As usual, Mother Nature is letting us know who the real boss is. Sure, we’ve been complaining lately about our 113 degree temperatures in the Nevada desert, but now it seems trivial. As we sit in the western part of the country, we are concerned about the effects of Hurricane Irene, already pounding our friends on the East coast.
Ten states on this Friday, August 26th, have declared states of emergency and have begun evacuations. Hurricane Irene seems to have gotten everyone’s attention – and rightfully so. The president, with the help of FEMA, is vowing help to those affected during and after the storm. No one wants the slow response we witnessed after Katrina.
Even though the hurricane has been reduced to a category 2, professionals are warning that it’s still a very big deal, and winds will top 100 mph. Hurricane Ike pounded the Texas coast as a category 2 a few years ago, wreaking havoc.
Evacuations are underway all along the East coast. New York City announced that it will shut down mass transit systems for the first time ever on Saturday. Philadelphia is following suit. Thanks to Irene, gamblers in Atlantic City, New Jersey, won’t be rolling the dice this weekend, as casinos– in a move rarely seen since their legalization in 1976 — are slated to close their doors.
Residents should heed warnings from their local authorities. The American Red Cross is sending out thousands of meals. Grocery stores and home improvement stores are selling out of emergency supplies, reminding us all to have these types of supplies on hand at all times. Flashlights, batteries, bottled water and generators are being quickly snapped up. Officials advise affected residents to fill medical prescriptions, make sure to have cash and emergency kits, and store plenty of water. We should have these items stocked at all times, but, human nature being what it is, we typically put it on the back burner until something happens.
The worst of Irene is supposed to hit North Carolina early Saturday, and head up the East Coast throughout the weekend, according to the Weather Channel. High winds, power outages and flooding will affect not only coastal areas but also inland portions of states such as Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. The New England states will meet the worst of the challenging high winds and torrential rain on Sunday.
As many people scramble to evacuate and are stuck on the freeways, we pray for all affected and hope that the storm – at the very least – weakens as it heads north.
Weather.com: Tropical Update