There's not much to do but pray, watch, and wait for now. Our freezer has been full of ice and frozen jugs of water and other potables since the beginning of the season; the cupboards are replete with flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food; the propane tank (for the grill and camp stove) is nearly full, and our plywood window covers line the garage wall. While I was out today, I filled the car's gas tank, figuring that prices can only go up in the next week or so, and wanting replenish the supply before everyone else has that idea. Other than that, our preparations have mainly comprised lending an occasional hand to a neighbor who is trying to get an outdoor project to a sufficient state that it can withstand abnormal levels of wind and rain. The next project will be some cleaning and organizing, both physical and electronic, in case we lose power for a while. But that's an ongoing effort, anyway....
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Saturday night update: We now have an official Hurricane Watch for Orange County, and a Tropical Storm Watch for Seminole. Currently tropical storm force winds are expected to hit us beginning around 8 a.m. Monday, but that's all subject to change. We'll decide some time after church and before dark whether or not to put up the plywood. The risk of tornados is also significant for Sunday night and Monday. Thanks for your prayers, and we'll keep you posted.
Posted by
SursumCorda
on Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 7:48 pm
Sunday night update: The heavy rains have started, though at the moment we're in a lull. Our hurricane preparations today included a grocery store trip (we were almost out of milk and tomorrow is not likely to be a good day to shop) and mowing the lawn. Yesterday Porter cleaned the roof and gutters, and today I tied down the wood pile and brought in most of the potential flying objects. There's still more work that can be done on the back porch, but we're waiting to see how things look in the morning. We decided not to put the plywood up. Schools, libraries, and government offices will be closed tomorrow and there will be no trash collection. We're under a tropical storm warning, and a tornado watch. Other than that, things are pretty normal.
Posted by
SursumCorda
on Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 9:45 pm
Monday morning update: Remarkably calm night, occasionally bands of rain and wind passing by, nothing alarming. Our tornado watch has been extended till 11 a.m. The threat of tornados diminishes as the hurricane's winds increase. Sitting in my office it sounds as if branches are falling on the roof -- I know from experience that they are probably twigs, since a skittering squirrel sounds like an elephant.
Posted by
SursumCorda
on Monday, October 24, 2005 at 7:02 am
Monday afternoon update: A little rain, a little wind, nothing particularly exciting, which is just fine with us. The tornado watch has been lifted, and the biggest concern here seems to be about flooding -- but not for us, as we live on a hill. (Okay, a Florida hill, but that's good enough for this purpose.) We did lose our Internet connection for a few minutes a couple of times, but if that's all the damage we get from Wilma, we'll be very happy. Some lovely cool weather is following on her heels, too.
Posted by
SursumCorda
on Monday, October 24, 2005 at 12:22 pm
Monday mid-afternoon update: The rain has stopped and been replaced by lovely cool, dry air. It's great to have my office window open. We're still getting strong breezes, probably more associated with the cold front than the hurricane.
Posted by
SursumCorda
on Monday, October 24, 2005 at 2:36 pm
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