Weather Watch: Hurricane Irene

The weather warnings began early in the week as Hurricane Irene passed over the Bahamas and began the travel north toward the US mainland. A massive storm, Irene was slow and heavy with rain.

All areas along the US east coast were watching as the hurricane gathered wind and water.  Warnings were posted, shelters opened and preparations made. Water, food and generators were snapped up as we tracked the movement. Schools were closed, emergency management crews began their reports and residents cleared their porches, decks and patios of furniture & plants. Withdrawing into their homes to wait, ready when the power flashed off, the residents waited and hoped for the best. Out came the board games, candles and flashlights.

The day dawned with gray skies and warm breezes.

Winds picked up and the rains began. Buckets of rain lashed by the wind blew through the streets. Tips of pines and oak branches littered the streets throughout the day while forecasts predicted storm surges and power outages. The watch continued through games of Uno, Monopoly and Gin Rummy.

The southeastern coast of NC withstood the onslaught although there was damage. Downed trees, coastal erosion and power outages were reported but the area withstood the punishing winds and flooding rains.

The cleanup begun, we watched the sunset through the pines.