Hurricane Irene

The last few days I have been consumed by tracking, preparing, and experiencing Hurricane Irene. Luckily the damage didn't pan out to be as torrential as officials predicted, but it was unnerving none the less. The damage that did occur: many are without power, Norfolk is flooded, and the worst news of all, lives were lost in the mix.

Ben and I went out to 17th street at Virginia Beach earlier this morning as the bands of the storm began to strengthen. It was about 9am when I took these photographs. Winds were estimated at 35mph, waves were 10+ feet.

Notice the palm trees blowing around

17th street beach, 10-12 foot waves here

Doesn't look like much in a photograph, but the waves never hit the pier like that

Remnants from "Isabel" in 2003. Now prepared for "Irene" in 2011. 

"Don't be mean Irene."

One of my favorites, note the target at the top left.

"Go East, Irene"

17th Street before the worst of the storm... LOTS of people out 

"You are in my dream, Irene."  - not sure I understand that one.

We've been watching the news throughout the day and it is said that around noon winds picked up to 65 mph, only 1.5 hours after we left the ocean front. Winds ripped roofs off houses in Sandbridge and did damage to some buildings near the oceanfront. (Looks like we left just in time!)

The worst of the storm was predicted to hit in the early evening with additional issues expected at high tide at 8:30pm. The mixture of the storm with the tide definitely caused a lot of flooding although I can't figure out exactly what damage Norfolk has suffered.

Right now (12:30am) we're experiencing the back part of the storm. Winds are picking up again, but I dare say the worst has passed.

It will be interesting to see the conditions of everything tomorrow morning.

"Don't be mean, Irene!"