Last night we started getting rain from one of hurricane Irene's extended arms. the rain literaly comes in bands, or waves. We get rain for 10-20 minutes, then it stops, then it startes, then it stop etc. Then more rain, then it stops. So far we have gotten about an inch of rain. We got over an inch of rain on Thursday, and have pretty good rain storms for the last couple of weeks. What has that got to do with the hurricane?
The clay around here soaks up water pretty well. However, it also doesn't let it go easiy. Good for the plants, but bad right now. If we had been dry the last couple of weeks, a couple of 1" storms would have wet the soil enough to prepare it to receive a lot of rain. However, the soil is moist to very moist at this point, so even 4-6" of rain may cause a lot of flooding . Additionally, trees may not break in the wind, but a lot may be shoved over as the roots no longer have good purchase in the soogy soil.
But, we'll see what comes of it. For now, here are pictures of some of the preparations - not that the normally crowded 16 x 16 deck is virtually empty.
Yes that hose under the porch is bungied in several places so it doosn't just start whipping around.
And, here is a shot of the Limelight Hydrangea, Endless Summer hydrangea is right next to it (the blooms are faded - blue is the bloom color), just because it is pretty.
Everyone stay dry and safe.
I hope you tied down the gas grill on the deck as you don't want it wandering around!
Posted by: DCE | August 28, 2011 at 09:47 AM
The grill is in no danger. Even in the worst of storms that aread is vertually a dead space as far as wind is concerned. I moved the recyclables bins into the lean-to in order to move the grill to that location. I took in the bird feeders - but even that was unneccessary.
The wind mainly comes up the left side (looking at the back of the house) because the neighbor's driveway, then our driveway, leads the wind in. then it hits the upper retaining wall and swirls back toward the lean-to, but doesn't hit the inside portion of the deck. The other corner of the house is also on the windy side, but it angles in on the deck.
We can't get wind from the sides or back, unless something really goes wrong (hills behind and to one side are blasted and all trees go down). At that point, I have much more to worry about than a few items blowing around. In fact at that point, we would be lucky to be alive to worry about anything at all!
Posted by: bogie | August 28, 2011 at 05:17 PM
I hope the storm was as tame later on as you described here. You clearly know how to prepare for a storm with high winds!
I'll be watching for an update. And, the hydrangeas are gorgeous! I'm green with envy!
Posted by: buffy | August 30, 2011 at 11:46 PM
Storm wasn't too bad here - no damage (haven't checked the back lot yet, but the worst that could happen is we have firewood for next year.
Posted by: bogie | September 04, 2011 at 07:24 AM