Ann Elizabeth Grace, Author

What a surprise to move to New York, then experience my first earthquake, followed by Hurricane Irene! Dan and I were evacuated from our house on Saturday morning, August 27th, as Irene rattled up the coast. The night before, we had watched our neighbors haul away boats and board up windows. Police were cruising through the neighborhood belting mandatory evacuation orders through bullhorns. Stores were bursting with people scrambling to buy water, batteries, and non-perishable foods.

On Saturday, we headed to stay with friends who live in a more protected house than ours. By then, Irene had downgraded in our area to a tropical storm. The sky was gray and leaden during the day. That night, something eerie and electric fizzed in the air as I drifted to sleep. The howls of wind and rain woke me up numerous times, as Irene announced her arrival. When I rose from bed at 7:45am, the power was out. 

On Sunday morning, the wind remained incredibly strong, even as the rain began to die down. Early in the afternoon we braved a walk outside. Our little group of three sidled around broken trees and branches while 30–40 mph winds spiraled above our heads. The air smelled wonderfully fresh. The surround sounds reminded me of ocean waves crashing to shore. Every so often a huge gust shoved my body forward like a turbo boost. Mother Nature’s reign was on full display.

Later on Sunday, Dan and I returned to our house to discover a pond where the driveway used to be. Our garage and basement had also flooded a couple of feet. (Pics below.) And as I type this blog on Thursday, our power at home is still out. I’ve felt the storm’s aftermath, but it’s nothing compared to those who were injured or lost their lives. My heart goes out to all who have been harmed, as well as to their loved ones.

Below are a few snapshots of Irene. The bottom two show our last few nights entertainment: board games and reading by candlelight!