Hurricane Irene

[anart]

There's something that bothers me about all the "news" on this storm. First of all, it's BIG. Second of all, depending on what you read, they claim either that it will hit NC as a Category 3, or that it will be "only" Category 1.

I've had the same impression - the coverage on this storm makes it out to be Armageddon, yet it's now supposedly a category 1. I think it may have to do with the high population areas and that (even though no one is saying it) the gulf stream has changed so much that nothing is pushing the storm out to the east into the ocean as usual.

Still, there is a hysteria behind the coverage of it, but perhaps that's just a reflection of the current hysteria of society? Not really sure...

 

[mamadrama]

Still, there is a hysteria behind the coverage of it, but perhaps that's just a reflection of the current hysteria of society? Not really sure...

I tend to think it's more likely a symptom of increasing social hysteria (for reasons both real & imagined, with an element of intentionally elevating it in the population (i.e., ELF and the media). I grew up in FL and weathered many hurricanes. If they're presenting the size and force of this one accurately, it really is not a very bad storm. Looks like it's going to be more of an inconvenience than anything. Nonetheless, hurricanes are to be taken seriously so everyone please be careful and take appropriate precautions. :)

 

[pete02]

Well my plans have changed. That didn't take long.

My brother says they already have heavy rains in the city so I'll be heading out shortly. I'll touch base with everyone when I get down there and let you know how the conditions are so far.

 

[theos]

To everyone in the path of this storm....take care and check in as much as you're able.

 

[combsbt]

I'm in Richmond, Virginia and it doesn't look like it's gonna be too bad according to our forecast. Winds 25 - 35 mph gusting to 44 (maybe a couple trees will go down), and only a couple inches of rain. It's strange how much hysteria is associated with this event, as well as the recent earthquake. But also there is a lot of fun being poked at the situation on the internet (see the images below, also they are selling "I survived hurriquake 2011" shirts), which makes me consider the idea that Mr. Scott mentioned below:

There's something that bothers me about all the "news" on this storm. First of all, it's BIG. Second of all, depending on what you read, they claim either that it will hit NC as a Category 3, or that it will be "only" Category 1.

By the time it hits NYC, it's supposed to be only a tropical storm, and yet some sources say the expected wind speeds would actually make it much higher than a tropical storm. Plus, this is apparently the first time NYC is shutting down all mass transit systems due to a storm.

So, it seems to me that this storm may be a heckuva lot bigger than most of the media is reporting. That would fit with the past Katrina debacle.

Maybe they want people to think that the media is blowing it out of proportion, when it's actually going to be a monster storm. Or maybe they simply don't know because they're trying to predict what will happen with storm models that are based on BS science.

Oh well, "wait and see" I guess...

Unfortunately I have to drive deliveries tonight for a local pizza place. Having only two shifts a week while I'm in school, I can't really afford to give it up. We'll see how it goes I guess.

 

[seekr]

For the poster that asked " what other supplies should I have", I would say to make sure you have fuel for the grill/cooktop as electricity may be out for days/weeks and don't forget the smokes (if you indulge)

I've been watching the media, as this is my business, and although it may only be a Cat 1 on arrival , the ground in the predicted area is saturated from weeks of prior rain. In May '09 a storm hit southern IL with gust of 100+ mph and sustained winds of 80mph. It lasted only 45 minutes and created 9 months worth of work, in an area of only 1/4 mil population. Hurricanes typically last 8-12 hrs.

So with the east coast being flooded in recent weeks and a population of 50+ mil it would be safe to say that this will be more than an "inconvenience"

 

[Teresa]

Whether Irene turns out to be really bad or just a major inconvenience I think its a great reminder to us that situations like this may now well be considered the NORM. And this is on top of an earthquake just a few days earlier that was strong enough to make the ground shake before our feet - which was a first for me! This got me thinking about the future - when many more of these types of things will occur with little to no warning - especially when the communications infrastructure breaks down and the PTB decides to take greater advantage of the turmoil.

It's a good idea I think to make lists of things we should have handy in case of emergencies and be as prepared as possible for the future.

Here is a short list, that is by no means exhaustive, that comes from the NOAA website. _http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

I'm sure that there are other good lists and considerations that aren't mentioned here; this above one is a bare bones list. A while back I picked up the Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness which I have been leafing through for ideas. Even if you don't get many of the things on the list, at least it will get you thinking about what you may need and what helps in certain situations.

_http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Practical-Disaster-Preparedness-Family/dp/1453678875

Another disaster that seems to be well on its way is the economic one. When this economy finally does 'collapse' food may be difficult to come by for a while. The Preparedness thread seems like a good place to start.

That is a very good point Ennio and thank you for the information. I think it's important for all of us to be prepared for unusual events and/or weather. I am on the west coast and currentlywe're doing okay, but who knows what may happen with all the earth changes.

For those of you who are on the east coast, my thoughts are with you and please stay safe.

Edit=Quote

 

[eleusis]

Definitely going to be an interesting night as my apartment is right across the street from the mandatory evacuation zone and looks out on a small bay and then over to the Atlantic. Thank goodness I'm on the seventh floor so flooding probably won't be an issue but, because of where my apartment is, it gets much higher wind velocities and lightning storms. Also, usually have about one hundred white swans hanging out on a small beach near my building but most of them flew off this morning except for three intrepid swan souls who look like they may stick around and ride out the storm.

Thanks everyone for all the useful advice and may everyone stay healthy, safe and connected. And, I already did 3 POTS this morning! Hey, was just thinking, maybe those three swans are the three POTS I listened to when I got up this morning.

 

[pete02]

Well I'm here in the city now. A smooth ride in with no traffic and not much rain at all. Only two accidents that I noticed in NJ but to be fair most people in NJ don't turn their light on in bad conditions and many of them don't know what signals are for apparently. Very inconsiderate for other drivers.

I was talking to my brother about the media hype going on and he had mentioned that he thought it might be some sort of test to see how the people comply with mandated situations. Knowing the individuals running this town, I wouldn't doubt it. I guess we'll see what happens soon enough.

 

[sitting]

I was talking to my brother about the media hype going on and he had mentioned that he thought it might be some sort of test to see how the people comply with mandated situations.

I absolutely believe that's a good possibility. A test run of sorts. And the draconian measures taken makes me think that. To stop ALL subway and bus service at noon (when the storm is projected 10 hours away) is kind of unbelievable, given how so many are so dependent on mass transit.

I drove my daughter into the city this morning...from NJ. The trip was uneventful. BTW, I ALWAYS have my lights on...and I NEVER forget what signals are for. : )

 

[shellycheval]

I've had the same impression - the coverage on this storm makes it out to be Armageddon, yet it's now supposedly a category 1. I think it may have to do with the high population areas and that (even though no one is saying it) the gulf stream has changed so much that nothing is pushing the storm out to the east into the ocean as usual.

Still, there is a hysteria behind the coverage of it, but perhaps that's just a reflection of the current hysteria of society? Not really sure...

The media loves to hype the drama in any news situation and I agree, society in general seems to get overly dramatic and hysterical at the least instigation.

I am stocked up to be comfortable without power for about ten days and have dug trenches along my private dirt road (no county maintenance) to minimize the flooding over my drain field. There is a certain irony in filling every possible container with drinking water for when the power goes out and I can't use the well, when already the rain in my area has exceeded the minimum levels predicted for this storm. My biggest concern is that one of the many large trees around my house and barn will come down on something. If they land without hitting anything then I am ahead on stocking up firewood for winter :D.

The power has interrupted twice and will likely go out soon, so I am signing off. I'll check in as weather permits.
Thanks for all your good wishes.
shellycheval



















Take C

 

[truth seeker]

A couple of things one may to add to Ennio's list for the future are: supplements that are important to your and your family's/friends (if you live with them) body types, detox items, digestion aids, and a good stock of feminine items for the ladies (under the list of hygiene items above).

 

[eleusis]

Two things I heard on the news within the last couple of hours. The Governor of New York doubled the number of national guard from 1000 to 2000 and that the Mayor of NYC said only around 1400 people have showed up in the city shelters.

 

[Rich]

I was talking to my brother about the media hype going on and he had mentioned that he thought it might be some sort of test to see how the people comply with mandated situations.

I absolutely believe that's a good possibility. A test run of sorts. And the draconian measures taken makes me think that. To stop ALL subway and bus service at noon (when the storm is projected 10 hours away) is kind of unbelievable, given how so many are so dependent on mass transit.

I drove my daughter into the city this morning...from NJ. The trip was uneventful. BTW, I ALWAYS have my lights on...and I NEVER forget what signals are for. : )

Quite a relevent accuweather video discussion on potential overhyping on how some MSM news broadcasts deliberately showed out of date forecasts that hyped up the threat when the true data at the time was much less severe. _http://www.accuweather.com/video/90461989001/cities-potentially-overreactin.asp

Edit: Just to add the chap on the bottom 'Bernie' has been on quite a few of these videos in the build up being very sensationalist and rightly so gets dismissed by the other commentator who is leading the overhyping discussion.

 

[truth seeker]

The first time I realized that they sometimes used alternative or past footage to fill in or hype up a story was years ago when someone made an error during a broadcast and used the same footage for two different news stories. Interesting.