Irma diary
Thursday 3pm
Beautiful light breeze blue skies and I’m glued to my tv.
The anxiety is pounding in my head
My gas tank is full, I95 north is a steady slow stream of evacuees
I looked for a hotel and could not find one anywhere between Savannah and Atlanta. The news reported there are no available rooms in South Carolina
We’re still tossing around the “hit the road” option but I’m not sure there’s any good choice since Irma has not made up her mind on where to hit us
I have some cash stashed, lanterns, a 1 burner camping stove and a few good books to keep me busy
Thursday 6pm
2 models show the storm coming up through all of Florida that would weaken it for Georgia maybe to a category 1, going up the east coast is harder for us here on the South Georgia coast, but going to the gulf side, still does not put us out of the storm
We ll see…
Friday 10 am- under evacuating orders…..
Although the storm has taken a westerly turn they are still anticipating a major rain fall and high winds in our area.
I cannot decide on the evacuation because the western turn may actually have me evacuating from a category 1 into a category 1….
Considering a trip to Charlotte….going to watch NOAA and make a decision tonight
3pm Friday
Grocery stores manageable, lots of water available, charcoal, grills, candles and ice
Gas available
I 95 jam packed in north lane
Sunny, light winds
Talking with folks in the stores and at Jersey Mikes most feel the better choice is to ride it out, their reasons are lack of accommodations, the Florida folks need the available rooms desperately, and all roads out are very congested.
8pm Friday
Not out of the woods but more likely tropical storm winds for our area.
Going try and watch something other than the Weather channel and hope to sleep well.
Stocked up on water, popcorn, gator aid, and coffee.
I downloaded the power outage app
Have the outside porch furniture in, did a check in with the neighbors and they are staying.
I’m still planning to make my final decision with the 8am update from http://noaa.gov
I have stopped watching the local weather not because I think they are inaccurate, they just seem more dramatic, while they all compete for ratings, and it is adding to the anxiety.
Saturday 8 am
A slight sign of relief as Irma seems to be moving west
Thinking of all the Florida folks in the path of this storm and sending good vibes their way.
Still under evaluation orders here in coastal Georgia. I understand the storm surge but I’m confused about all lanes of I 16 going west while the storm is moving west…and if I evacuate that way what a mess it’s going to be to get back home
I remember Hugo in 1989 was barreling toward Savannah and then decided at the last minute to make that turn to Charleston. What a noisy night that was…
So we’ll see…still sunny and calm here in coastal Ga. this Saturday morning
Saturday 3PM
We are now on a recommended voluntary evacuation
Irma still not telling us for sure where she is going……Very stressful, so I put on “soft rock” music channel
Tying up the trash cans, putting out a few sand bags, no more sunshine just clouds, gloomy, temperature has dropped, t’s breezy, laptop bookmarked to live stream the weather channel
I think I’ll binge on a night of Dr House….
Saturday 4:28PM the rain is beginning-sprinkles-thinking of our Florida neighbors
Saturday 5PM- Looking better for coastal Georgia and S Carolina, just so much stress can’t wait until its over for all….
6am Sunday
Looks like the storm is going further west and we should have tropical storm winds and rain
I’m watching the Weather channel and the storm moving into S Florida
Praying it moves fast because after a week of preparation and waiting we’re ready to get this over with
The worst memory I have with Hutricane Matthew is the wind sound and cracking trees all night , and it was pitch black outside with power out everywhere
The temperature has dropped and trees are swaying….you can feel it
.Sunday morning 5AM…CAN’T SLEEP…rain on and off but nothing bad yet
Turned the weather channel on to see whats up and if there are any changes, path about the same
Florida Keys getting hammered, and it is such a paradise
Sunday 11 am path seems to be west of Coastal Ga. cloudy breezy rainy here
So everyone that evacuated to Valdosta, Atlanta ,Columbia from the Georgia coast will feel the effects
Lots of anxiety
6pm Sunday-Steady rain slight wind thats about it…definitely a bad hair day
8am Monday September 11
Heavy rain 39 MPH wind
Power went out for about 30 minutes
Unlike a normal rain this rain is not a soothing sound, actually just like Matthew it has a mean roar. It also is hitting everything sideways. Emergency services are not available, I have a pack of crackers and 2 ducks following me out of the pond to my porch
3PM Monday September 11
Storm seems to be giving us longer breaks in between wind and rain gust
Fortunate to have power, since thousands in Coastal Georgia do not. I can’t wait to get out of this house but roads have hanging traffic lights, some flooding and loose limbs around so probably not the best idea today, there is also a curfew for this evening.
We are still on a flash flood watch but I feel a load has been lifted…and I do not even want to hear the word “Jose” shoo shoo….
7PM September 11
Just had a downpour with a wind gust but they not as frequent and the sun is peaking out.
Tuesday 8am
Let the sun shine in….now for a quick walk around the neighborhood….it looks good overall, messy yards but minimal damage
Its out of here…and I’ll say it again just like I do after every storm..
I’ll never stay for another one 😉
If you would like to donate to those in need from Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma here is a link to the Salvation army, several organizations have ways to help
http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/hurricanes2017;jsessionid=66F6C1750CEB1B5A186938E0682B3E88