Hurricane Irene is on it's way to our home which is located directly on the Indian River Bay in Southern Delaware. From my front door to the Bay is only about 40 feet !!! I have lived in the same location almost all of my life (65 years) and have experienced several hurricanes Hazel, Diana, Gloria, Flloyd, etc. in my day and also the "Great Northeast Storm" of March 3 - 5 of 1962. During the 1962 storm which was by far the most damaging storm we got 40 inches of water in the first floor of the house and we were rescued from the roof of the first floor porch of the house, I was 15 years old at the time. Since then we have raised the house and the surrounding ground about 4 feet.
We were told yesterday to evacuate (mandatory evacuation per the Governor of the Great State of Delaware) but I politely told the firemen who came door to door that I was NOT leaving and Nancy and I would ride out the storm. We made our preparations - moved the good car to a friend's house 7 miles away, cleaned up the yard, got dry ice, stored up food and water and tied my rowboat to the front step and got out the life perservers, etc., just in case we had to get out of the house.
So far we have had some moderate rain and wind but no high tide. The worst of the storm is predicted to be here around 2:00 am Sunday morning. I told Nancy as long as the roof stays on and the water doesn't get in the house I can live with everything else that might happen - water in the sheds, plant, tree and yard damage and possible water damage to our other two "older" vehicles.
As long as we have power I'll give an occasional update.
Take care,
Jerry "staying high and dry" Birl