Saturday, August 27, 2011

Hurricane Irene's Affects on Nova Scotia

We've had some worried e-mails that we're in for a direct hit from the hurricane currently raking it's way up the eastern seaboard of the US.

Let me assure you that we're not worried. First of all, we drove nearly 8000km with 4 kids...we can handle anything after that :) Secondly, it's widely projected to miss us and track up through North western New Brunswick. But here we're in for a rainy day tomorrow with winds upto 100km/h in the afternoon and then clearing weather on Monday. Even if the worst happened and it gained strength (which is very unlikely) and changed course, we have enough food, fuel and water to happily ride out a storm for several weeks, so please don't worry.

Here's the current weather alert for our county:

Alerts: Kings County

Wind Warning

Issued at 9:30 PM ADT Saturday 27 August 2011

Summary

Wind gusts up to 100 km/h expected Sunday night. This is a warning that potentially damaging winds are expected in these regions. Monitor weather conditions..Listen for updated statements.

Details

Hurricane Irene is currently located south of Wallops Island Virginia and is expected to weaken and become post-tropical before tracking through Northwestern New Brunswick Monday morning. A tropical storm warning is in effect for western mainland Nova Scotia. Rain at times heavy will begin in Southwestern Nova Scotia Sunday morning and will reach Cape Breton by Sunday evening. Currently 30 to 40 millimeters of rain is forecast. It is possible that rainfall warnings may be issued as Irene approaches. Also strong southerly winds gusting up to 100 km/h will begin Sunday evening for mainland Nova Scotia. Les Suetes winds gusting up to 100 km/h are expected Sunday evening for the Cape Breton Highlands.

Tropical Storm Warning

Issued at 9:30 PM ADT Saturday 27 August 2011

Summary

Strong southerly winds and heavy downpours are expected Sunday and Sunday night. A tropical storm warning means that sustained gales...Winds of 63 km/h or more...Are expected in the specified areas within 24 hours. By nature a tropical storm also implies the threat of local flooding from heavy rainfall.

Details

Hurricane Irene is currently located south of Wallops Island Virginia and is expected to weaken and become post-tropical before tracking through Northwestern New Brunswick Monday morning. A tropical storm warning is in effect for western mainland Nova Scotia. Rain at times heavy will begin in Southwestern Nova Scotia Sunday morning and will reach Cape Breton by Sunday evening. Currently 30 to 40 millimeters of rain is forecast. It is possible that rainfall warnings may be issued as Irene approaches. Also strong southerly winds gusting up to 100 km/h will begin Sunday evening for mainland Nova Scotia. Les Suetes winds gusting up to 100 km/h are expected Sunday evening for the Cape Breton Highlands.


So that's the info we have as of this evening. I'll check again when we get up. First thing in the morning we have to secure the motorhome and trailer and remove the porch swing from the back deck. Apart from that there's not much to do but ride it out. I'll let yo know how it goes and if you don't hear it's just because the power is out or something.

I guess this is as good a time as any to remind you folks to consider evaluating your current food and water supplies and any other emergency preparations you've made. I always check mine in October and April to see what goodies need to be eaten and replaced (granola bars don't keep forever) and we change out all the bottled water and refill with new stuff plus 1 drop of bleach if necessary. We use pop bottles for storage so it's easy to just dump them and fill them again. Anything that's going to expire in the next 6 months gets put into the cupboard to be eaten or used up and is replaced by new stuff. If you haven't checked your stuff you might as well go check it now. If you don't have any supplies or are wondering why to have any...please see this site for Canada and this one for the US. They have good ideas no matter which country you live in. For long term storage there are loads of companies willing to sell you freeze dried everything but I'd recommend starting with the basics of some tinned food and water with a camp stove, pot and a can opener. From there start to build a long term supply and if you don't know how much you need just click on this calculator. It's going to look scary but remember this...it's a 12 month supply so divide by 12 and start with that. Most people can't buy everything at once so just be consistent and keep working at it. And rotate so you don't waste food. It becomes a way of life after a while to store food and it's not just for emergencies. It's also useful when guests stop by unexpectedly, when you lose a job or have an unexpected expense and need to stretch your budget, or when bad weather closes the stores. I'm sure you can think of more reasons too. And store garden seeds too, you can grow veggies in summer if you want the best nutrition and flavours.

I should go. It's late and I have Church in the morning. I'm nervous to meet everyone so I'll sit nice and close to Steve and try to look anonymous, yeah...good luck with that! :)

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