Hurricane

Subject: Hurricane
From: Chet W.
Date: 14 Sep 99 - 10:53 PM

Here in the middle of South Carolina we are looking to get hit hard by Hurricane Floyd tomorrow. Will try to find inspriration for songs. Will be back in touch when power and phone lines are back up. God bless us every one.

Chet

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Stewie
Date: 14 Sep 99 - 11:00 PM

All the very best. Many of us here in Darwin know exactly how you are feeling. In Australia, we call the bastards 'cyclones'.

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Bugsy
Date: 14 Sep 99 - 11:05 PM

good luck from Western Australia, we know the feeling, I hope all emerge unscathed.

bugsy

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Big Mick
Date: 14 Sep 99 - 11:16 PM

Chet,

Shit, I hate thinking about what you folks are going to go through. I will put you in the prayers tonight, Bro. Stay safe and let us know you are all right when this thing is over.

Mick

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: sophocleese
Date: 14 Sep 99 - 11:17 PM

Good Luck with it. Hope to hear from you, safe and sound, after its over.

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Barry Finn
Date: 14 Sep 99 - 11:23 PM

Best of luck to you all, the whole east coast is keeping a weather eye on you. Barry

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 14 Sep 99 - 11:25 PM

Let us know, as soon as you can, that all is well. We'll be joining Mick in our own equivalent of prayer tonight for all the folks along the coast.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Sep 99 - 11:26 PM

Whatever it takes Chet.......A lot of thoughts are with you and yours.....Best of Luck

Spaw

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Winters Wages
Date: 14 Sep 99 - 11:47 PM

We are monitering the weather out here..God Bless and our prayers are with you all..Winters Wages

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Jeri
Date: 14 Sep 99 - 11:50 PM

Chet, Paul G has said (in the Tavern thread) he's also anticipating getting Floyded. Anyone else? I'll be keeping you in my thoughts, and like sophocleese, look forward to hearing from you after it's over.

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Escamillo
Date: 14 Sep 99 - 11:57 PM

All our thoughts with you all, from the other side of the world. Please don't let anything or anybody go on its own, and you will surely be safe. Best regards, Andrés Magré

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: bbelle
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 12:00 AM

Well ... here in Tallahassee we're safe but the mass exodus is unbelievable. I've had several calls from friends in Jacksonville re a place to wait out the storm. It doesn't look like it's going to do much damage in Jax, but it could. So ... I'm running moonchild's flop house for friends and family. Chet ... be safe and don't be a martyr ... get out if you have to ... moonchild

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: paddymac
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 12:08 AM

Chet - as of now it appears Tallahassee wil get little more than a few showers and breezes from the storm. The town is chock full of escapees at the moment. My neighborhood Italian restaurant actually ran out of red sauce tonight, a first for them, from serving reduced rate pasta meals to escapees. I went out Sunday and stocked up on essential storm provisions like Guiness and assorted munchies. I've got to deal with clients in the morning, but after that I'll do my best to put the Guiness to good use and reverently toast your successful emergence in the aftermath. Good luck!

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 12:12 AM

Moonchild: good for you! Chet, she's right, get the hell pout if you need to to be safe! We will hold you near and dear in our hearts and give thanks to what/whomever we believe in for the power of protection which surrounds you and your loved ones, as well as all others who live in the path of Nature's fury.

You know me, I am not what you'd call religious, but I love this and I think I posted it before. It was taken to the moon by one of the astronauts who walked on it, Insert the diety of your choice:

Prayer for Protection (from Silent Unity, Unity Village, MO)

The light of (God) surrounds me;
The love of (God) enfolds me;
The power of (God) protects me;
The presence of (God) watches over me.
Wherever I am, (God) is!

Fare well, fare safely

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Jack (Who is called Jack)
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 12:30 AM

I can only echo the sentiments. We'll pray, you all find a safe spot and hunker down.

In the meantime, prayers that no one was killed in the Bahamas. Those islands are pretty exposed and Floyd took a pretty bad swipe at them today.

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: DougR
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 12:42 AM

Moonchild! Chet! Get the hell out of there! Go Inland! Way inland! Climb a mountain! Anything but get out of there! Come on out to the desert. I've got an extra bedroom! I guess that could present a problem if you don't know eachother well, but we'll work it out.

DougR

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Jeri
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 12:51 AM

There's a tracking map here and a satellite image here

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Art Thieme
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 01:42 AM

Moonchild, Damn, you do what it takes to stay safe. I need you around here to keep me in line if I spout off too much. Is Abby--Harpgirl--with you? I've not heard nothin' from her, either here or privately, in quite a while. If you are in contact with her, tell her that when she's out of danger to check in and let us know she's O.K.

O.K.?

Everyone in the path of that thing: BE WELL!!

Art

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: bob schwarer
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 05:46 AM

Floyd is at 28.8 N & 78.8 W as of 0500 EDT today. That puts it just north and plenty far to the east of us here in Lakeland. Got a few good rain squalls & pretty high winds, but nothing really bad, It should be gone fron us in another 10-12 hours. Did the usual drill of dragging everything indoors and filling the water jugs. Got ready to exist on canned beans & sardines for a few days.
Took the birds to the vet for a checkup yesterday. That is east of us. The traffic heading west to Tampa was bumper to bumper.

These things are no fun. I hate hurricanes. You exist thru them, but never get used to them or take them for granted.
Now So. Carolina & Georgia look out. There is some indication it may take a slightly NNE or even NE track later today. Don't count on it tho. Get ready.

Bob S.

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: bob schwarer
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 05:50 AM

Hurricane Floyd Discussion Number 31 Statement as of 5:00 am EDT on September 15, 1999

The most recent data relayed from Air Force reconnaissance indicates the eye is elliptical...a minimum central pressure of 935 mb and a maximum flight-level wind of 134 kt...which supports maintaining the initial intensity of 120 kt. The latest radar and satellite imagery suggests that a new eyewall may be forming. Fluctuations in strength are likely...but since Floyd is likely to cross portions of the Gulf Stream during the next day or so it should maintain its current intensity prior to Landfall.

The latest recon fixes show that Floyd is now moving north- northwestward and is moving a bit faster...with the initial motion estimate now 335/13 kt. The mid- to upper-level trough over The Eastern U.S. Will impart a more northerly heading later today. A shortwave trough seen in water vapor imagery moving southward over the North Plains will turn...and accelerate...the hurricane on a more north-northeastward...then northeast track by 36 hrs. Thus the nhc forecast shows a turn toward the north and North- Northeast...then northeast by the end of the period. The official forecast track is in good agreement with the nogaps...but a little faster...and is in the middle of the objective guidance.

Based on the new forecast track...and coordination with the local NWS offices...a tropical storm watch will be issued from Chincoteague Virginia to Cape Henlopen delware.

The NOAA buoy 41010 reached A Peak wind of 70 kt...with gusts to 85 kt...and seas to 54 ft. The winds are probably low Given the high sea states. The buoy is now in the eye and the pressure is 938.8 mb. The most recent observation from Daytona Beach indicates 35 kt sustained with gusts to 52 kt. Wind data from the NWS Melbourne wsr-wind 88d radar indicates 64 kt winds aob 1500 ft. The hurricane warnings will remain unchanged for the Florida east coast.

The NOAA buoy at Grays Reef off the Georgia is already reporting sustained tropical storm force winds while NOAA buoy 41004 near edisto south Carolina is reporting tropical storm force wind gusts and seas to 23 ft. All preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion in the hurricane warning area.

Guiney

forecast positions and max winds initial 15/0900z 28.8n 78.8w 120 kts 12hr vt 15/1800z 30.5n 79.2w 120 kts 24hr vt 16/0600z 33.2n 79.1w 120 kts 36hr vt 16/1800z 36.3n 78.0w 65 kts...inland 48hr vt 17/0600z 40.0n 75.0w 55 kts...inland 72hr vt 18/0600z 47.5n 67.0w 45 kts...inland

Hurricane Floyd ... Public Advisory | Marine Advisory | Strike Probabilities | Discussion | Tracking Map | Historical Map | Satellite Map

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Penny S.
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 09:10 AM

Anyone heard from Eleutheria(?) yet, last I heard this morening it was not communicating.

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Dani
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 09:27 AM

...sigh. So what we really need are some tunes, guys! If we end up having a long night/day of it, some music'll muddle us through. Any ideas? I know rock stations will be playing helpful tunes like, "It's The End Of The World As We Know It".

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Bert
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 09:30 AM

Hang in there guys, or rather, get out of there if you have to.

As for tunes, will "Blow ye winds in the Morning" do ya?

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Jeri
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 09:55 AM

Dougie MacClean, "Ready for the Storm" would be a good one.

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Easy Rider
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 10:10 AM

AN OLD FISHERMAN ONCE TOLD ME:

"There ain't no such thing as BAD weather. There's only not being dressed for it."

That storm may wind up crossing over NYC, so I may get wet too! Batten down the hatches, everybody, and make sure to check in, when it's over, so we all know you made it through.

EZR

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: harpgirl
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 11:26 AM

...I hope you've evacuated the coastal cities in Floyd's path, all. Take care Chet. Tallahassee is indeed crowded, with people filling the rest stops and all the hotels and shelters. I am snug as a bug in a rug, Art andI will write a letter today from the office. Abby

Subject: Lyr Add: SAILOR'S CONSOLATION (as sung by Bok)
From: Barbara
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 12:22 PM

Here's a sailing hurricane songe for the less than terminally serious folk.
Blessings,
BArbara

SAILOR'S CONSOLATION
(Dibdin/trad)
(sung by Gordon Bok on Schooners)

One night came on a hurricane
The seas were mountains rolling
When Barney Buntline turned his quid,
And said to Billy Bowline:
"A strong nor'wester's blowin' Bill,
Hark, don't you hear it roar now?
God help 'em how I pities all
unhappy folks ashore now."

Foolhardy chaps who lives in town
What dangers they are all in
Tonight they're quaking in their beds
For fear the roof shall fall in.
Poor creatures how they envy us
And wish, as I've a notion
For our good luck in such a storm
To be out on the ocean. "

"And as for them who're out all day
On business from their houses
And late at night are coming home
To cheer their babes and spouses,
While you and I, Bill, on the deck,
Are comfortably lying,
My eyes! What tiles and chimney pots
Around their heads are flying!"

"And very often have we heard
How men are killed and undone
By overturns of carriages
And thieves and fires in London?.
We know what risks a landsman runs
From noblemen to tailors ,
Then, Bill, let us thank Providence
That you and I are sailors!"

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: annamill
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 12:36 PM

We in Sea Bright, NJ, the little peninsula stuck between a salt water river and the ocean, are a little nervious ;-0.

My house is right on the river and it has been know to come up even in just (JUST) Nor' Easters.

I've emptied my basement, have lot's of candles, will be getting some water, and then...we'll wait.

I'm actually very excited about all this. I love the elements, especially these angry ones. I just hope we're ok. We have our kayaks though ;-) I'm sure we'll be fine.

Waiting, annap

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Bert
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 01:31 PM

If you need a bolt hole Annap just give us a call.

In the meantime start singing "There's a tree out in the backyard..."

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Max
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 01:50 PM

I just got a call from our ISP (our connection to the net) and they warned us that we may have some trouble when the hurricane goes by. So if the Mudcat is down late this week or whenever you see Floyd go over PA, don't be alarmed, and please be patient. I will let you know more if I learn more.

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Chet W.
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 02:02 PM

Thanks to you all for these words. It's raining moderately now and the wind comes and goes; should be constant starting this evening. It's now ten years minus one week since Hurrican Hugo, and I'll never forget how a friend of mine took his boat (about 8 meters and the slowest thing under a sail) out of the marina and holed up in a creek behind an island. By the mercy of God he survived. Please nobody think of getting into a kayak or any boat during this storm. Will report again when possible. You all are a fine bunch of folks.

Chet

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: DougR
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 02:10 PM

Annap: I hope that tree Bert refers to STAYS in your back yard! I've been in hurricanes on the Gulf Coast of Texas and they are no fun. Take care, and be safe.

DougR

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: lamarca
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 02:16 PM

Let's all wish love and care to our Coastal Catters and anticipate singing Bob Franke's "Halleluja, the Great Storm is Over"!

My youngest sister lived in St. Thomas for a few years, and I got REAL intersted in tracking hurricanes (your attention tends to focus when your loved ones are involved). She lived through Marilyn, and was without electricity or running water for 3 months! Anyway, here's a few sites with satellite images and tracking maps on them. Remember, when the storm's coming, these sites get overloaded real quickly; it's useless to try to get onto the National Hurricane Site, http://www.nhc.noaa.gov, right now!

The Weather Underground Tropical Page FEMA's hurricane hints (click on "current" in the toolbar - my husband and co-workers produce this one) other hurricane links

and finally, in case you think "Floyd", "Gert" and "Harvey" are stupid names for hurricanes, something to make you laugh - Huricane Bubba

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: lamarca
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 02:19 PM

Oops, screwed up the NOAA link - NOAA Operational Significant Events Imagery -"OSEI, can you see..."

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: annamill
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 03:35 PM

Chet, I was joking about kayaking in Floyd. (All I can think of is Andy's barber) I may be nutz but I'm not crazy!

Thanks, Bert. There is always music in our house. Maybe not always folk, but.... fun.

Love, annap

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: bob schwarer
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 03:47 PM

I think the Weather Underground site is the best. Also try:
http://www.intellicast.com/Tropical/World/UnitedStates/ActiveTropical/

You can get radar scans and loops from a lot of cities. All the sites are pretty sloe during the day, but at 5AM no problem.

Bob S.

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: bob schwarer
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 03:47 PM

Sloe? Hurricane nerves.

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Dani
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 05:30 PM

Thanks, Bert, thanks Barbara. Perfect!

Having sat none too bravely through Hugo, I'm not looking forward to the morning. But be of good cheer! Maybe it'll all blow over like a puff of smoke ;)

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Chet W.
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 06:31 PM

Dear Annap, I figured you were joking, Just wanted to make sure everybody knew it. I've seen people do some amazingly interesting things way too close to a hurricane. I used to go surfing, back in the days before curfews. I was lucky.

Chet

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: bobby's girl
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 06:40 PM

Over in England we don't get much in the way of hurricanes, so it's hard to imagine what you guys are going through, but I hope to read when its all over that you've all made it through ok.

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 06:57 PM

bobby's girl: we went through the benignly named "Bob" a few years back, in Connecticut. I was stunned and saddened at the destruction. I saw huge, hundred's of years old copper beech trees ripped right out of the ground and toppled over. One took the sidewalk with it. I have a picture of my girlfriend standing next to the upended roots of one of those old timers. She's about 5'2"; they towered over her head.

'Course, like annap, my youngest daughter and I love the weather. Everyone thoguht we were crazy. We'd missed the wind of Wyoming so much, we stood out on our porch, at one point, watching the wind whip through the trees and toss waves high upon shore. We were in a very safe and solid spot, so weren't as crazy as it sounds. Out in the woods, we knew people who were without electricity for weeks after, so many trees needed to be cleared from the lines which were down. They even brought workers in from Canada to help afterwards.

Sorry if I've scred anybody currently under siege by ole Mother Nature. I wish you well and safe.

kat

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 07:07 PM

Just copied this from a news story. Sounds as though five seamen could sure use our prayers.

PennyS: there's a little about Eleuthera, too.

A Navy spokesman says helicopters from the USS John F. Kennedy have rescued three crewmen who had been missing when their ocean-going tugboat Gulf Majesty sank in 40-foot seas. The search by the aircraft carrier continues for five others, believed to be aboard a lifeboat.

They had reported they were abandoning ship as the vessel foundered.

As many as 2.5 million people from the Carolinas south through Florida have evacuated.

James Lee Witt, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said personnel and equipment had been deployed in advance of the hurricane, much of it in the Atlanta area, ready to move into stricken areas.

The coast of central Florida was pelted with heavy rain and tropical storm force winds as Floyd passed 110 miles offshore. Although trees were knocked down and hundreds of feet of piers were destroyed, there was nothing like the devastation that had been feared. NASA's space shuttles appeared to have escaped damage.

One person is listed as missing in the Bahamas, but there were no other reports of serious injuries or deaths. The Abacos and Eleuthera took direct hits and damage on those islands is expected to be heavy as assessment teams moved in.

Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism said trees are down and the exteriors of some buildings have been damaged in Nassau, but most of the damage is superficial.

May all the gawds and gawdesses protect you all and bring you safely trhough this.

kat

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Sam Pirt
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 07:20 PM

My thoughts are with you all.

Best regards

Sam

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Ted from Australia
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 07:46 PM

As another Tracey survivor (Darwin Xmas 1974) I wish you all luck and safety. Keep singing and drink plenty of Guiness for medicinal purposes only of course :-)>

Regards, Ted

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 10:27 PM

they rescued those guys in the life boats...helicopters from carrier!

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 10:37 PM

copied & pasted from the database:

THE SAILOR'S PRAYER
(Rod MacDonald)

Though my sails be torn and ragged and my mast be turned about
Though the night wind chill me to my very soul
Though the salt spray sting my eye and the stars no sight provide
Give me just enough morning light to hold

I will not lie me down, this rain a-raging
I will not lie me down in such a storm
And if this night be unblessed, I shall not take my rest
Until we reach another shore

If the only water's salt and I cannot quench my thirst
I will drink the rain that falls so steady down
If night's blindness be my gift, if there be thieves upon my drift
I will praise the dark that shelters me from them

If my friends be drained and weary and it seems their hopes are
lost
There's no need for their bones on this blackened bottom
And if death wait just off the bow, we need not answer to him now
We'll stand on and face the morning light without him

Rod MacDonald is a New York songwriter, and this is a hell of
a song.
and the tune is SO strong and moving!! Wish I could typr it in immediately..

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: bbelle
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 10:41 PM

Us'n's in Tallahassee received nary a drap of rain or swish of wind. Now ... had it been coming from the Gulf, it would be another matter. I sat in front of my tv last evening watching the mass exodus away from the coast and the stopped traffic on all the major arteries. I have lots of family and friends along the coast from Cocoa Beach, FL to Newport News, VA, with a large concentration on the North Carolina coast, so we've been very worried. A comforting fact, though, is that these folks know what to do in "weather," although a few of them are old seafarers who wouldn't leave their vessels for any storm.

I think Penny mentioned Eleuthera ... that was a hugh concern of mine because I used to live there and there is no protection from hurricanes. I was there during "Donna" and my most vivid recollection is driving from our house to the Navy base and there were thousands of tarantulas blowing across the road.

Art ... have no fear ... big sister is here (and I use the word "big" in a strictly rhetorical sense) and watching over your shoulder. I'm just kidding ... there's no need for anyone to watch over your shoulder. I admittedly over-reacted last time and have questions about where your heart lies.

The rest of you ... who are in the path ... stay safe ... moonchild

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 11:23 PM

Thanks, BillD, for letting us know about those guys being recued! Hallelujia!

MC: good to know you're doing okay. Safety to your family and friends. What's this about where Art's heart is?*BG*

kat

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: bbelle
Date: 15 Sep 99 - 11:35 PM

OOPS! Meant to say "and have NO questions about where your heart is." It's all this anticipation and excitement waiting for the jewelry auction to end ... moonchild

Subject: RE: Hurricane
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Sep 99 - 12:06 AM

No jitters, now, MC. It's after midnight M'cat time; jewelry is yours! Uh, Folk1234, see me after the show, 'kay?**BG** Really, thanks you guys. It was so much fun watching your postings back and forth, so eloquent!

katthreadcreepingagain