That volatile line of thunderstorms that was all over the eastern part of the country hit us yesterday. The air was so humid all day long that I knew something was up. As the day progressed I started to hear warnings from the National Weather Service on the radio. And as we headed toward the dinner hour the sky ominously darkened, so much so that it seemed like the middle of the night. The wind was fierce, branches were flying, the sound of thunder never stopped and lightning lit up the sky. Very Shakespearean in its intensity. I usually love thunderstorms, but this one was scary, especially when I heard there was a tornado warning for our area.
I called Don. He didn’t answer. A few minutes later, he called me back and stayed on the phone with me as the storm got stronger and stronger.
We really don’t have a basement. We have a small basement that you can enter from outside and if it was only me, I’d go down there. But there is no way I could get Riley down there on my own. You have to duck when you walk down the stairs – trying to hold Riley in my arms and make my way down the stairs would be impossible, as would getting him back up the stairs.
An interior room with no windows? Nope. There are windows everywhere here at the cottage.
For an hour or so, it was pretty scary around here. The force of those winds reminded me very much of Hurricane Irene. Thankfully, this storm didn’t last nearly as long as the hurricane. After it had passed, I put on my slicker and went out to survey the damage. Lots of smallish branches down. One of my flower pots had fallen and broken. A few pots on the porch had tipped over. A large chunk of one of the deadish trees in the back forty had fallen – I’ll need Don’s help with that one. I cleaned up as much as I could and the rest I’ll tackle today.
Whew. We’re safe. The house is standing. The damage was minimal – just messy.
And how are you this Friday morning?
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Know what those storms are like, we have been struggling with them almost daily lately – a given in southern Summertime. Most recent was the evening before last when the strong winds brought down quite a large branch which smashed all over the deck, fortunately missed the roof, and it was a game of ‘pick up sticks’ next morning. Ever since we had huge trees fall on the roof and my car – Hurricane Fran – I get really scared in storms. We’ve removed all the tall pines but have so many other trees which could come down.
Glad you and the doggies were not hurt – nice of Don to stay on he phone, he’s such a great guy! We do have interior bathrooms without windows but, like you, just a crawl space under the house – and it’s hard to be alone in a storm of such magnitude.
Hope today is better Claudia.
Take care – Mary X
Glad to hear there wasn’t more damage than that. You could have ended up in Oz, far from Stratford-upon-Avon!
Still, I know it’s a nuisance to have all those sticks and branches to pick up. Have a good (albeit busy) weekend!
Glad you made it through with minimal damage. Those storms can be so scary. especially when you’re by yourself!
I do not like to be alone when those storms hit either. Glad Don was able to be on the phone with you. Minimal damage is A-OK. Take care and give the doggies a big hug. Linda
So glad to hear that you all are fine. Storms like that can be so frightening. When I lived in Houston, my house was struck by lightning while I was at home. It was a terrifying experience and my calm, sweet and formerly fearless golden retriever Charlie became neurotic each time he heard thunder after that. Two years later, I had moved to a townhouse that was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. Fortunately Charlie and I were not home when it happened. When I first moved to Idaho we very seldom had thunderstorms, but now we are having more of them. I read that Seattle has been getting some big ones too. The weather seems to be getting more violent everywhere. We can all live with a few broken tree limbs and some clean up, but our families and pets are what is truly important. Take good care my friend and give the pups a hug from me.
Love,
Susan and Bentley
Oh my, Claudia, summer storms can be so frightening. I’m sorry you are playing pick-up-sticks after you worked so hard on your garden this week. This Friday morning the temperature is climbing in lower Alabama. I’m giving the motorhome a good scrubbing. You can tell how hard I’m at it by coming in to check your blog and stopping by to say hi. Have a much better weekend!
And it’s a hard, it’s a hard, it’s a hard, and it’s a hard
It’s a hard rain’s a-gonna fall. ~ Bob Dylan
I am hoping for no storms tonight as we are going to a concert outside! Glad you are safe!
Yikes!!!! So glad you are okay!!!!
“just messy’ is a good think when considering the alternative outcome of a nasty storm. We are lucky to have a basement with a storm room in it, but spiders seem to enjoy that room. ugh. Better spiders than none I suppose when it comes to being safe.
We were on the edge as usual..Sometimes it’s a good thing..We only got a quarter of an inch and some winds…Lucky in that no damage was done..unlucky in that we need the rain…Hope all is well with you today
How scary, Claudia. We didn’t get any of that. I know they talked about the possibility of western Mass receiving some nasty weather, but here in the eastern part of the state it’s just gloomy and damp. Nothing less, nothing more. Glad you are all okay :)… Donna
Glad to hear you came out of it okay! ~ Maureen
I was talking to my husband too when the storm started to approach. He was on the road trying to find a way around a detour that took him way out of the way so he could beat the storm home. He got here just as I was going down to the basement with my 2 pups. No damage this time ….luckily! We are under a severe storm watch until 10pm again tonight. It’s been a hot and stormy summer so far! ~Hugs, Patti
Your beloved willow tree probably wouldn’t have survived that. Glad you are all safe.
Welcome to Tornado Alley, except we’re in OK. Don’t try those basement stairs now. You might end up like me with your ankle or worse, a broken leg. I’m so accustomed to those warnings, I hate to say it, but I just go on about my business.
Brenda
Glad to hear you are safe. I heard about the storm that hit Elmira NY which is where my girlfriend here is from so sent her a message. Her mom is visiting right now and lives in Binghamton, about an hour from there. Take care and have a good weekend. Tammy
So glad to hear you´re safe Claudia and that there weren´t too much damage. Those storm can be SO scary. Thankfully we only have experienced a few over here and nothing like those you have over there.
Have a great weekend.
Glad you are alright. I love a good storm but not one where I get my pants scared right off.