October 15, 2008

Have you ever wondered.....

What St Maarten does when there is going to be a hurricane? I really didn't want to find this one out and with only 56 days left I thought I was in the clear....but NO! Tonight, Hurricane Omar is suppose to hit close to us so all of St Maarten is getting ready. Today, I went into Cole Bay to get some supplies, which was hard because I really didn't want to buy very much in case nothing happens but didn't want to not have anything in case it did. So I'm probably under prepared but of course I'm about the most optimistic under worrier you ever met so its pretty typical of me! Right now, Omar is looking like it will hit tomorrow early morning and will be about 87 miles off of St Maarten and we will experience winds of around 105 mph.

Tons of people were filling up with gas (yep me too!)
So many people were at the grocery store that people were parked up on the curbs.
The lines were forever long..I haven't seen them this bad since Christmas!
All stores and banks were closing early and no schools (even Dave's) were in session today.
Stores are putting down hurricane shutters and boarding up all windows.

Even the ATM machines are closed and protected.
The traffic is backed up with everyone trying to get into Phillipsburg and Cole Bay.
The golf course road...our only way into town is already starting to flood and the worst hasn't even begun yet.
All boats are moved into the lagoon to help protect them the best they can. Notice the water..right now it just feels like the calm before the storm. There is NO wind what so ever and besides the fact that we haven't seen the sun in 5 days and the rain, everything seems perfectly normal.
So that's what it is like in St Maarten before a hurricane...I'll keep you updated once we actually know what is happening and how bad it actually was....IF I have internet...and electricity!

1 comment:

Jackson's said...

Ashley, YOu all stay safe and post when it is all over. We are praying for your safety. Good luck.
Nicole