomes natural when you start to prepare for a hurricane when you have been through so many. ( SAD TO SAY) But we do live in an area that is prone to them , but i love being here at the beach, so what to do? I did take some pics of all of the Plumies inside...YOu all would have laughed ur buns off at watching my DH roll his eyes listening to the crickets at night. LMAO!!! I would here..."Laura...HERE IS ANOTHER ONE." Then i would just act like nothing, and catch the little critter and put himm back outside like its a natural thing to do...Doesn'teveryone have crickets in their house during a hurricane? LOL!!!! ALL is well..thank God!! I have all of the trees back outside, watered with B-1 ST and Foliage pro..i added the extra B-1 and ST to help with possible shock! I figured they needed something to calm their nerves too! LOL Im glad that i didnt leave them out, because they would have been shredded to pieces...I did have my Royal Hawaiian bloom while inside. : ) Ill make a new post of trees inside then back out again with new " Irene" blooms....LOL Hope u had a great trip dave, im sure you were worried about your house and everything outside. Makes for a nerve racking feeling when you are soo far away. Jen, LOL "Oh, no, Laura's in a frangipanic" SO true!!!! I really was..that was the first thing to be loaded inside. along with the epis and the other "special" trees/plants...since my kids are out of the nest..these are my babies now, they had to come inside..."not even a question" LOL!!! You would have been right with me helping me, i know that already!!! We would have ben having an "Irene" Plumeria loading party!!! Forget "Hurricane parties.." LOL its "Plumie time.." ALex, Jen , ANdrew, BIll, Ericka. Iso. Sunseeker, Jen (TX) Peg, KMS2 Kltamps, Dave, Dave P....thank you all for all of your comments....i hope i didnt leave anyone out, but i wanted to say that i just love being around all of you guys and gals...you all are really a great group of people and i cant thank you enough! Ok, i'll stop.... LOL I do want to share how packed the house was..it will make you all smile...especially when you think of yoru "other" wondering where the next "critter " will come from.... LMAO!!! We all love mother nature, thats why we are here...so you all understand... Ill post pics later...i need to head outside and continue the yard clean up..if i dont..ill get the "eye rolling" again... : ) Take care everyone.. Laura in VB
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Hey, here I am! Thanks for the concern. Glad everybody is OK. We are battered, bruised, damp, & exhausted...but still here. I also would like to give a shout-out of appreciation to Michigan, Iowa, Lousianna, & Georgia. They had 5 bucket trucks, 2 pick-ups, & 14 linemen working on our street today. A big thanks to these states also for helping Mystic this week. We really needed the assistance. Idaho, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Vancouver B.C. (thanks, Ann T.!), Colorado, & Ohio. We were 97% black for the first 3 days. It's been slow going ever since. SE Connecticut was hardest hit. (See article from "The Day" below) http://www.theday.com/article/20110902/NWS12/309029912/1018 Connecticut had over 620,000 outages (about half the state). Our First Selectman (equivilent of a mayor) declared a state of emergency in Mystic that was just released yesterday. At one point nearly 85% of our roads were empassable due to flooding, down trees, and/or down power lines. I've got lots of pictures but am too exhausted to upload tonight. Will post tomorrow. Here's a video of Mystic. Our house is featured but due to living in such a public place I'd rather not point out exactly our home. Some of you may recognize it. BTW, the videographer is NOT in Mystic Seaport. He's in Historic Mystic. It's a common mistake. Mystic Seaport is a living museum of the sea located in Historic Mystic. There's also a regular "Mystic" and an "Old Mystic". Confusing. Again, glad everybody's OK. More tomorrow. /tricia Here is a link that might be useful: Youtube - Mystic, Hurricane Irene
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meyermike_1micha
12 years ago
Hi X

Thank you and I wish you well too!

From what I am seeing, the eye of this storm is suppose to pass right over my area. I am on the east side of it which puts me smack into the strongest winds living near the coast.
Some how I have to find a way on one foot to carry my plants to safety:-(

My father was rushed to the hospital unconcious yesterday found flat on his face in a pool of water from the same hurricane that hit the Island he was on. I have had no word yet. This is turning out to be a nasty one for me.

Good luck everyone

Mike
emerald1951
12 years ago
Hi,
to all of you who are in the path of this hurricane...
your in my thoughts and prayers......
be safe and good luck..........linda
Denise
12 years ago
I hope all our east coast friends are playing it safe. I think you have the right idea, X - take the plants where they'll be safe. Here, I worry more about large hail than anything else. My GH has roof glass that has stood up to all the hails we've had so far since I've had it (about 10 years.) We had some small hail about a week ago that I thought wouldn't do much damage, but it was driven by some very intense rain. After a few days, I started to see the bruising and marks that were healing. It sucks.

Did I hear correctly that NYC is probably shutting down public transportation? How's that going to affect our NY friends? Does the city just pretty much shut down in this kind of situation?

Denise in Omaha
User
12 years ago
Hi folks,

I'll check in & out right here (Hiya Denise, thanks for asking). I'm preparing a bag to evacuate. Sheepshead Bay is right out my front door & my evacuation is mandatory, I am at prime 'Zone A' low-lying coast & (I guess why) mandatory.

I have family up in the Bronx who teach up at Fordham, so I'll be taking Mass Transit up there later tonight. NYC has determined to shut down Mass Transit starting around noon on Saturday. Path trains ((NJ) as well, don't know about MetroNorth (CT).

Never before, the evacuations, City probably won't shut down, Manhattan likely will go on in a limited fashion, but somewhat, since we all walk lots here too.

There was a Northeaster in '94 where this Bay flooded its banks, the water level in the basement here was higher than my height, knocked out all the electrical in a 6 story apartment complex, we camped out w/ nothing but gas stove for a week.

Unprecedented to shut down the Subway (except for a strike in 2005). Will be interesting to see what happens. Crossing fingers for everyone.

In an odd way, my plants are the least of it, guess I'll take 'em off the windows sills & place them on the floor (I'm 6 stories up), in case any windows break.

Mike, wishing a good recovery for your Father, along w/ your safety for the when the Hurricane comes up your way.

I'll likely be gone 'til Mon. Tues. Be safe everybody,

(PG) Karen
meyermike_1micha
12 years ago
Karen: Thank you for your kind words for my Dad and please be safe too.

Thanks everyone for our safety and keeping my fingers crossed this storm weakens quite a bit.

Mike
User
12 years ago
Yes, may she blow out to sea, far out to sea. See ya next week.

Karen
gardenbear1
12 years ago
I've been moving plants out of the green house all day,some of the bigger ones on the patio were moved to the basement, not sure whats going to happen in my area but they say it could be nasty so I hope I'm ready
Every one take care
Bear
Loveplants2 8b Virginia Beach, Virginia
12 years ago
Hello Everyone,

My powere is on and off..im in the Hurricane right now...

Everything is inside my house, looks like a tropical paradise....

I was going to use my greenhouse, but i was afraid of the temps heading up and over 100 degrees..plus losing it all together..LOL!!!
We still have the center of the Hurricane just below us and the gust are up and over 70 mph.

Containers are inside plams are on the ground on the southside of the house.

Furniture outside is all tied down.

Generators are ready to start when neccessary..which will be soon....

Gas stations are out of gas since yesterday..

UGGGGG!

Good luck everyone...

Mike, im so sorry to hear about ur father.. My prayers are with you and his safe recovery.

Stay safe everyone...

I have the lights flickering now...so it wont be soon for us to loose power...

Lets keep our fingers crossed and that we dont have any major damage.

We just had a new roof put on last week....What timing...

Take care everyone,

X,

Be careful and stay safe...as welll as everyone on the east coast..

We are having tornado warnings right now...

Get this..in one week:

Earthquake here in VB
Hurricane
Tornado

My goodness....

Hope to see you all agasin on line sometime soon!!!

Laura in Virginia Beach (VB) : )
puglvr1
12 years ago
Stay SAFE X, Mike, Karen, Bear, Laura and everyone else out there in Irene's path!! Been through several of these and they are NOT fun! Please take care everyone...hoping for the best and hopefully its a lot less damage than the predictions!! Please post when its over so we know everyone's safe!

X, The weather is wonderful in FL...SO hard to believe the hurricane scooted SO close to us yesterday and we didn't get a drop of rain. You will have fabulous weather here...HOT and HUMID!!
pennyhal
12 years ago
It's reassuring that some of you are still able to post. Hopefully that means our friends who live in your areas are also safe so far.

Mike, I'm glad your father was able to get medical attention. How is he doing? This must add more stress to your life at the moment.
Loveplants2 8b Virginia Beach, Virginia
12 years ago
still have power....which is unbelievable....

so if u have friends here in Virginia Beach and near the Chesapeake bay....we are all ok...things are still to come...high tide is expected tonight at 9 and the tidal surge is expcted to rise at least 15 feet.

Winds are still sustained at around 50 with gust up to 70# but they are predicting more later...so we will see..

They major problem im having is the amount od crickets inside the house, since all of the 50 -60 plus Plumerias DR's cactus ets are inside...you can imagine the eyes that are rolling from my dear DH!!! LMAO

Take care..i dont know how much longer i will have on line...but wanted some of youu to know thst we are doing ok!!!

Take care

Laura in VB

Thanks Nancy for the nice comments!!! you are lucky to have missed this one.

We seen to have them alittle to often....ii guess thats why the isalnd of the capes jet out so far...always have been a problem since the beginning with the shoals sinking ships due to the channels being so dangerous.

Hurricanes seem too like to follow the path oof the outerb abnks and follow the coast line...only to hit VB!!!!

See ya!!

Laura in VB
prayerrock
12 years ago
My prayers are with everyone through this hard tie and terrible storms. Please be safe everyone. Do what you need to to stay safe, your plants can always be replaced, your life and that of your families can not.

Mary
norma_2006
12 years ago
My payers and blessing are with you, I am so glad that you posted, I've heard not news today, I am hopefull that Irene will turn east. I am praying that they are all being over cautious so no one can say that they werent' warned. Please be careful, I am so sorry that this is happening to you. I wish there was someway that we could divert this path, we also have gusts of winds up to 60 and it just breaks a few tree and we have fallen trees but no roofs come off where I live. Please keep posting, I am concerned about all of my friends. (family) I have not hear a word in the news all day, what is happening. Norma
norma_2006
12 years ago
Been watching the news all night. I know about VB stay safe, the plants can be replaced. You cannot. Karen and all I am concerned about all of you, you are all closer then my small family. You all keep me from getting lonely. Karen do you have enough food in the house. Will you be able to get mail delivery? I could mail food in, I'm serious about this. Norma
meyermike_1micha
12 years ago
Looks like we made it with very limited damage. I did have to pick up a few plants but was lucky not to loose any.

Thank you for all your well wishes, prayers, and I hope everyone else is doing well.

MIke
User
12 years ago
Well Hello Again Everybody,

I'm OK folks, am back in the office as of 1:00 pm Monday. Haven't made it home yet, saw my own apartment building on the news w/ pix of it w/ 2 ft. of water in front of the Bldg., likely the basement flooded & knocked out all the electrical of 6 story, 4 bldg. complex.

On the other hand, everybody's OK am waiting to hear about my Mom who was evacuated from rehab facility in Far Rockaways to Phila. (I almost had a heart attack from that news).

Norma, you are a dear to offer; thanks so much. I most appreciate your concern & affection for me (& others who you've come to know here). Have you heard from Cookie? Is she still in my area (if I recall correctly)?

If my sister hadn't insisted I go to her in the Bronx (mainland vs. the peninsula I live on), I'd likely have gone to a public shelter (except that was on the other side of Brooklyn & was dependent on public transport to get there).

Anyway, all's well for now, I may be camping out by the light of the gas stove tonight. If I'm not online later tonight, that would be why.

Be safe everybody, 'talk soon'.

Karen
norma_2006
12 years ago
We have not heard back from Mike re: his father. My Cookie, you mean her daughter that was there at college she has graduated and got a job right away, I have my cat, but I am very much alone here I can go for weeks and see or speak to anyone. I have started downloading my collection of all the odds and ends of plants, giving them to my group for the raffle table, and to the Huntington for their silent auction. I want all of them to go to good homes. I am having a ant problem this year and will get rid of them tomorrow, had to call in a professional, can't do it anymore by myself do to my health, I don't like being older at all except I notice more people are very nice lately, kinder also. I hope my neighbors are not gossiping about me I have at least one man each week coming over to help. I am so lucky with my friends. Norma
Loveplants2 8b Virginia Beach, Virginia
12 years ago
Norma,

Its soo nice to have friends to help you...

You seem to be a very kind person and i wish the best for you...

If you have any family members here close to the Tidewater area in Virginia, we are all doing fine.

Between NC and Va 2 million people are still without power..

What a mess...it could have been worse, but fortunately we didnt have any property damage, here in VB.

Take care..

Laura in VB
dragonstone
12 years ago
Irene destroyed a lot of trees around the property and flattened some of my fences. It made me reel because I've been through several hurricanes while living here since 1995 and never experienced anything of this scale. She really kicked our butts here. To see a lot of trees fallen over or destroyed is difficult to see when you're used to them as a part of your 'home sweet home' mentality.
xerophyte NYC
Original Author
12 years ago
Somehow my street did not lose power, and other than some shredded leaves you would not know a hurricane was around. However many towns near me were without power until today.

Irene weakened very quickly once it hit Jersey. And as we all know by now, Vermont, upstate NY and other mountainous areas had hazardous runoffs to deal with.

I did have a blast in So. Florida!

x

Hurricane Irene

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wantonamara Z8 CenTex

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