Saturday, May 31, 2008

Kicking Off the Season Early

Living on the Gulf Coast of Texas, we keep our eyes on the tropics this time of year. Hurricane season doesn't officially start until tomorrow (June 1), but today Tropical Storm Arthur formed off the coast of Belize.

He'll be no threat to us, but this could be an indicator of another busy hurricane season. We've had our share of hurricanes and tropical storms in this area over the years - I have lived here (about half-way between Houston and Galveston) all my life, and have weathered many a storm. Sometimes it's exciting to have a storm head our way - the media reports on it non-stop, and if it's just a tropical storm - or even a small hurricane - we only expect a lot of rain, probably some flooding, and perhaps some strong winds. It's a good excuse to buy a bunch of canned goods and bottled water and hunker down for a couple of days. But sometimes the excitement turns to worry and fear. A few of the bigger storms I remember the most are:

  • Hurricane Alicia in 1983, which we rode out in our house. It was scary.
  • Tropical Storm Allison in 2001 flooded the Houston area like we've never seen, turning the Bayou City into one giant bayou.
  • Hurricane Rita in 2005, who headed our way close on the heels of Hurricane Katrina, so everyone's guard was up - when she reached a Category 4, then 5, there was widespread panic to evacuate. It was the worst traffic jam in history, and it took my family 19 hours to drive to my Granddaddy's house in Dallas (normally a 4-hour drive). We call it the "Runaway Scrape", and it was a nightmare that I NEVER wish to re-live. I said it then and say it today - I think I'd rather be plucked off my roof by a helicopter than to sit thru another evacuation like that. And then the storm hooked north and didn't even come here. We really didn't have to leave after all. But better safe than sorry, I guess.

So we turn our eyes to the Atlantic, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico for the summer and fall, hoping to escape Mother Nature's wrath for another year. And making sure all our insurance is up to date.

7 comments:

D... said...

I wasn't here for Alicia. But, I will never forget Allison with not knowing where Hubby was all night long. And Rita still gives me nightmares from the traffic, to the spending the night in a parking lot, to the bug bites. Not to mention all the tears & fear. Shiver. Never again.

And I'm still staying far far away from your Lost post.

Shrinky said...

My goodness, I cannot imagine how it must feel to be caught up in something like that, it makes the hair stand up at the back of my neck just thinking about it. Let's hope this year the weather will be a little more benign for you.

I came over via David, having just read your interview.

Cath said...

Scaarry! I cannot even imagine it. Over from David's after your great interview.

Becky said...

Is it already Hurricane season?? shoot...I move to SC on July 1...guess I'll need to get ready for that also...

Nice new blog design I like it..

Jenny86753oh9 said...

I forgot about what the hurricane season means for you guys! Will be keeping a watchful eye on it too...

Kim said...

Let's hope that we don't have a bad year.

jennyonthespot said...

Wow girl! That is quite a story your put there on your Bubba's site! I remember the coverage, but living where I do, I just had NO idea! Wow... I sure hope all the storms steer clear, and you can just enjoy some lost power here and there :)