Destruction From Above

I'm sure everyone has heard of the devastation in Washington and Oregon states from rain and winds. I-5 is closed for 20 miles. Ten feet of water on the freeway. Coastal communities were blasted with hurricane force winds, and many are without power and, ironically, drinking water is in short supply.

I live right in the midst of the closed freeway area. Fortunately I live on a ridge high and, well, not dry, but not flooded. Also fortunately I was working at home Monday (I work in Olympia, on the other side of the closure), so I'm stuck here but that's OK with me. It seems Lewis and Grays Harbor (and probably more) counties are closed - can't get in or out for a while. We had terribly strong winds and lots and lots of rain, but my power is on so I'm happy. Meanwhile people in the western part of the county are being evacuated by boat and helicopter. People are being plucked from housetops. We don't usually get this extreme weather.

My sister lives by the coast near Montesano, and is without power. Lots of downed trees. They expect to take up to 8 days for power to come back on. Yikes! The main city of the county - Aberdeen - was isolated for a day. No roads open in or out, and I believe no one had power.

I haven't been off my property since Sunday, but I understand it's a real mess out there. They expect the freeway to be closed until Friday. Sure glad I have what I need to work from home.

My sister and I were going to pick up her son and his wife on Thursday - they are arriving from China. Now it looks like neither of us can make it. Fortunately a good friend in Seattle will do the airport run, and my other nephew in Seattle can put them up.

Life is interesting in the winter.

And I have an extra bag of dog food, and raw bones in the freezer. Lots of food supplies, and lots of water stored (I have a well with a pump! - no power, no water). Something EVERYONE should have - you just never know. I still need more work on my emergency plan, but I'm sure glad I've done what I have. I don't need to leave home until the devastation is repaired some. I'm definitely one of the lucky ones.