Monday, August 29, 2011

Your First Hurricane: Hurricane Irene

Our meteorologist, Colin Hackman, showing the storm's approach.

More scary-looking weather images.

In late August 2011, Hurricane Irene threatened the east coast and appeared to be heading straight for Wilmington, NC. After tracking the storm for over a week, area schools were closed and people were encouraged to board-up windows, stock their pantries, and plan on "hunkering down" for a few days. Being the worry-wart that I am, I was freaking out! I was trying to convince your Dad that we needed to evacuate, but he assured me that be prepared was the best we could do and that we'd be just fine. So, we made sure we had plenty of food, water, gasoline, cash, candles, batteries, and flashlights. We prepared for the onslaught that was predicted and waited out the storm with our neighbors, the LaFaves.

Thank goodness the neighbors were here to weather the storm with us!

Just part of our water supply....

Needless to say, we were very lucky and the storm made a last-minute turn and missed hitting Wilmington head-on. We still felt the effects of the storm, however: massive gusts of wind and tons of rain. Fortunately, we never lost power and suffered no real damage. Not too bad for only living 16 feet above sea level! Oh, and me - the worry-wart? Your Dad informed me the next morning that I slept through the scariest part of the storm while he tossed and turned all night!



The morning after Irene passed - left-over wind and rain for HOURS!

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