Hurricane Irma - SE Florida, Carribean Islands, Carolinas, _possible Gulf Coast US

[Arcadian]

I'm semi back online. Internet here is dicey. I could also lose electric again. They restored power about an hour ago. It was a pretty ok night. Lucky had a house accident but she was asleep and can't blame her for NOT wanting to go out in that!

All said and done, east side really did get hammered even though it wasn't in direct line. The path of course also changed, putting it closer to me at the height of it. those winds were NOT joking!

Miami, downtown was so flooded. and Ft Pierce! so much flooding up there (they are still without power) For myself, the damage appears minor. Lost part of a fence. have not yet went on the roof but I did see lots of roofing materials around I will assess that in a day or 2 but its likely not too major. Most of my neighbors had minor damage, but these houses has also been here a very long time.

Sooo many still without power. And we're under dawn to dusk curfew (we can move around from 7am to 8pm essentially) .

Tampa area got flooding I heard. when we lost power we went straight to cell power. thankfully we were able to use what we needed to keep in touch with the outside world (thank you AT&T!)

I need to catch up obviously but where's my other hurricane Irma folks? Please check in if you can.

 

[december-fire]

Arcadian, so glad to hear from you!

I spent a month in Miami a few years ago on Brickell Key (for those who don't know, its a small man-made island connected to Miami by a bridge; its a flat island sitting just above water level). Although the buildings are all tall, I remember thinking it seemed pretty vulnerable.

I've been thinking about the incredible birds at Jungle Island and wondering how they are and what precautions might have been taken. I recall some were in cages and many others were free.

Anxiously awaiting word from others targeted by Irma and hoping everyone pulls through safely.

 

[Madam Bijoux]

PS members in the areas hit by Irma, please check in and let us know you're OK.

 

[yennyfire]

@Arcadian so glad that you have power back and that it wasn't as bad as it could have been. I have friends in FL who's house was crushed by a huge, old tree. Luckily, they had evacuated days ago, so they are safe, but their house isn't in such good shape.

We are just waiting to see what arrives here. It's been raining steadily since the middle of the night and I've seen a few trees down (photos from nearby neighborhoods)....hoping that the wind isn't as strong as predicted. We are as ready as we can be, regardless.

Hoping that Mother Nature gives the earth a break for a while and that Jose just disappears. Between Harvey, Irma, 8.1 earthquakes in Mexico, etc. I'm just not sure how much more us poor humans can take!

 

[AGBF]

@Arcadian so glad that you have power back and that it wasn't as bad as it could have been. I have friends in FL who's house was crushed by a huge, old tree. Luckily, they had evacuated days ago, so they are safe, but their house isn't in such good shape.

We are just waiting to see what arrives here. It's been raining steadily since the middle of the night and I've seen a few trees down (photos from nearby neighborhoods)....hoping that the wind isn't as strong as predicted. We are as ready as we can be, regardless.

Hoping that Mother Nature gives the earth a break for a while and that Jose just disappears. Between Harvey, Irma, 8.1 earthquakes in Mexico, etc. I'm just not sure how much more us poor humans can take!

...and before Irma hit I kept thinking that 9/11 was coming. Then I woke up this morning and...I had forgotten. When we always say, "Never Forget". I did remember again, of course, but it was not the first thing on my mind the way it used to be every 9/11. So much was going on this year. That is why, I, personally, was looking forward to coming to Pricescope today, because it is here that I do my personal series of memory exercises. I am not sure why, but it may be because I was on a diamond forum when the planes hit. or it may be because of Karl and his thread. But I always associate this forum with remembering.

Thanks, Karl., for keeping the flame burning.

Deb

 

[tyty333]

Checking in...just got power back on. It went out last night about 8ish. Not too much damage here...just pretty much trees and a few singles off the roof. Feeling thankful! It was a long night.

Just starting to see some of the damage around the state. Hope everyone is safe and continues to stay safe especially if you are still in the path of the storm.

A few before and after shots in our yard...

Before

This went down last night...the small tree next to it went down overnight.

Before

After...mostly torn up trees and branches on the ground.
Lots of water in the ditches.

 

[minousbijoux]

Arc: so good to hear from you! iLander and others: please do check in when you can - probably the last thing you feel like doing now but we'd appreciate knowing you're safe for sure.

 

[minousbijoux]

tyty333: thank you so much for checking in. Yay for so little damage!

 

[Calliecake]

@Arcadian So glad to hear you made it thru OK with little damage to your property. How did Lucky do during the storm? I can only imagine how frightening it must be for animals.

@yennyfire Hopefully e storm won't be too bad as it passes thru your area. My dad went to Georgia for the storm and they are without power too.

I hope all is well with @iLander @tyty333 @Mayk

@AGBF You are loved here Deb. I don't think there is a person in the US who doesn't remember what they were doing 16 years ago on that awful day.

 

[Calliecake]

I'm so glad you are OK @tyty333

 

[Arkteia]

Thank you @missy I will check them out before donating.

Austina, when you check them out, can you please tell me which one you donated to, please?

I found this... http://www.flgov.com/2017/09/08/gov...aster-fund-in-preparation-for-hurricane-irma/

https://www.volunteerflorida.org/emergency-management/#fdf
Much as I never liked Rick Scott, he seems to be an adequate person to deal with disasters. So I donated to it. And to Salvation Army. Salvation Army may be collecting things to send to flooded areas, at least makes sense to call and find out.

Salvation Army has one fund for Harvey and Irma. (But as you know, Harvey victims still need help...)

http://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/give/

This one, United Way, is also good https://www.unitedway.org/recovery

Also, if anyone wants to donate to Barbuda which got in the eye of Irma's category 5 hurricane and is 90% uninhabitable (per reports, at least) https://www.gofundme.com/aua-barbuda-relief-fund

 

[yennyfire]

@Arcadian, @tyty @Mayk @iLander hope you continue to be ok.

@Calliecake thanks for the outgoing prayers. As expected, we've had periodic power loss and lots of downed trees (not at our house, thank goodness, but my neighbor a few houses up had a huge tree from their house go through their neighbors roof and the folks across the street are stuck because a tree is blocking the entrance/exit to their hood). The wind is really blowing and it's kind of eerie. Anxiously waiting for morning when the threat will have passed.

Thinking of our friends in FL and TX as they clean up and begin to rebuild....

 

[Arcadian]

Have I ever said how much I love my big ol (and sometimes disfunctional) Pricecope family? you guy rock.

I didn't want to do views of my yard, its still not clean and ooo man, my trees took a hyooge hit. The cashew tree is really gone this time. Mango tree looks pretty much stripped of its branches, and most of my palms are pretty ugly. and my plumeria is trashed. It huge though so will come back, but I was also growing one from a pot. total loss for the pot.

I do have something going on with my roof. It could be nothing but could be anything but I need to get up there and take a look. So for me another day not working tomorrow because I had for whatever reason, a lake in my kitchen

@tyty333 So glad you guys didn't have to wait very long for electricity. We had breakfast from the grill this am.... I love french press coffee but I can't have it too often (GERD issues) but it was SOOO GOOD!!!! I will likely sleep a little longer tomorrow morning considering how little I slept this weekend.

lots in my county still out of power but FPL is moving pretty quickly. Props to them (which I won't say often considering they keep hiking damn electric cost) As of this evening, Fort Pierce is without power.
His 71 year old sister is up there with 2 cats and 2 dogs, we'll go up and take the generator tomorrow if necessary.

@Calliecake Lucky is doing better. My puppy gets so freaked out when her schedule changes she did the peepee but can't really blame her for it considering. She's getting lots of hugs and snuggles and not only because she needs it! She helped us catch a lost dog today. Knew she had to be good for something besides her good looks

So we did go to the beach because frankly there's not a heck of a lot open or if its open doesn't have what we need. Irma brought up some quite large coral chunks in Jupiter. I almost always go to Jupiter because so many other beaches don't allow dogs. Loads of dogs out enjoying the waves.

Even at 6pm you could walk the sandbar off shore, thats pretty unusual, but the waves were really huge.

@yennyfire I do hope that things will be ok. It was a very big storm so the rain amounts will also be large a a tropical depression. If I'm hearing correctly its right now LOTS of rain.

Hopefully iLander checks in soon.

I never forget 9/11 though I have to admit I would LIKE to The hell we went through as a family was immense afterwards and those events changed us forever.

@AGBF I don't think you really forgot. I think like many things, after some time we can accept that it happened and the shock and anger with time lessens for some. For me the shock is worn off. The anger though... totally there. Even though I'm at the point of acceptance, for me the anger remains.

We honor those who died by living. by not giving "them" what they want. By being "defiant".

 

[kenny]

Bummer a hurricane happened.

Best wishes and hugs to all affected!!!

 

[Calliecake]

@Arcadian I had to laugh when you said you fired the grill for breakfast. My dad checked in this morning while he was firing up the grill for their breakfast and coffee. I'm sorry you have some roof issues. Hopefully it will be an easy fix. Lucky sounds like a great baby. So glad the both of you were able to help rescue another dog.

Thinking of you @yennyfire and I hope this storm blows over quickly. I hope you have a safe night tonight.

I hope you are doing well @iLander and you can go back home soon.

 

[Matata]

I'm so relieved to hear from ya'll. I hope iLander and Mayk are ok. Our cousins in Charleston are once again under water. Houston family still dealing with Harvey aftermath. I can't believe how many people I know are literally under water.

 

[Mayk]

We are home. Sunday night was a very long night listening to the wind howl. We were so fortunate where we live sustained very little damage and no flooding. We lost a small tree in the front yard and we have debris to clean up. The beaches both north of us and south (just 10-15 minutes away) sustained considerable damage from downed trees and flooding. Flooding in downtown Jacksonville and some other areas of the city along the river and intercostal waterway was unprecedented. Flooding like we've not seen in many years.

The flooding and devastation of the Keys and the west coast is heart breaking. It will be months and in some cases much longer for total recovery. My heart breaks for those famlies.

So happy to hear other PS members are also safe. Thank you for the thoughts and well wishes. Keeping those still managing the fallout in my thoughts and prayers.

Side note. Happy to report three of four feral kitties were waiting for food when we got home. We are missing Sister but she will frequently be gone for days. I think someone else feeds her. Hope she joins us again soon. She's the only one we can pet.

 

[december-fire]

@Mayk , wonderful to hear from you! Thank you for checking in.

Everyone's safety is the top priority.
However, its awful to think about what you're all facing to get back to a somewhat 'normal' state.

Thinking of you and wishing you strength.

 

[iLander]

Geez that was a lot of wind! Word from our little island is that we are not so bad off. I think this a direct result of everyone's prayers and dust, thank you so much. You guys are miracle workers! I'm mostly worried about an iffy 30 foot tree on our property but we'll see how that went and repair what is necessary. The predicted 15 foot surge didn't happen
We evacuated to Orlando and of course the eye came right through here. The building shook and scary banging noises kept us up but somehow the power held. Now the parking lot is full shingles but the roof is solid
We are waiting for power, sewer, water to be restored before heading home. It could be days but we are enjoying pure luxury here with ac and food
If you want to help, it's getting meals that is hard to do without power. Restaurants are all closed, nothing works, your water is iffy. Last hurricane that we went through there was 1 place on the island with a generator and they fed islanders and the national guard with $5 meals, credit okay. That made it bearable. There is the Harry Chapin Food Bank in our county that feeds the poor all the time and they are serving meals. Hold your checks for a few days though, there is no mail for a while.
It's a suck fest, 6 million without power in 95+ heat. Hard to sleep at night in the heat and many sewer and water systems won't work without power. Marco Island got the worst of it and we're praying for them. The collier and lee county united way are also good charities.
Thank you guys again for your miraculous prayers.

 

[december-fire]

@iLander , what a relief to hear from you!

Great reading your positive attitude.

Thanks for posting the useful info about what's helpful for all of you dealing with this disaster.

 

[yennyfire]

Praying for you @iLander. I know it can always be worse, but it doesn't help to hear that when you're living through it! Those poor folks on Marco Island!

@Arcadian, wow! How neat that you found those on the beach! I'm sure you and the dogs were happy to get out!

We are fine here. We have power (though about 135k in our county don't) and just have lots of limbs and stuff to clean up. We are looking at it as an opportunity to restain our deck, since we took everything off of it and put it in the garage. Making lemonade from those lemons!

Please keep checking in everyone. The threat may be over, but the clean up and recovery is just beginning and I know we all want to support you through this!

 

[Arcadian]

We have intermittent power and internet. Hopeful for some stability today. We're going to the beach again for something to do. I forget how many on PBC are without power but its still quite high. Lots of crews in this neighborhood (its by a school, so it makes sense) so that would account for power loss so many times during the day)

PBC is stll under curfew. I think its now during overnight hours as more people are trying to get back to work.

still lots of people without power even in my neighborhood. I think my block has it (sometimes) the next block doesn't.

 

[Arcadian]

also, people need to be careful because low lifes are out there. some 95 year old lady got taken for 13K in jewelry and cash. She let people in her home who claimed they were from FPL.

Check credentials if you get a knock on the door. and remember they don't need to be IN your house, just where your lines meet the service.

 

[missy]

So good to hear from everyone and so relieved you are all safe. Hi Mary, Arcadian and iLander!
Sending more good thoughts and hugs your way. And thank you for your suggestions on what to send to help people iLander.

(((HUGS))).

 

[Arcadian]

I'm now hearing and seeng about the utter devastation of some of the islands in the Caribbean. Oh my word! So horrible! Some of these islands have very little left.

 

[Arkteia]

Geez that was a lot of wind! Word from our little island is that we are not so bad off. I think this a direct result of everyone's prayers and dust, thank you so much. You guys are miracle workers! I'm mostly worried about an iffy 30 foot tree on our property but we'll see how that went and repair what is necessary. The predicted 15 foot surge didn't happen
We evacuated to Orlando and of course the eye came right through here. The building shook and scary banging noises kept us up but somehow the power held. Now the parking lot is full shingles but the roof is solid
We are waiting for power, sewer, water to be restored before heading home. It could be days but we are enjoying pure luxury here with ac and food
If you want to help, it's getting meals that is hard to do without power. Restaurants are all closed, nothing works, your water is iffy. Last hurricane that we went through there was 1 place on the island with a generator and they fed islanders and the national guard with $5 meals, credit okay. That made it bearable. There is the Harry Chapin Food Bank in our county that feeds the poor all the time and they are serving meals. Hold your checks for a few days though, there is no mail for a while.
It's a suck fest, 6 million without power in 95+ heat. Hard to sleep at night in the heat and many sewer and water systems won't work without power. Marco Island got the worst of it and we're praying for them. The collier and lee county united way are also good charities.
Thank you guys again for your miraculous prayers.

iLander, I don't know what island you are on, but any word about Key West? They said today there was an Irma reentry that hit it... We visited Key West last February, it was so lovely! (Saw all these places that are reported to be in such a miserable state now, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, St. Petersburg). So sad... and so very scary that life is such a flimsy thing.

 

[Arcadian]

Mail down here and other parts of south Florida will be down for some undetermined amount of time unfortunately. We'll be able to get UPS/Fedex (at least here) I think the Keys will be case by case.

Harry Chapman does use a service called Stripe for those who want to give over the internet.

I'm back to work but I feel like I hit a freaking wall. I'm not on living on coffee and adrenaline anymore so my energy reserves are just kaput.

For those needed additional info.
http://www.floridadisaster.org/info/

The latest for power outtages
http://www.floridadisaster.org/info/outage_reports/latest.pdf

Thank you to everyone on this thread. Your thoughts prayers, and words of encouragement kept those of us in the middle of this *censored*storm sane. I don't have enough words to convey my gratitude to you all.

 

[yennyfire]

@Arcadian I can't believe you're back at work!! I can't begin to imagine how exhausted you must be!!

The devastation in the Carribean is horrific and just breaks my heart!

 

[Arcadian]

@Arcadian I can't believe you're back at work!! I can't begin to imagine how exhausted you must be!!

The devastation in the Carribean is horrific and just breaks my heart!

Exhausted is right! Even though my office is in Florida, I work in DC, so while the people I report to can appreciate what is happening down here, I still have deadlines to meet.

Sunday night I used one UPS to power my laptop because it was a bit too dangerous to sit in my car (though me and the dog did it about 3am...oh it felt so guuud...lol) so I could finish some programming thoughts. The other charged my cell phone when I couldn't in the car. Generator power is generally too dirty for such appliances. I love those UPS's they have really helped in a jam (including when I lived in Massachusetts during NorEasters!)

 

[Calliecake]

@Arcadian I can't believe you are already back at work. You must be so tired. You need a vacation after all this. I hope you are starting to feel better. I know you were worried you may have had some damage to the roof. Is it okay? My dad lives in Tampa and they were told their electricity would not be restored until this weekend. He was amazed there wasn't more damage to his home. I think he had a gutter come down and a part of a fence was damaged.

@Arkteia Key West looks like it was hit really hard. The pictures they were showing on the news last night looked awful. I can't imaging how frightening it must have been for the people who remained during the storm.