There's a Hurricane A-Comin'! — Page 5

My parents, who live on a barrier island on the NJ coast, were evacuated. Christie ordered the gas lines on my parents' island turned off at six o'clock last night--a full thirty hours before the area is even supposed to be hit. And because my parents' safe house--my aunt and uncle's home in Atlantic County--requires parkway driving, they had to leave last night because Christie closed the parkway south of Exit 98 at 8pm last night. If this storm doesn't turn out to be exactly what they are predicting, I hope that Christie's hysteria-and-fear-mongering and bully tactics are used against him to the fullest extent when he runs of re-election.

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But then there are people, like my parents, who would not be able to get to their safe place because it is only accessible via the parkway. There are areas of Atlantic County (like where my parents are going, in Galloway) that are not supposed to be dangerously affected and that aren't accessible via Route 9.

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That would be a true blessing.

Okay, here's the thing regarding the idea that the state, city and individual citizens are overreacting to Irene:

Yeah, we are. And this is a good thing.

I grew up just between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and lived there up until a month ago, when I relocated here. Hurricane warnings were, obviously, a much more regular thing, but they were treated with the same level of caution, overshopping, hyperforecasting, etc. as we are currently experiencing. Every time.

The thing is, we all knew in our heart of hearts that calling off school, shutting down roads, stocking up on water and canned goods, etc. was probably going to be over the top. The storm would blow over, go back out to sea, whatevs--we'd recover from our hurricane party hangovers and get on with our lives. We also knew, in our heart of hearts, that the friend who evacuated NOLA to stay with us might not have a home to go back to, or that everything that once constituted your home could possibly end in any given part of a 5 mile radius.

So with that, you have to have a certain suspension of inconvenience, laugh, and just go with it--not only for the fact that it's likely all for naught, but the fact that the laugh could be all you have coming out of this thing. (A philosophy I would myself have deemed overdramatic pre-Katrina).

Apologies for the rambling, it's just a little disconcerting to see hurricane newbies angered by what, in reality, is so far a very well-executed storm prep. Again, I realize that this will likely be nothing. In that sense, great, I had a great time drinking with my roomie, got a nice little break from work to finish decorating my apartment, and room to breathe before classes start. If it's worse, great, I was prepared.

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Great post, Bryan.

Unsurprisingly, these supposed scientists are global warming deniers.
"The storm cannot master its own strength."

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Lord knows I'm from the school of "This isn't going to be a bad as we all think," but I see the benefit in using caution. The hysteria just comes from the fact that most of us in NYC aren't used to this type of storm and just have no idea what to expect.

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My job search and resume milling has brought on cabin fever that made me want to evacuate, using the hurricane as an excuse. I was all ready to put the 'vacation' back into 'evacuation'. But alas, the train canceled the scheduled trip earlier than expected this morning.

I've been through three hurricanes and a tropical depression. I don't think this is for nothing, either. Hurricanes are powerful creatures. Best advice, seek higher ground, stay away from windows, have candles for power flutters and use this opportunity to cultivate future preparedness. It's a big deal, yes. But doable if you're prepared.

I think my cabin fever is getting to me, though. Sunday should be interesting.

The wind is picking up in the Hamilton, NJ area. It's been raining all day but it just started POURING. The lights just dimmed twice while typing this.

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I think you should all ask for your money back.

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Eris I am a little south of you in Burlington City, my dad and brother teach in Hamilton Twp (Hamilton East HS...Steinert)...lots of rain so far here...a little light flickering as well...my grandfather finally evacuated Sea Isle City this morning after we begged him too....when it makes landfall it will still be a Cat 1 for South Jersey...even though it may be a Tropical Storm for all of you in NYC the rain fall is amount is going to be insane so be safe everyone

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Violet - Steinert class 0f 1997.

Rains seems to have slowed for now but it's been bouncing between no rain and a massive amount all day

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Yup, they just issued a tornado watch. I am in North Jersey just over the river. As long as I can see Jim Cantore and have some wine, I am ok. Everyone stay safe!

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