It’s been quite a year in this area so far, weather-wise. Our neighboring community where we do -or used to do- most of our business, was devastated by a tornado in February, mere weeks ago. Now, we head down our country road in a different direction, thankful that everyone is safe and that our home is one of those still standing. The tornado was followed by the worst snowstorm in more than a decade, and now, we’re experiencing serious flooding.
Apparently, these weather systems are not all that unusual, as each has occurred in this area on many occasions. However, when they come one right after another, it begins to wear on people. I know it’s taking its toll on me, and we haven’t even been the ones hardest hit.
No matter how much you try to prepare for such things, you just never feel quite prepared when things like this actually occur. I still hadn’t caught my breath after viewing the tornado ravaged places I had frequently visited previously, before the snowstorm virtually shut down everything that was still standing. At least that was temporary and thankfully, neither the tornado nor the winter storm resulted in any casualties.
Unfortunately, at least one casualty has thus far been reported as a result of flooding (now more than a dozen and two people still missing). A man who was attempting to rescue others, drowned. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Apparently, all other rescue missions were successful.
It’s rained for the better part of three days (straight) and there is more than a foot of standing water in some places on our property. If it doesn’t stop soon, we may have to evacuate before the road is completely impassable. A good deal of our driveway and parts of the road are washed out, and we’ve been without power, phone, and internet. All of this began as a thunderstorm watch and quickly escalated to flash flood watches and warnings, and is now a flood warning. Nearby Spring River is supposed to crest at an “historic” level within hours. Some areas were hit with between five and ten inches of rain, others more than a foot.
These weather events have changed my frame of mind and led me to concentrate on the things that really matter, so I’m not writing about how to paint eggs. Let’s just say, I’ll be focusing more on the real meaning of Easter and our celebration this year will be a simple one.
The latest weather has also led me to talk more about being prepared for emergencies, so please check back…