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Hurricane Irma Nears Antigua and Barbuda

Sending good thoughts to those in the Caribbean, who are about to experience the force of Hurricane Irma.

Category 5 Hurricane Irma has become one of the strongest storms recorded in the Atlantic, and is threatening to slam into Caribbean islands including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with "potentially catastrophic" force on Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said.

Antigua and Barbuda are less than 100 miles from the path of the storm.[More...]

Irma was churning west Tuesday evening in the Atlantic with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph -- well above the 157 mph threshold for a Category 5 -- about 85 miles east of Antigua and Barbuda, the hurricane center said.

Guadeloupe has now been issued a hurricane warning (it was a hurricane watch.) The Dominican Republic, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico are also in harm's way.

From the National Hurricane Center on the meaning of a Category 5 hurricane:

Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

The full list as of now of countries under hurricane warning:

  • Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts, and Nevis
  • Saba, St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten
  • Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy
  • British Virgin Islands
  • U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra
  • Dominican Republic from Cabo Engano to the northern border with Haiti
  • Guadeloupe
  • Cuba (including Guantanamo)

These countries are a delight to visit and have some of the most beautiful beaches anywhere. I have been to so many of them, and I really hope the storm's doesn't wreak havoc on them.

I'm also hoping Florida and the Keys get spared. Hopefully Fishcamp and our other Florida readers will keep us updated and stay safe.

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  • Display: Sort:
    Last season (5.00 / 2) (#3)
    by ragebot on Tue Sep 05, 2017 at 09:08:27 PM EST
    I took building materials to Andros and Green Turtle to help with rebuilding from last years hurricane damage.

    Just was discussing what to take on my planned trip to Cuba this season.  Seems like the best bet is stuff like nails, concrete screws, Romex, drill bits, power saw blades if you are constrained by space on your travels.

    So many first world folks don't realize what it is like to live in places where you can't just drive 15 minutes to Walmart or Lowes and buy what you need.  One thing I always think I take too much of, but never do, is toilet paper.  In many countries you simply can not buy toilet paper at any price.

    Have to put in a plug for Levi and his site Tropicaltidbits.  

    As an aside (none / 0) (#11)
    by ragebot on Wed Sep 06, 2017 at 08:28:30 AM EST
    Was discussing what to bring to Cuba with an expat and a Canadian.  Both are old hands but with different experiences.  The expat said in terms of tools remember Cuba uses a 230 volt system like what the old USSR used.  The Canadian said no, the US type 120 volt system was the most common.  The difference was the expat's experience was with resorts in Cuba which are run by the Cuban military (which owns more hotels in the islands than any other owner) while the Canadian was more experienced with what I will call regular Cuban people.  Seems to be what I call the first world/third world difference.  Again those of us who live in the first world really have problems understanding the third world.

    Not saying things like a coloring book or school supplies are not welcome.  But something like concrete screws/bolts mean kids will have a school to use school supplies in as opposed to simply having class under a tree or even in the hot sun.

    Parent

    ragebot, on one trip to Cuba (5.00 / 2) (#5)
    by fishcamp on Tue Sep 05, 2017 at 09:55:16 PM EST
    I stuck a coloring book and a box of crayolas in my bag.  One day while walking around Havana I handed a child a page and a couple of crayolas.  Soon I was surrounded by happy mothers and children.  It was a good feeling.

    That's a delightful story (none / 0) (#7)
    by Towanda on Tue Sep 05, 2017 at 11:31:08 PM EST
    . . . Reminding me of the wishlists we see posted by teachers at a school on a Cribbean island that is our fsvorite.  They do appreciate any school supplies (as do teachers in schools on the mainland, too, as well I know from helping my daighter to stock up and prep her classroom for the first day of school, today).

    Other items that would make moms and kids happy, when in shelters from the storm or in homes but with stores closed for days, would be basic: diapers!

    Parent

    Fishcamp, I read your comment in the earlier (none / 0) (#8)
    by vml68 on Tue Sep 05, 2017 at 11:34:21 PM EST
    post. If Irma does not weaken and the Keys are in her path, you really need to get out of there.

    I stayed put for Sandy but I don't plan to hang around if Irma decides to make a beeline for the west coast of FL.


    Parent

    evacuation (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Sep 07, 2017 at 05:10:37 PM EST
    is a complicated thing.  my rational brain says get the heck out.  but if it was me, my house, im not sure i would leave either.

    it would be very very hard.

    Parent

    I know how hard it is to leave one's home but (none / 0) (#54)
    by vml68 on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 01:23:09 PM EST
    homes can be rebuilt. At times like these your life and those of your loved ones are the priority.

    I did not leave during Sandy because my dog had just had surgery on his leg, it was in a cast and he could not walk more than a few steps. He was too heavy for me to carry and my husband was in San Francisco for work. Even though we were right by the water and in a mandatory evacuation zone, I took my chances because our apartment was in a very solidly constructed building. Sandy was a Cat1 when it hit where I was and I saw the damage it did.

    The keys are in the direct path of Irma. It is still looking like it will be a Cat4 when it hits there. That is way too dangerous to be taking a risk. I hope for Fishcamp's sake and others like him that are not evacuating that Irma continues to lose strength as it gets closer. Wind damage is not the only concern, the storm surge could be just as devastating.

    My husband was in NYC for meetings and flew home a short while ago. We are going to wait for the evening update from the hurricane center. If Irma continues to move west and does not look like she is going to lose strength, we are out of here.

    Be safe everyone.

    Parent

    It was estimated that 30,000 had evacuated the (none / 0) (#57)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 02:27:19 PM EST
    Keys this morning, perhaps 40,000 to 50,000 may be staying in the Keys.

    Parent
    Hurricane Irma update. (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by fishcamp on Wed Sep 06, 2017 at 06:59:02 AM EST
    Irma is now over the lovely French and Dutch island of St. Martin wreaking havoc.  The earlier thoughts I had of it crossing the large islands in the Caribbean and slowing down don't seem likely to happen.  NOAA has it staying over the water north of those islands and remaining a cat 4 and 5 hurricane.  Lots of warm water out there.

    The spaghetti models seem to be slightly different on every channel and that is because they are predictions.  Most of them show this thing turning north just before the Florida keys.  Miami may get hit harder than us down here.  They love to make predictions.

    It doesn't seem sensible for me to leave the keys since this storm is predicted to move up the entire state.  There is nowhere to go.  Some say Key West may only receive 26% of the storm, which is still bad due to the large size of Irma.  If this does happen it will be good news for KeysDan.  It is a giant storm much  larger than the previous fourteen hurricanes I've been through.

    Fishcamp, (5.00 / 2) (#15)
    by KeysDan on Wed Sep 06, 2017 at 12:19:59 PM EST
    thanks for the concern. I am now out of KW year-round, except for a month or so during the winter (miss it, except for times like this). And, as it happens, I am presently in Chicago visiting family and friends. But, you stay safe; friends there say the Naval Air Station personnel/planes are being moved up closer to Atlanta.  

    Parent
    Take care, fishcamp. (5.00 / 2) (#22)
    by caseyOR on Wed Sep 06, 2017 at 10:32:34 PM EST
    The southeast is getting slammed by hurricanes. The west coast is on fire.

    Fire is rampaging through The Columbia River Gorge. Oregon's crown jewel is burnt and smoldering. Some idiot teenager threw a firecracker into the tinder-dry woods not far from the Eagle Creek trail, and fire started blazing. Now I-84 is closed from Troutdale to Hood River, as is the Columbia River.

    Portland and Seattle are enveloped in gray smokey fog like air. Ash and bits of burning debris are coating cars and roads and people in both cities.

    Parent

    Hadn't seen that in all the other news (5.00 / 2) (#25)
    by ruffian on Thu Sep 07, 2017 at 03:04:54 AM EST
    Really sorry. Truly one of my favorite, most beautiful places I've been.

    Parent
    Trump's (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by KeysDan on Thu Sep 07, 2017 at 04:41:31 PM EST
    But no, just some random golfers.

    The fire is several miles away from the golfers, across the Columbia River, in a different state. The fire started and grew big while the golfers were playing. The course is a cheapie, less than $20 for 9 holes, including the cart.

    Looks pretty crazy, but I don't think the golfers would have acted any differently if Hilary had been elected.

    Do you?

    Parent

    It looks like the Multnomah Lodge... (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by desertswine on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 12:13:39 PM EST
    and the area around the beautiful Multnomah Falls has been mostly spared.

    Parent
    Suspect is a 15 y/o. However, (none / 0) (#24)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Sep 06, 2017 at 10:47:41 PM EST
    he was in a big group of kids and I expect there were at least several others in the group who threw fireworks and caused the fire.

    So sad and so infuriating at the same time.


    Parent

    of the kid, for his safety.

    Parent
    I'd be surprised to learn that the name (none / 0) (#36)
    by Peter G on Thu Sep 07, 2017 at 07:45:06 PM EST
    of any juvenile accused of criminal or delinquent conduct is ever released in Oregon or Washington. Not in Pennsylvania, for sure, except possibly in murder cases. I don't think this is a special case, regardless of whether it turns out to be arson or just a stupid and tragic accident.

    Parent
    computer) said something along the lines of they'd normally release the name in a yuge case like this, regardless of being a juvenile. They said the PD received so many angry comments directed at the kid on their FB page, they decided not to release his name.

    Can't find that particular article now, but here's another that indicates they'd release the juvenile's name.

    One suspect has been identified as a 15-year-old male from Vancouver, Washington. Oregon State Police spokesman Bill Fugate said if charged, the suspect could face the same state charges as an adult. Fugate said OSP will release the suspect's name if and when charges are filed.


    Parent
    It does not surprise me that people (5.00 / 3) (#38)
    by caseyOR on Thu Sep 07, 2017 at 11:02:56 PM EST
    are posting angry comments. The Gorge holds a very special place in the hearts of Oregonians. It is a place of stunning natural beauty. And for many, myself included, it is a source of peace and calm. On some of my most horrible days I would drive out to the Gorge and sit by one of the many waterfalls, surrounded by Doug firs and quiet, except for the soothing sound of falling water.

    This is break g my heart.

    Parent

    like that here in CA, it would break my heart too to see them burn.

    Parent
    I also love the Gorge. Have traveled there (none / 0) (#50)
    by Peter G on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 11:47:58 AM EST
    several times, as it is quite near where my wife grew up, although on the Washington side.

    Parent
    Found it. (none / 0) (#49)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 10:42:59 AM EST
    Arson suspect won't be named (1:15 p.m.): Oregon State Police officials on Thursday said the agency does not plan to publicly identify the prime suspect in the fire.

    Originally, the agency planned to name the 15-year-old in the event of an arrest, but public comments aimed at the teen prompted officials to reverse course, said Capt. Bill Fugate, a state police spokesman.

    "There has been so much negative stuff," said Fugate, pointing to comments the state police have received about the youth on the agency's Facebook page. "There was some really nasty stuff out there about this kid.

    "For his safety, I think you can justify not releasing it," Fugate said.

    Typically, he said, the agency would release the name of a suspect in a high-profile crime, even if the person is a minor.

    "There is a lot of public interest, but it's on us if we release the name and something happens to this kid," he said.



    Parent
    oh, you just know that, (none / 0) (#51)
    by leap on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 11:50:41 AM EST
    what with toxic "social media," and the fact that allegedly it was group of teenagers at the scene, his name will get out there.

    Parent
    Probably so. (none / 0) (#52)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 11:55:39 AM EST
    Stay as safe as you can (none / 0) (#12)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Sep 06, 2017 at 11:36:08 AM EST
    Armando has tweeted that he is in Florida looking after his parents.

    Parent
    I know, even though it looks to (none / 0) (#14)
    by ruffian on Wed Sep 06, 2017 at 12:18:14 PM EST
    be headed up the east coast, it is so big the whole state is at least going to get drenched. Just keeping an eye on the wind prediction so I know whether to remove the windows in my screen room. Higher than 65mph I am supposed to remove them, which is easy enough, but then it means I have to take all of the stuff out of there because the water will come in. I will make that call on Sunday. It doesn't take long to do, just takes up room ho have the patio furniture in the house!

    If that is the most I have to worry about though I am very thankful. I would not want to be in Miami.

    Coral Gables, how are you?

    Parent

    I stayed to ride it out Ruffian (5.00 / 1) (#65)
    by CoralGables on Sat Sep 09, 2017 at 09:06:13 PM EST
    Looks like that will turn out to be a lucky choice but not so good for my beloved Florida Keys where I head each May.

    The two places I had looked at moving over the last ten years was Rockport, TX and Bonita Springs, FL. Looks like where I am was the safest choice based on these last few weeks.

    Keep posting fishcamp. I know the way you conch types think. Through hell and high water...

    Parent

    Hopefully Irma has taken the more (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Sep 06, 2017 at 04:00:46 PM EST
    northerly direction that this morning's forecasters felt it might have changed to overnight, as this track would keep the storm somewhat more to the east of the Caribbean islands, Florida, etc., rather than hitting them directly.

    fwiw, I believe Trump often keeps his mega-yacht in St. Maarten, and he does have a home there also, so perhaps there is some potential that some may enjoy a little schadenfreude to his detriment.

    Please stay safe TLrs.

    Not sure about that (none / 0) (#19)
    by ragebot on Wed Sep 06, 2017 at 06:55:29 PM EST
    Trump sold his biggest and most famous yacht and gave a smaller one (by his standards) to his wife Ivanka when they split.  His property in St. Maartin is for sale and is listed on his financial statement as rental property that brought in between $US100,000 and $US1,000,000 the last I saw.

    Maybe it is just because I have lived in Florida since 1954 but I never wish hurricane damage to anyone be they friend or enemy.  It is just bad karma to do that.

    Parent

    Chateau Des Palmiers... (none / 0) (#21)
    by desertswine on Wed Sep 06, 2017 at 10:14:29 PM EST
    On the Island of St. Martin.

    I'm not responsible for the comments.  Sotheby's Realty.

    Parent

    The locals generally seemed to take pride in their "celebrity" guests, including Trump.

    The photos of today's damage and flooding to the island are pretty intense.

    The latest reports seemed to suggest the the storm is losing power, perhaps down to a Cat 3 by the time it gets near to FL.

    Parent

    Hurricane Irma update (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by fishcamp on Thu Sep 07, 2017 at 06:57:42 AM EST
    Irma is now about 870 miles from me and still coming this way as a huge cat 5.  It may now skirt the keys just offshore on it's way to Miami they think.  Florida is only 120 miles wide and the storm is much wider, so the entire state will be covered with wind and rain.  My hurricane shutters are going up today, or in my house they come down and lock into place.  

    The evacuation center for Florida keys people is a huge building at Florida International University.  They showed photos of it on TV and along with hundreds of cots to sleep on, it doesn't look as sturdy as my overbuilt cement house.  I'm actually sick and tired of Irma and it's not even here yet.

    Rick Scott says you need to evacuate fish (none / 0) (#27)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Sep 07, 2017 at 08:42:31 AM EST
    I'm worried about you :(

    Parent
    Tell (none / 0) (#28)
    by FlJoe on Thu Sep 07, 2017 at 09:49:48 AM EST
    me about it..Sunday night looks both too soon and like it will never get here. Latest forecast has it 10-20 miles offshore from here.

    Parent
    Stay safe (5.00 / 4) (#29)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Sep 07, 2017 at 12:51:57 PM EST
    Joe

    Parent
    Thanks (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by FlJoe on Thu Sep 07, 2017 at 05:30:48 PM EST
    the models are ticking back west, good news sort, of, if the eye stay inland west of us it will weaken quicker and we  will spared the brunt of the direct onshore winds.

    Actually a path straight up the spine of the peninsula might be the best case scenario right now The center of the state is lightly populated until you hit the I-4 corridor and by then it will be
    hopefully down to a low end cat 3.

    Parent

    hurricane Irma update (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by fishcamp on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 06:17:21 AM EST
    The hurricane is now about 500 miles away and either heading directly towards the middle keys, or Miami as a cat 4 at 155 mph.  The speed will drop some as it nears shore.  Their predictions of this high speed is what it is now where it is, not here.

    There is no fuel in the keys and very little in the entire state.  I'm hearing stories of cars, out of fuel parked along side highways.  I'm very glad I'm not on the highways looking for a place to go.  My heavy duty thick cement house will hold together and I'll be fine.  Good luck to our other friends on this blog that live here in Florida.  

    fishcamp, I just (none / 0) (#56)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 01:58:30 PM EST
    texted you to wish you well through the storm, but I'm not sure you're still using the phone number I have for you.

    Parent
    Please, fishcamp, as much as you can (none / 0) (#59)
    by caseyOR on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 04:25:03 PM EST
    keep us updated on how your are doing. I will be thinking of all our Florida TLers this weekend.

    Please stay safe, everyone.

    Parent

    We're supposed (none / 0) (#1)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Sep 05, 2017 at 08:35:15 PM EST
    to be going to Jamaica on the 15th flying out of Ft. Lauderdale. So we're wondering if we need to change our trip or what.

    All I know is I have tickets for the Cubs vs Tampa (none / 0) (#2)
    by ruffian on Tue Sep 05, 2017 at 08:48:28 PM EST
    on the 18th...so whatever Irma is doing around Tampa it better be over by then!

    I probable doomed Tampa by buying those tickets last week.

    Bottled water is already sold out at the local stores in Orlando. But they will restock twice before whatever happens is anywhere near here next week.

    I do have many friends here with family in Puerto Rico. Thinking of them tonight.

    If Tampa gets hit, I will know whom to blame! (none / 0) (#9)
    by vml68 on Tue Sep 05, 2017 at 11:39:05 PM EST
    Thought of you when I saw this commercial.

    Parent
    Love that commercial (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by ruffian on Wed Sep 06, 2017 at 12:13:54 PM EST
    In fact when I saw it last year I ordered my dog a lion costume for Halloween...which she refused to wear....maybe this year!!!

    Parent
    The latest models have Irma headed right down (none / 0) (#55)
    by vml68 on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 01:40:20 PM EST
    the middle of the state and through Orlando. I hope you and the pups have a safe place to go to.

    Parent
    A friend of (none / 0) (#58)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 02:41:07 PM EST
    mine who lives in Orlando is completely lackadaisical about this whole thing. I'm looking at that map and it looks very bad for Orlando.

    Parent
    Jeralyn (none / 0) (#4)
    by ragebot on Tue Sep 05, 2017 at 09:15:15 PM EST
    Of all the places that will get bashed by Irma the Bahamas is not only my favorite but also not on your list.  The Greater and Lesser Antilles are mostly the product of vulcanism and have a lot more elevation than the much lower lying islands in the Bahamas.  If the highest place on an island is 20 feet above sea level and Irma has predicted wave heights of 30+ feet in addition to storm surge it is a different story than the Antilles with much higher elevations as a rule.

    The Bahamas are evacuating... (none / 0) (#6)
    by desertswine on Tue Sep 05, 2017 at 10:34:27 PM EST
    some of their southern islands.

    Prime Minister Minnis says the Category 5 storm poses a dire threat to the islands of Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay and Ragged Island.
    People who live on the islands will be flown Wednesday to Nassau on the island of New Providence. Minnis says it will be the largest hurricane evacuation in the history of the Bahamas
    .

    The Coast Guard Commandant said today (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Sep 06, 2017 at 05:08:44 PM EST
    At the Pentagon that they completely evacuated the Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico has aircraft hangars capable of withstanding Cat 5 force so they left all of their aircraft and National Guard aircraft on the ground in those hangars in Puerto Rico. Coast Guard ships then headed South to wait for Irma to pass, then they will stage in Puerto Rico. Hopefully the hangars hold and the aircraft survives.

    Parent
    Fleecing the rubes. (none / 0) (#16)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Sep 06, 2017 at 01:57:51 PM EST
    Gasbag Limbaugh claims the hurricanes are a liberal conspiracy to push the liberal "climate change" agenda and Jim Bakker is pushing doomsday food buckets claiming Harvey was god's judgment on Houston. These are the minds that are allowed to determine mine and your's future. For me its time to find the exit door. I'm with vml, rage, rage and more rage.

    What I don't understand is.... (none / 0) (#35)
    by NYShooter on Thu Sep 07, 2017 at 06:34:29 PM EST
    ....why we're still having this debate, illegal/undocumented workers. I've been semi-following the "illegals" controversy since, at least, Eisenhower. Every Presidential candidate, Democrat and/or Republican, when running for office, vowed to fix the "illegal immigration problem," and then, basically, ignored it when elected. I think I know why that is, but, what I don't know is why the "fix" has been so  recalcitrant.

    The facts are pretty simple and straightforward:
    ________________

    America, due to its growing economy, has had a need for the type of labor Mexico (and, other Southern countries) has/had in abundance.

    Americans, for all sorts of debatable, psychological reasons, have been resistant/disinclined to fill those job openings......at least in sufficient numbers.

    Every American President knew, or, became educated to the fact that, even if by a magical act,  every "illegal" simply vanished, the result would be a major recession/depression.
    _
    ________________

    Of course, complicating our ability to "fix" this, seemingly, intractable problem has been America's unique obsession for self suicide, popularly known as "Politics." Somewhere along the line our representatives decided that hurting the other party politically was a higher calling than aiding and improving the lives of America's citizens.

    Also, what has been most unhelpful in the quest for a solution has been the dissemination of rumors, distortions, untruths, and, politically motivated exaggerations......Lies.

    1."They're taking American jobs.".........wrong
    2."They're driving down wages.".........wrong
    3."Employers want cheap (even below min. wage) labor.".......wrong again.

    Look, people have been doing criminal, inhumane things to their fellow human beings like, forever. But, the all too common canard of evil, money grubbing employers looking to cheat and exploit desperate foreign workers is, simply, unequivocally, untrue.  I have been an employer for something like 50 years, in almost every state East of the Mississippi. And, I have wanted what, virtually, every other employer I've ever known has wanted: honest, dependable employees, willing to do a productive day's work in return for a safe, competitive income providing work environment.

    I could go on and on discussing this, but, I want to wrap up by asking the question I started with: "Why are we still having this debate?" We are not the only country on the planet that has a border with a country less economically prosperous. How do they handle their "illegal" problem? What is so hard about making these workers available in a legal, efficient manner?

    p.s.

    My heart and hopes go out to everyone possibly in danger from the awful hurricane, Irma. What can I say? The danger is real, this is not a time for perceived heroics, or, tempting the hands of fate. Listen to your public officials and those trained to deal with these things. If you're even thinking: leave, or, don't leave?

    You've got your answer.....LEAVE!

    One huge (none / 0) (#41)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 01:38:48 AM EST
    blind spot in the USA for as long as I can remember is the fact that we refuse to look at what works in other countries.

    And one thing that never gets discussed is the number of people who come here, their visa expires and they end up staying.

    Parent

    Hurricanes, massive wildfires and, (none / 0) (#40)
    by caseyOR on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 01:08:46 AM EST
    now, an 8.0 earthquake in Mexico. It was actually off the coast of Chiapas. And was felt as far away as Mexico City. September is shaping up to be a unbelievably horrible month.

    And all this is just in North America.

    If (none / 0) (#44)
    by FlJoe on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 08:49:14 AM EST
    I was a religious man, I would attribute all this to God's wrath upon us for electing tRump.

    Parent
    Take it Easy Pat Robertson... (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by kdog on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 08:53:58 AM EST
    This is Mother Earth's wrath, and she cares not of elections or systems of government...it's only a matter of time till she shakes off the human race like a bad case of fleas, as George Carlin once said.  

    She only needed us to make plastic for her, our work here is done. Smoke 'em if you got 'em.

    Parent

    topped (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by FlJoe on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 09:04:20 AM EST
    off the gas and grass yesterday, my ass will be in Mother Nature's hand soon enough.

    Parent
    And may she show mercy... (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by kdog on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 09:32:05 AM EST
    even if we don't deserve it, speaking of our species.

    Best of luck Joe and the entire FL TL contingent.  Very smart to remember the grass as a necessary emergency provision...my man!

    Parent

    The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (none / 0) (#43)
    by fishcamp on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 08:06:50 AM EST
    started in Aspen about 45 years ago and are all good friends.  Two of them called this morning for and update on Irma.  These guys live all over the country now, but are meeting in Nashville today.  They are then bussing to Kentucky for a show and on to North Carolina for a Sunday show.  Their drummer lives in Sarasota and wanted to know if he should get on his 3 pm flight.  I told him I didn't like his chances at any of those locations, but the show must go on.  He says he's undecided, but I know he will go.  BTW Irma has dropped to 150 mph since my last post.  

    The NGDB! Long time fave. Keep safe. (5.00 / 3) (#48)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Sep 08, 2017 at 10:27:59 AM EST
    NGDB tried to change (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by fishcamp on Sat Sep 09, 2017 at 09:29:23 AM EST
    their name to The Dirt Band because after drinks and joints it is hard to pronounce their whole name.  Their fans revolted so they went back to the old name.  Strange but true.

    Parent
    i met them once (5.00 / 2) (#61)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Sep 09, 2017 at 09:37:54 AM EST
    when Steve Martin was playing with them sometimes.  i have a friend who had this odd pen pal relationship with Martin.  this is back when he had curley brown hair.  i remember his first appearance on the TONIGHT show (with a potted plant if im remembering correctly) was an event for my circle of friends at the time.

    they and martin were in a hotel room (in Memphis i think) it was fun and memorable.

    Parent

    But then (none / 0) (#66)
    by Nemi on Sun Sep 10, 2017 at 05:43:16 AM EST
    ... after drinks and joints it is hard to pronounce their whole name

    fortunately there's no s in their name which would no doubt have made it infinitely harder, so ... '-)

    Parent

    Seriously speedy air here, (none / 0) (#62)
    by fishcamp on Sat Sep 09, 2017 at 03:11:23 PM EST
    75 mph with gusts to 90 and the eye is still a Communist.

    Hang in there, fish. (5.00 / 2) (#63)
    by caseyOR on Sat Sep 09, 2017 at 04:10:45 PM EST
    I'm thinking about you.

    Parent
    I'm going with (none / 0) (#64)
    by fishcamp on Sat Sep 09, 2017 at 07:51:44 PM EST
    140 mph at 3:45 am here at stormcamp.

    Parent