Weather- hurricane watch for east USA

Subject: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Sep 03 - 10:44 PM

well, after the wettest summer in years, we know have Isabel taking aim at us. The latest SWAG (Sophisticated Wild Ass Guess) has the storm sweeping up the coast and hitting somewhere around N. Carolina to N. Jersey, with the DelMarva penninsula and Chesapeake Bay dead center. This could mean LOTS of damage and water and power outages and misery if it doesn't change course.

I, personally, am inland a hundred miles, but a category 4-5 storm would cause some trouble that far and more...so...*sigh*...wait & see and stock up on stuff and check the gutters and don't plan to BBQ on the patio Wed-Thurs..

So...will everyone east of the Mississippi please aim your fans east for the next 4 days and send Lady Isabel out to sea? *grin* "A butterfly landing on a twig in......"

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Sep 03 - 10:45 PM

you see what fear does? I meant to attach a BS (Big Storm) label to this...please move it, Joe & Clones

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Sep 03 - 10:51 PM

ISABEL.

~S~

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 14 Sep 03 - 10:55 PM

Will do, Bill. I'm watching this one. Our weather man says it all depends on a large high pressure area up around NY and a low pressure trough around KY. Whichever gets larger next week will set Isabel's path.

I have several young college-age friends in Charleston and other friends and relatives inland in NC and SC. I was in Charleston just prior to a smaller hurricane, and we watched the waves get larger. People around there still talk about Hugo. I also weathered a small hurricane one year in Nassau. (took pictures of the "official" hurricane nautical flag) Then I was inland in mid Alabama when one went through with 75-mile-an-hour winds. Forget that myth about these things *always* blowing out when they make landfall.

My young friends in Charleston have already made evacuation plans and have a meeting place.

This could be a real disaster...

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Janie
Date: 14 Sep 03 - 11:09 PM

We're starting to track it pretty closely ourselves and to batten down a few of the hatches just so there won't be so much to do in case she does head through here.

If she heads up the Bay the damage will be horrendous because of the population density from Norfolk to Baltimore. Here, Fran caused havoc with wind and Floyd, with water. We are on high ground, and don't worry too much about flooding. We were literally flooded out of West Virginia by the remnants of Gloria in '85, and swore we'd never live on low ground or right on a river again.

Still, there is something really exciting and completely awesome about a big storm like this.

Janie

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 14 Sep 03 - 11:14 PM

Where are you Janie?

Here's a computer model. Note *** not to be used for planning purposes. These predictions change daily.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Sep 03 - 11:26 PM

When I was in 3rd grade, in 1947, we lived in New Orleans, and were flooded out by water blowing over the seawall during a Hurricane...so we moved to Wichita, Kansas...in tornado alley!

I remember looking out the window and seeing palm trees bent into a *U* shape, tops almost on the ground...and the next day, we waded out as the water rose. It got 2 ft. deep in the house. One block away, it was dry. So I, too, have sworn I will never live in an easily flooded place again.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bobert
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 08:32 AM

Well, I talked with my friend, Kitty "Carneigie" West the night before last and she's livin' in Moorehead City, South Carolina which is right there on the ocean... Folks is boardin' up their homes and businesses... I'm not sure the God can aim these things but beeen prayin' He gets this one to make a big ol' u-turn....

Either way, I've got my fan up on the roof, Bill...

Bobert

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 08:49 AM

Some years ago we drove from Indiana to DC, deliberately trying to get there before a hurrican hit -- mighta been Floyd, I only remember that it had a masculine name. We started out around 8 p.m. and hauled it as fast as we could. Come dawn we were on South Mountain and I saw the pearly "hurrican sky". We got to the house and slept through the storm!

Having grown up with tornadoes, I decided than and there that I'd rather live with tornadoes. They're only a few hundred yards wide, and while the damage they do is immense it's not as widespread and there's usually not any flooding to speak of.

Good luck to all, and I hope that it doesn't make landfall. I'll try to get everyone I can to stand outside and fan to the East South East.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Rara Avis
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 09:58 AM

And here's me scheduled to leave for the UK out of Philadelphia on Thursday evening. This could break my 1999 travel time record of 14 hours waiting and waiting and waiting with a bit of flying thrown in as a diversion.

Seriously, I hope Isobel heads out to sea for all our sakes.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 10:13 AM

I'd put our fan on the roof, Bill, but the Rockies are in the way...*sigh* (as you would say:-)

Maybe we could get Spaw to send up a mighty wind of hot air that would just naturally catch the drift and send that puppy back out to sea.

Stay safe, everyone and keep us posted, please!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: harpgirl
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 10:21 AM

We have been downright lucky in Flori-DUH the past few years! I hope this one goes out to sea...

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 10:22 AM

yeah, 'spaw might do it, but I can see the headlines.."property saved, but thousands asphyxiated"

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 10:28 AM

Oh, will Spaw chair this effort and be the posterboy???? Then we could ALL help and be really USEful for a change-- I think I'll just assume the plan is a go, and get Hardi enrolled too.... Put it out through the church grapevine too, get 'em all in on it-- good people all, I know they will want to express their warmest on the occasion!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 10:34 AM

Church bean suppers, all over the country? Eat, then face west! Might work!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: mike the knife
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 10:43 AM

Damned thing is headed right at me...
Doing contingency planning for our stores (20+) in the area... not fun.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 11:07 AM

What is faith without works anyhow? And a chance to moon a hurricane???!! Bring it on!

We'll just declare a feast in honor of our patron saint, of course, St. Spawnian.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 12:06 PM

Oops, have just found out that if it goes back out to sea, saving teh South, then the Maritimes will be in the direct path, SO...we ALL need to give it a bigger POOF so our friends to the North will be safe, too!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 12:22 PM

Where are you, Mike?

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: RangerSteve
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 12:42 PM

The TV weather people have just shown pictures of CHester County, PA. They got hit bad by last nights rain and the flooding is incredible. They, more than anyone, don't need a hurricane on top of what they already got. It doesn't look like last nights flooding will recede by Thurs. when Isabella is scheduled to hit. I hope all you SE PA folks are ok.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Rara Avis
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 02:23 PM

A girlfriend in Chester County (also known as Mudcat epicenter) left her house about 6:30 this morning to take the regional rail into Philadelphia. She arrived at 10 am. I hear schools out that way are closing down.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 02:28 PM

well..we need to remember that Mudcat lives in SE PA! I hope Max in on high ground! If there are problems next weekend, that might be the cause. The weather people are warning people far inland to plan for excess water and power outages.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Tinker
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 02:41 PM

Well, I planned to clean the basement this fall anyway... Floyd left us with about two feet of water in the basement and floating storage bins. Those wonderful bins are not waterproof once they float up and tip over... All fans are definately pointed east...Good luck all.

Tinker

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 03:14 PM

Holy cow...glad that Mudcat is still on, even now!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Amos
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 03:22 PM

Stay dry, Maxie!!!!

A

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 04:37 PM

For interesting info (including information on historic hurricanes to jog the memory), go here:

NOAA National Hurricane Center

and here:

FEMA Tropical Storm Watch

Just in case anyone in the potential path is wondering just what to do, go here:

FEMA Fact Sheet: Hurricanes

A hurricane watch is issued 36+ hours ahead, a hurricane warning is issued 24-36 hours ahead. If you are in the watch area for a Category 4 hurricane (the second most powerful, and Isabel is VERY large and VERY powerful), you should be following the watch instructions as precisely as possible, and planning to evacuate if necessary. If you end up in the warning area, you better be ready to make the run inland, and prepare for some serious problems.

It doesn't appear likely that Isabel will miss the US at this point, and the Chesapeake does appear to be the most likely center at this time.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 08:07 PM

I hate hurricanes worse than anything except maybe George W. Bush. Maybe if we sacrificed GWB to the hurricane gods Isabel would go away.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Janie
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 08:16 PM

Mary,

We live on the northeast Piedmont of North Carolina. We got slammed by Fran, but unless Isabel jogs a tad further west than currently predicted, we will probably get a little too much rain and a little too much wind, but will otherwise be OK. Of course, Fran wasn't supposed to pass right over top of us either. We will probably fare better than the western side of the Chesapeake Bay and the eastern seaboard.

"Fraid there ain't enough beans and fans in North America to blow this one out to sea. I'm worried that when she hits all that hot air around DC, she'll be the first ever hurricane to turn into category 5 over land!

Janie

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 08:18 PM

Bee-dubya, what makes you think they'd accept the sacrifice??

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Donuel
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 09:06 PM

The computer generated track draws a center line right through our town in MD.

Of course this is only the center of the projected track and could gosouth or north of this line.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bobert
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 09:15 PM

Well, last I reported the danged thing had Kitty "Carneigie" West in its sights and now it's got the Bobert in its sights. Hmmmmmmm? Okay?!!?!?!?!.... Hurricanes ripping thru the Shenandoah Valley? Hmmmmmm? Okay, I can do this. Bring everything that ain't nailed down or got roots in and stash 'em in the basement. Fuel fir the generator. Extra beer. Guitars in the basement. 300 feet of 1 inch nylon rope for the double decker bus cottage... Ahhhh, maybe a little smoke fir the basement. Yeah, I can do this... Oh, where to stash the Karmann Ghia???? Hmmmmm? Lots o' trees up here.... And the Spartan trailer? Hmmmmm? Danged....

Well, gonna have the people, geetars, a cooler of cold beer and a little evidence fir burnin' in the basement... Hmmmmm. wonder if I can squeeze the Ghia, tooooo???? Gonna go measure....

Bobert

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Mudlark
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 12:55 AM

Mother Nature on a rampage....stay safe everybody!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Janie
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 08:22 AM

Bobert--Not the basement. Tain't probably gonna be the wind--gonna be the water!!!!

Janie

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 09:14 AM

Called my in-laws in Silver Spring, Maryland last night. They've been through 'em before -- Hazel, Floyd, all of 'em -- and they're going down their checklists: bring in patio furniture and things, extra batteries, flashlights checked, battery radio okay, fuel for the portable stove, some cans of soup, the lot. Being in a "retirement community" their biggest fear is stuff blowing around and water coming in around the windows and patio door, since there's a storm drain that runs boy their patio.

Otherwise, they said the weather today and tomorrow is supposed to be grand, as it so often is before all hell breaks loose.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 09:40 AM

This is one helluva' well organized hurricane.....a true "classic." I don't see any real possibility of it not coming in strong at this point. The photos from the Hurricane Hunter aircraft are just amazing. My best thoughts for all of you over there......

Spaw

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 12:06 PM

I wish I already had the generator I'm planning to get. Since I moved in, every time we've had a storm w/ any blow to it, my power has glitched repeatedly. Maybe this is the time it will stay off!

Hoping not,

bbc

P.S.--It's supposed to hit Thursday night into Friday here. All along my commute this am, I was wondering how many of the surrounding trees might fall & block the roadway. So far, I don't know any alternate routes to work!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 12:10 PM

as of 11 am it is down to a catagory 2 and fading fast...

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: mike the knife
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 12:21 PM

Hi Mary in KY,
I'm in Norfolk, VA. On the edge of the Downtown area- hard on the Elizabeth River. The groud here is saturated from too much rain & my neighborhood floods if someone drops his or her double Latte from Starbucks onto the sidewalk.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: GUEST,Ron Olesko
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 01:47 PM

My basement is still damp from Hurricane Floyd! We lost power for 13 hours during that one and my sump pump could not carry the water out of the basement.   

I am sure this one will miss us because I bought an emergency generator after Floyd and have not had to use it since.

I am also going to buy a snowblower which will insure a lack of snow in NJ this winter!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Rara Avis
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 02:07 PM

I would appreciate that, Ron Olesko. We're in southern NJ across the river from Philadelphia. Our snowblower gave up the ghost just before the final big snowstorm last winter and I can't face a winter of snow shoveling.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 02:49 PM

If you'd like a good look at Isabel, peek here. After September 16, 2003 you can find the picture by going to the "Archives" at the bottom of the page and clicking on the date. (LOTS of great astronomy pictures there, too!)

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: CapriUni
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 12:12 PM

As many of you know, I am right in the path of Hurricane Isabel... 24 hours ago, I was working on the assumption that I would be exacuating to the north... But then, last night, the various newscasters repeated that people should Not evacuate unless ordered to do so, but rather, batten down the hatches and be prepared to camp out at home (to make sure our easily clogged roads remain as free as possible for those who do need to get out, and lower the number of people who potentially become stranded on the roads). And then, that same message was issued by the governor. So that is what we're doing.

Some words of reassurance: Father is with me, and he is now bringing in all loose items from around the house, and locking them in our garage. He is also filling five gallon buckets with water. My larder is well stocked with tuna and canned meats, peanut butter, bread, and powdered milk (and we have manual can openers). I do have an interior bathroom away from all windows. The cats' food and litter boxes are also in this room, so all 4 of us can camp out there, if not in comfort, at least in relative safety). I have batteries and flashlights, and a radio powered with a hand crank (wind the crank 100 revolutions, and it will play for 45 minutes). I live in an area of relative high ground... not the mountains, by any means, but in an area that has never flooded in the 7 years I've been here... That will change after this storm, I'm sure, but it's not like my house is on the beach, wating to be washed out to sea.

I am expecting the power to go out, and I don't know when it will come back on, so if I don't write for several days, assume that that is the reason, rather than assuming the worst...

Oh, and I've also paid all bills for this month, so....

I will write here again, as soon as I can....

Your friend, CapriUni/Ann

PS:

I'll also take this time to issue a song challange. If ever there was ever a storm worthy of a ballad, this is one!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Amos
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 12:31 PM

Gee, Capri -- you have us on tenterhooks waiting to hear how it turns out!! Good luck!

A

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 12:47 PM

Capri, be sure to stay away from windows and flying glass. Even if you are 100 miles from the eye, the winds will break windows and send things flying through the air.

Take care.

(You can always think about writing my story if you get stuck in the dark for awhile.) ;-)

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: jaze
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 01:46 PM

The wind is picking up here near Richmond already. My worry is the tall trees surrounding my house and neighborhood. Was gonna get a new roof last week and decided to see what Isabel does first. It's due to come right thru here with hurricane force winds. I love storms but I'm very leery of this one. Wish us all luck.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: mike the knife
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 02:08 PM

Godspeed Capri- I'm not too far from you- Norfolk to be exact. I'm at work now trying to figure out contingencies for outr stores (20+ locations locally) in the area. Not much fun. I'm surrounded by "mandatory evacuation" areas... we'll see.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 03:22 PM

I see on the TV that since Pat Robertson's headquarters is right near the landfall (Virgina Beach) that he is organizing an anti-hurricane prayer campaign, to force Isabel back out to sea! Go get her, Pat!

In the meantime, I am covering window wells against heavy rains, charging all the batteries, moving my cars away from trees and setting the candles about the house. Oh, yes..one thing I did buy at the store was charcoal...just in case power is off for several days. (we don't have a gas stove).

Ya'll stay dry & safe!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: CapriUni
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 03:49 PM

From Mike the Knife -- I'm not too far from you- Norfolk to be exact.

Well, Gee! We're practically neighbors! After this is all over, maybe we should get together... :-)

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Amos
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 03:55 PM

Bill:

As far as I know Pat's not someone to place a bet on as far as bending the ear of destiny...so just as well you back your bet with real precautions!! :>)

A

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 04:08 PM

Over here in the safety of West London U K all we can do is wish you East Coat catters the very best of luck with the fair Isabel.And if you do blow her out to the East For Gods Sake dont blow TOO hard -We Dont Want her either.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Janie
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 06:27 PM

Yipes! We can't get the truck started to move it and the sailboat out from under a big dying maple---if the truck weren't in the way, we could maybe hoist the sails and sail the boat and trailer out from under it! Everything else is battened down as best we can do. Provisions are laid in for when the power goes out. We expect tropical storm force winds, which can do a good bit of damage inland like we are, but I really don't think it will be too bad. We had horrendous damage from ice storms this past winter, and the power companies did some significant cutting away from the power lines this spring throughout our region. I worry most for those up in the Virginia, West Virginia and PA mountains who are vulnerable to flash floods, as well as those of you along the coast.

Everyone take real care now, ya hear?!

Janie

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 06:41 PM

Amos...no doubt if Isobel washes Pat right up the river, he will explain that God was punishing various evil doers in the area! *grin*. Hmmm...perhaps if Pat goes out on the beach as Isobel approaches, and explains directly to God.....hmmm.....

(I, being a fellow of little faith, have spent the afternoon protecting my back porch against excess blowing rain)(I hope!)

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 07:04 PM

CU, thanks for letting us know how you are preparing, etc. That goes for the rest of you, too. I am holding you all in my thoughts and good wishes for safety and protection for all of your concerns, both home and business.

As for Mr. Robertson...I am reading a very intersting book right now...The Tree of Knowledge by Eva Figes. It is written as thought the narrator is an old woman, on eof the daughters of John Milton. In one chapter, she is talking about Cromwell when she says, I think those who call themselves elect of God are prone to human error, being human. In this they chiefly err, not to confess it. Obstinancy in a lost cause is but foolhardy. We must consider why the cause was lost, not cling to idle dreams. And, another good quote, imo my emphasis: I have heard my uncle (Milton's brother) say, he would rather be ruled by a hereditary lord than be subject to the rule of saints, the self-elect of God, as he would call them.

Just a little interlude while you await the mighty winds and tears of Isabel...

luvya'll kat

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 08:50 PM

official NOAA warning

projected path

winds beginning to hit N. Carolina

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bobert
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 09:41 PM

Well, fir folks not familiar with livin' in the side of a mountain the basement is the place to be since on side of it is ground level but I is one wored out hillbilly. I never realized just how much stuff can become a potential missle in a hurrican so I've spend all day "battenin' down hatches, hoisting landlubbers', trading wives and diamonds" and all that.....

Opps, wrong disaster.... No, but sriously, every time the show the path of Isabel it's coming right thru Harpers Ferry so I reckon tomorrow I'll see how well I made out...

Snugged down the hurrican straps under the double decker bus cottage, Plucked 'em when I was done and they're all in like a C minor but, hey... You got fir a C and the strap breaks and yer out in the hurricane trying to find an all-night hurricane strap store...

The Karmann Ghia didn't make the cut but I think it will survive... There are so many trees around here... ahhhh, amybe because its like the woods?.... that I jusy went around and tried to get a feel of which one or ones might come down and moved stuff out of the way of the ones that are iffy at best... Mr. Chainsaw is gassed up. Generator gassed up. Guitars in the basement. Beer in the cooler....... Let's rumble!.......

Bobert

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: LadyJean
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 11:01 PM

Thanks! The tail end of hurricanes have hit Pittsburgh before. I'll buy batteries and move the H.M.S. Sophie away from trees. (My car is such a boat.)
Pat Robertson hasn't evacuated his college, because he's convinced he can pray Isabel away.
Scripture teaches, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."
I hope to gracious no one gets hurt because that smirking bastard doesn't know his Bible.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bobert
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 11:19 PM

LOL, LadyJean....

Actually, I fluxuate between God being able to steer hurricnes toward trailer parks or not... Right now, I'm on the "not" side...

But I'm glad that Pat Robertson thinks he can steer 'em...

Maybe if he turns the thing back into the ocean then God will say "Well go danged, Pat! Nice job! Ahhhhh, I've been tryin' to get away but don't have a sub. Interested?"

Awwww, jus' funnin'...

Can't forget what Voltaire said about God: "God is a comedian playin' to an audience afraid to laugh."

Bobert

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Arnie
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 09:06 AM

Just been watching the latest hurricane warnings on the lunchtime news in the UK. This one looks pretty scarey for you folks on the East Coast - I wish you all the best and hope you come out the other side without too much damage. And here's me worrying about a breeze in my back garden blowing apples off the tree - puts it all into perspective!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Janie
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 09:06 AM

Gotta confess---I am really excited. Not about the prospect of damage and harm to so many people and places, but about the power of nature--And with an organized system like a hurricane, it is no wonder that we tend to give them names and personalities. Although the eye of Isobel is still a good 300 miles from me, we are beginning to get a little wind. The rain started about an hour ago. And to think that my sister, Annie, who is 350 miles away from me on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and Bobert, all the way up in Harper's Ferry, are hunkering down to go through the same storm---Wow!!!

Kinda puts us homo-sapiens in our place, (All exceptin' Pat, of course.

Janie

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 09:13 AM

current forecasts have maximum winds down below 50 mph by tomorrow morning. so far the hype has been much worse then the reality

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: UB Ed
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 09:40 AM

In Richmond, we are looking forward to 70 mph this evening. That is plenty of reality for me. The storm itself will be bad, but the possibility of widespread power outages over the next few days following the storm is a grave concern. Looks like we're going to still be hit by a Mack truck, just a smaller one.

Keep us in your thoughts.

Ed

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 09:44 AM

water will be the problem....LOTS of rain, and the ground already saturated, so flooding in inevitable. There WILL be many power lines down also, as we don't even get 40MPH winds often around here, and old limbs will go. You don't have to have buildings blown down to be in a real mess.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Tinker
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 10:17 AM

Water is my big concern. We had a good 12 inches of water with Floyd down in the basement. My son's high school in Jersey City is having the boys with basement lockers take home all their books tonight in anticipation of flooding. Many boys use the PATH into Exchange Place and they are anticipating a flooded station and no school tommorrow. I'm out now to clean up the yard and get all the assorted "Kiddie Litter" secured and put away.

Kathy

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Little Hawk
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 10:36 AM

...rather be ruled by a hereditary lord than be subject to the rule of saints, the self-elect of God, as he would call them...

Having met someone who might be termed a "saint" (or if not, a saint in the making) I cannot agree with your assessment, Kat. Of course, he doesn't "rule", he leads by example, which is an entirely different thing from ruling...and saints are not self-elected, they are elected by the opinion of others.

However, I would rather be ruled by a hereditary lord than by a Republican! :-) (in most cases, anyway...)

Now let's see who can blow harder...Isobel or Pat Robertson.

- LH

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Peg
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 10:46 AM

I agree with MMario; the hype is ridiculous. No one knows how bad it will be until it hits, really, but I know people in Connecticut who think it's the end of the world! (They did suffer when Gloria came through, but every storm is different) They cancelled weekend plans to go out of town to a place whcih will no doubt suffer worse from this, because they think their CT home is in danger...

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Carly
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 11:00 AM

It's raining here in Clifton, Virginia-35 miles west of DC- but the wind is just beginning. We lose power often out here during storms, so we are prepared with extra water, batteries, and plenty of peanut butter! Now if only the creek doesn't rise too far--we may be cut off from the road but are not in danger of the house floating away, as we are on a hillside. Our best wishes to everybody else riding out Isabel.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: UB Ed
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 11:21 AM

Power outages already starting in Dominion VP territory and moving inland...

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: nutty
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 12:14 PM

Just watched live photos on our UK news ..... it looks pretty rough on the coast .....stay safe everybody

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bobert
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 12:43 PM

Well, Iz here to say that everything that they say about the "eerie calm" before the storm is true. We've had a couple of very light showers over the hour or two but their is absolutely no air movement. Like none. I'm lookin' out the window at a plum tree and not one leaf is moving! Spooky stuff! Fir real.

The P-Vine and I figure that we can squeeze out 5 days before it gets difficult because that's about all the gas I have to run the generator. The problem with living on the side of the Blue Ridge is that just below us is the Shenandoah River and when it floods it covers roads that people use to get out. We're in a holler which means thats there only one way out. There are about 1500 homes back in this holler and if the flooding gets bad, we're stuck back here.

The other problem is trees. It doesn't take but one of them to fall and take out an entire section of the mountain. I fully expect this to happen but would be pleasantly surprised for it not to happen. I was in Home Depot (oh the shame, Bobert) yesterday and overheard a clerk tellin' a feller that all the generators had been sold... But most folks don't have their generators hard wired into the circuit panel meaning that they can run their refrigerators but not their well pumps, which is a pain. No water, no showers, no toilets. Most of are smart 'nuff to fill the bathtub with water and dip out what is needed for the basics...

Opps, Iz been ramblin'... sorry... just a tad nervous...

Nervous Bobert

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 01:43 PM

LH, not my assessment, just a quote from a book about another time in history which I found interesting. And, I don't necessarily agree with it, though if I had to choose between the "self-elect of god" and QEthe2nd, I'd choose the latter anytime! In my opinion those who become known as saints aren't really aware they are doing anything which will bring them such exalted status.:-)

Bobert, take a deep breath and blow it out...relax and I hope you have a nice soft spot somewhere in the basement where you and P-Vine can have a little *fun* to while away the hours.**bg**

kat

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Mudlark
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 01:48 PM

Been keeping up with y'all thru this thread...hang on tight...I hope the reality is a lot less than the hype. Stay safe, everybody.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Janie
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 02:23 PM

Wind is really picking up here in Hillsborough. Some limbs coming down but we still have power. Most of us got sent home from work at noon. Rain is steady but not heavy. Early evening should be the worst of it for us. The coast is getting slammed.

Janie

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 03:14 PM

gusts getting stronger in MD suburbs of DC, and we are still hours from the worst of it...

wow! there went a big one!...then period of calm, but calm bits are getting shorter.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Janie
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 04:08 PM

Wild, but not frighteningly so from inside the house. Guessing sustained winds of 20-25 with frequent much higher gusts. Power out in many places but not on my block--though it has flickered some. Many small branches down and leaves stripping from trees. Many businesses still open. Unless it gets much worse we are going to ride this one out fine from here. Good luck to all the rest of you.

Janie

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 04:34 PM

Lights flickering here, too...guess it's gonna be a dark evening. We'll be safe, as this house is like a bomb shelter downstairs..(we do have a couple trees I don't trust, though)

Y'all stay dry and sing some songs!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 04:51 PM

Time to get those hamsters out of retirement, Bill...keep connected regardless!**BG**

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 05:20 PM

them hamsters are in hiding! They don't like this! *grin* And my lights are SERIOUSLY flickering..this UPS gives me 10-15 minutes to shut down the computer, but I won't drive it to the limit...

5PM now....news says worst will be from 9PM to 3 AM...depending on how fast it moves..(speeding up over land) Haven't had the heavy rain...yet

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Annie
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 05:43 PM

Here on the Delmarva Pennsinsula, there's a lot of energy outside the door. Short duration power outages closed our office at noon.

Hunkered down here in my house in the woods now. The wind is sometimes calm, and then goes through a howling period. The house sometimes vibrates at a real fast frequency during the gusts.

The goldfinches can hang onto the feeder through anything!!

Lost one big oak tree about an hour ago. I went out to see if it had hit the garage, (it didn't), when another gust came through and a second big oak falls. It misses me but the top of it hits the garage. I ran in the house feeling like a moving target. The brunt of the storm's not even here yet.

I'm sure it's worse elsewhere. Lots of energy out there.

Annie (with power so far)

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Max
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 08:12 PM

We're having rain and very high winds here at Mudcat Central. Power is on and off. So far the batteries are holding, but if we go down tonight, its mother natures fault, not mine. I'll watch her the best I can though. Got the girls tucked in and candles and flashlights ready for a good old-fashioned evening.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 08:21 PM

I see you are back, Max...we have had a 30-40 minute lull here, but expecting the worse soon. Power has been off several times, but only for a few mintes....we shall see.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 08:45 PM

Good luck, Max!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 08:46 PM

I have Doppler Radar on the computer here and have watched this thing all day. Amazing how well the rain bands are holding together and how the storm formation is still pretty much intact. Not much wind at this point but still lots of rain. At this point in time, the outer rain band is about 20 miles east of our place and will probably arrive here abou the tome Karen leaves for work.

Hope all of you have come through okay.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Allan C.
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 09:47 PM

Here in Charlottesville, Virginia, the rain is pelting down and the wind is gusting somewhat fiercely at times. The power has flickered off a few times. I made a quick dash outside for a look around and discovered that some of the aluminum siding has been ripped from the house. There is a mulberry I am a little worried about because it hangs over the fence and seems ready to crash at any time. Other than that, all seems well.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: The Pooka
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 10:55 PM

Peg - re CT - I'm near Hartford, inland - we're not threatened of course (pretty good winds for tomorrow but no big-biggie) - but we COULD have been, especially according to the "BAM Medium" computer model, until its projections sort-of merged with the other models a couple days ago. / Of course when a cyclone *does* come howling due north at us, just brushing the east-facing coastline, we do have *some* degree of protection afforded by our nice barrier reef known as Long Island NY. :) This is why we have been so happy to show our gratitude by powering up our Cross-Sound Cable to Long Island prior to its compliance with environmental requirements -- as reflected in our Attorney General's lawsuits to shut it down again & our Governor's name-calling spats with Pataki & Con Ed. :)

Tragically, 10 o'clock TV news in CT (Fox Channel 61) has reported a New England storm-related fatality: a guy in Narragansett RI who went down to the beach to view the crashing surf, & somehow got swept away & drowned.

Isabel is now officially a Tropical Storm btw.

My 21-year old son, a perennial severe-weather fanatic & all-around Crackpot whom I dearly love, after work today in Manhattan went down to Rockaway Beach in Queens to view the surf himself. Reported good waves & strong winds. / But nothing like you guys in the actual path of the damn thing, of course. / Everybody stay safe.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 11:25 PM

A hurricane just missed the Big Island earlier this month...yes, we do get them here. Sending lots of aloha and good wishes for friends and family up and down the East Coast, including all you 'Catters.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Max
Date: 19 Sep 03 - 12:09 PM

Well, she got us. Cut the power in damn near the whole town for almost 12 hours. We seem to be OK now though.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: okthen
Date: 19 Sep 03 - 12:12 PM

Welcome back

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: GUEST,jaze
Date: 19 Sep 03 - 01:16 PM

We survived safe and sound. No power since yesterday around noon, but that's ok. No trees fell on my house! Thank God and you all for the well wishes. Lots of people less fortunate, so I'm grateful. But I Never want to see a storm like that again!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Allan C.
Date: 19 Sep 03 - 02:31 PM

I lost power only moments after my previous post. It came back on just a few minutes ago. The tree I was worried about managed to remain upright, unlike hundreds in the area. All considered, we were hit rather lightly. My heart goes out to the folks on or near the coast.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Carly
Date: 19 Sep 03 - 03:49 PM

Well, that was fun... After watching the wind literally strip the bark off the sycamores behind the house, I thought we might be in real trouble as we listened to periods of intense wind and rain through the night. But we came through in good shape; we even have electricity, which is more than can be said for many of our friends in Maryland and DC. We did lose two big old trees along our creek, and our next-door neighbor lost an old oak, but they all managed to fall without hurting anyone, for which we are grateful. Thanks for the good wishes; I hope everyone else is safe.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: izzy
Date: 19 Sep 03 - 03:53 PM

I wish the damn thing wasn't called Isabel (for obvious reasons.) Life is quite difficult enough without picking up the newspaper and seeing headlines such as "Isabel wreaking havoc in North Carolina." Slander! Anyway, I sincerely apologise for all the destruction my namesake is causing down there. Hope everyone is OK and that Bill D's hamsters haven't suffered a nervous breakdown. Stay safe,

*BG*

Cheers,

Non-Hurricane

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Janie
Date: 19 Sep 03 - 03:55 PM

Power just back up here. We didn't lose power til the worst of the storm was done with us! I hear there was serious flodding in Norfolk and Va. Beach. Hope Capri Corn and Mike are ok. We really didn't have too much damage here in Hillsborough. Dani is serving a great buffet at a real low price at her restaurant right now--had to clean out the fridge and freezer or lose all of their food! What little bit of electricity they absolutely had to have to run the restaurant, they got by running a converter from her husband's truck! Yeah Dani! I haven't been able to reach Annie since early yesterday evening, but I think she's OK. At least, the answering machine works.

Allan--quick--duct tape that siding back up--paint it the color of the house--and get on with your closing:>)

Janie

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: bbc
Date: 19 Sep 03 - 06:23 PM

Well, it really fizzled around here (border of NY w/ CT & MA). We got a little hard rain & wind, but kept power. Not even any trees down. I did lose cable tv overnight & had to reset my modem, but I guess I can deal w/ that!

bbc

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Annie
Date: 19 Sep 03 - 08:47 PM

The chain saw is stuck in the tree! I hate when that happens.

Be careful cleaning up - injuries happen.

Annie

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Janie
Date: 19 Sep 03 - 10:49 PM

Oh Annie--not again?

So THAT's why I haven't been able to reach you--you're stuck to the chain saw@@@##### Tell Fuzz to meow for help.

XO,

Janie

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: MAG
Date: 20 Sep 03 - 04:47 PM

Well, my (elderly) folks on the NJ side of the Delaware River across from wilmington got evacuated to the community College along with everybody else. High winds and lots of trees down, and grumpily sleepless, otherwise OK. I have more family in that Philly suburb zone that were without power for sometime, home from school, and all the rest. It could have been a lot worse, and I'm sorry for the folks who suffered and lost.

Hurricane Hazel flooded my hometown when I was a kid. Canoes on the street and the whole bit. those photos of Baltimore brought it all back.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Willie-O
Date: 21 Sep 03 - 06:21 AM

Geez Annie, I'd have thought that an engineer could have avoided that little demonstration of gravity's effects.

How to get a chainsaw unstuck from a log (log lying horizontally). Get a sturdy piece of wood, to pry with--2" to 3" ironwood is ideal, maybe 8 feet long, and lift up the log, near the saw, till the saw pops out of the cut. Don't try to yank and yank on the handle of the saw, you will only break the handle mounts.

Of course, the trick is to make sure you have a good prying pole around _before_the saw gets stuck. You can make one in a few seconds when your chainsaw isn't stuck in a cut...

And yes, accidents happen. Before you cut a tree, especially after a storm, make sure you've scanned above your head to see if there's any broken off branches (widowmakers) that are going to come down with the tree. Unlike the tree you are cutting, the widowmakers will fall straight down, to where you are.

W-O
forestry guy
gotten lots of saws stuck...busted a few handle mounts too.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: UB Ed
Date: 21 Sep 03 - 03:42 PM

Still lots of folks (including me) in Richmond without power and a boil water advisory.

I am counting me and mine as damn lucky; no one injured and little if no damage. 5 trees sacrificed their lifes to buffer our house; at 45 degree angles, they'll now have to come down. Kathy and I have spent the last two days hauling limbs and debris out of the yard. As we walk through our neighborhood and see all the huge uprooted trees, we count ourselves fortunate.

Ed

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 21 Sep 03 - 11:10 PM

(I posted to the other thread)....64 hrs without power but no serious damage...had candles, flashlights and a freezer which was a baby glacier, so it didn't all melt and we had some food salvagable....just spent quite a bit of time chipping out the remnants of the glacier and digging out from the many, many, many smaller limbs that littered the yard. We were 'relatively' lucky.....

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Mantid
Date: 22 Sep 03 - 09:10 AM

We were EXTREMELY lucky at our home just outside DC. Never lost power and water supply is safe. No trees down either. Missed one day of dance camp due to its flooding but two other days of the weekend were great. Now it looks like another day of severe thunderstorms here on the east coast. Insult to injury. Yikes.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Annie
Date: 23 Sep 03 - 08:49 PM

Willie-O thanks for the advice. My version of getting it unstuck is to paint a painful face on the blade, leave it out over night, and call for backup in the morning. I can't believe you pulled the aluminum handle off yours!! It never occurred to me to chain the truck to the handle and pull. But, hey. I'm a girl. I did try using a spud bar but my arms and legs were about three inches too short to push stuff under it when I got leverage on it. I did, however, try that for longer than I care to admit. We had another storm today that blew in the opposite direction, so down came all the limbs that were tempted to fall last week but needed a little extra push. The pruning is now complete I believe.

A