Living in New Hampshire for 25 years, I’ve seen a number of weather calamities from winter storms which leave a layer of ice on everything to extreme temperature changes within a day, but this tropical storm has been completely different.

Advanced storm notice has permitted for the gradual inclusion of necessary preparation: stock up on dry goods, make sure flashlights are in working order, gather important papers, and bring in all outdoor furniture and other items that have the potential to become missiles in 60 mile per hour winds.

The Weather Channel has been a good resource for information but quite honestly it was a bit unnerving to hear the National Weather Service’s audible alert accompanied by an orange crawler at the bottom of my television warning of a tropical storm, flood, and tornado all at the same time.

My home is made of concrete which gives me some measure of confidence for my safety but I’m wise enough not to assume that especially as I look outside my window and see the swimming pool’s water at the brim of overflowing and the surrounding palm trees blowing wildly in the wind.

Tomorrow the weather will worsen with higher winds and more rain. It’ll be interesting to see what unfolds and how the beach has changed.


Delray Beach on Sunday August 17th around 1:00pm


This photo and the one below are Delray Beach 24 hours later.



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copyright 2008 Diana Taylor
Photo credit: Diana Taylor