Tuesday, February 14, 2023

LUCKY

 We got through the storm with no power cuts although I have just read about a power line down just around the corner from us so it may go off while they repair it.  

I have never seen wind and rain like it.  It started on Saturday night and the rain is just easing now (Tuesday afternoon) although the wind is still strong.  Winds gusted to 140 km/hr.  We are told it should ease up here later tonight.  

The water on our lawn has gone down although it still squelches when walked on.  We have got off lightly though with very little damage.  Yesterday I saw a neighbour walking along the street in the pouring rain making sure the gutter drains were clear and everyone has been checking in on each other.

A National State of Emergency has been declared. A very rare occurrence. There are Army Unimogs up here to help with evacuations and anything else that is needed.  

We have been asked to stay at home and off the roads to allow emergency services easier access and it sounds as though the majority of businesses are closed.  I had a dental appointment today and was pleased it was cancelled.  The reason being that the dentist had not come in which I expected as he lives out at the coast and the roads are closed by slips.  He has no power or cellphone coverage because of the storm but I was assured he is fine.  

I have just read that the Quarry Gardens have closed until further notice because of significant damage. I have also just read that 415 mm of rain was recorded in the last 7 days just a couple of miles from us.

Anyway, we hope that tomorrow will dawn fine.  It has turned quite cold but we did not light the fire as the chimney was getting battered by the strong winds last night. 

11 comments:

  1. Thankfully you are ok. I have just read that Cap Rienga has had 30 consecutive hours of gale force winds!

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    1. I think we would.have as well
      Still getting very strong gusts. Sounds like the chimney is going. Just watching the news such devastation all over
      .

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  2. You're very lucky that your power didn't go off, in France it disappears at the slightest whisp of a breeze, and stays off. With three fridges and two freezers, it's always worrying.

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    1. Yes, the next street lost power this morning. Wind still high so fingers crossed.

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  3. Thank goodness the storm is passing without too much damage for you. I've been following the cyclone closely. Most of the family is in the Bay of Plenty but my nice is on Great Barrier. They got battered but are all fine

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    1. Yes I heard the Barrier was hit badly. Hope your family in B o P are ok.

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  4. I came straight here this morning having read the news of the storm online. Glad to find everything OK with you.

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    1. Thank you, John. We have been very lucky. Just watching the total devastation in some parts of the country. Major damage up here as well. It is good to be on higher ground and with a house above ground level.

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  5. Oh, man. We've read about the epic floods down your way. May you all be safe and dry!

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    1. We were so lucky. A fine day today . Wonderful to open windows and doors and do some clearing up.

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  6. The weather over there has been so bad. Sad to hear the Quarry gardens have sustained damage, I hope they will be able to reopen soon, they are such a lovely place to visit and take a wander. Glad all is okay with you. I'm pretty sure my Dad and my sister are still without power at their homes further down the line.

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