Storm Flashbacks
The TV meteorologists yesterday were all aflutter over a cold front-related storm system pushing down from the north.
This time of year, the Gulf of Mexico starts getting in its first digs of the year, with warm, moist air surging northward. But the north isn't ready to throw in the meteorological towel and charges right back, often with devastating results.
When the two sides clash, bad things can happen: tornadoes, high winds, hail and heavy rains.
The meteorologists yesterday got excited about a powerful front that caused mayhem in the Midwest. Dire weather news crawled across the bottom of the TV screen throughout prime-time viewing last night. (I've been in a television station and witnessed the glee that overwhelms TV weatherfolks when they get to do a crawl.)
For two storm-wearing veterans such as my wife and I, who have survived two of the top 10 most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history, the flashbacks of downed trees and days without electricity came pouring forth.
A car, plants, the garbage can and other loose items were put in the garage. I separated my two hand-me-down cars so no single tree could take out both. Lastly, remembering scenes of gas desperation in the aftermath of Hurricanes Rita and Ike, I drove to the convenience store to fill up two 5-gallon cans to ensure at least a day or so of fuel for the generator should the power go out. We took comfort knowing that we had natural gas that could keep the fireplace and the hot-water heater going.
The journalist in me started thinking about story coverage and wondering if I would have to get up in the middle of the night and head to work.
Just after 11 p.m., the front stormed in with a fury. But one look out the window made me relax and even snicker.
Having watched the Category 3 Rita, with 120-plus mph winds, and Category 2 Ike, with his 110-mph winds, this front looked more like a dandelion blower by comparison.
Our backyard swing blew over, and a neighbor's basketball post fell down, but other than that, the damage was minimal on our street.
Nevertheless, the event underscored how strongly Rita and Ike remain in our family psyche.
It also made us realize that with all the implements of survival - generator, full gas cans, Coleman stove, lanterns, flashlights, etc. - there isn't much in Tyler that could happen weatherwise that we couldn't handle.
This time of year, the Gulf of Mexico starts getting in its first digs of the year, with warm, moist air surging northward. But the north isn't ready to throw in the meteorological towel and charges right back, often with devastating results.
When the two sides clash, bad things can happen: tornadoes, high winds, hail and heavy rains.
The meteorologists yesterday got excited about a powerful front that caused mayhem in the Midwest. Dire weather news crawled across the bottom of the TV screen throughout prime-time viewing last night. (I've been in a television station and witnessed the glee that overwhelms TV weatherfolks when they get to do a crawl.)
For two storm-wearing veterans such as my wife and I, who have survived two of the top 10 most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history, the flashbacks of downed trees and days without electricity came pouring forth.
A car, plants, the garbage can and other loose items were put in the garage. I separated my two hand-me-down cars so no single tree could take out both. Lastly, remembering scenes of gas desperation in the aftermath of Hurricanes Rita and Ike, I drove to the convenience store to fill up two 5-gallon cans to ensure at least a day or so of fuel for the generator should the power go out. We took comfort knowing that we had natural gas that could keep the fireplace and the hot-water heater going.
The journalist in me started thinking about story coverage and wondering if I would have to get up in the middle of the night and head to work.
Just after 11 p.m., the front stormed in with a fury. But one look out the window made me relax and even snicker.
Having watched the Category 3 Rita, with 120-plus mph winds, and Category 2 Ike, with his 110-mph winds, this front looked more like a dandelion blower by comparison.
Our backyard swing blew over, and a neighbor's basketball post fell down, but other than that, the damage was minimal on our street.
Nevertheless, the event underscored how strongly Rita and Ike remain in our family psyche.
It also made us realize that with all the implements of survival - generator, full gas cans, Coleman stove, lanterns, flashlights, etc. - there isn't much in Tyler that could happen weatherwise that we couldn't handle.
posted by Brian Pearson at 4:44 PM
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