5 February 2010 El Nino strikes again

5 February 2010 El Nino strikes again


http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123380157

According to NPR’s article linked above, we are experiencing the strongest “el Niño” weather pattern in a decade. I suspect that people around the world would have no argument with that qualification. Rain and snow in California and Arizona, combined with heavy rainfall and snowfall on the mid-Atlantic coast and North East America are responsible for floods, mudslides, collapses along highway systems in the Appalachians, and filling reservoirs that were nearly bone dry two summers ago.

We have received 1.07 inches of rain since midnight. The forecast, at midnight offered a chance for freezing rain with accumulation varying in projection from 0.1 -0.25 inches. Fortunately we received only rain.

The trip into class featured drizzle and some crosswinds. The trip home had less drizzle but winds of around 60 MPH. I was nearly blown off the highway several times. Gloria had to run outside to weigh down the tarp over our firewood. There was enough wind here to move the weight I already had on it. I’d guess 30 MPH through the gap between the house and the nearest shed.

Now, at 1510, the wind has died down, bringing relief to Gloria and Loki. The wind noise here can put one on edge. The turkeys are back to fill up on what they can find here, and the creek is in full voice, muddy, high, fast, and doing its part to reduce the height of the Blue Ridge chain and challenge the brookies that still call it home to be as strong as they can be.

We’re looking forward to the weekend. Shabbat Shalom!