In the wake of Dennis...

The preparation frenzy has started in earnest. Last night, Wal-Mart was a zoo. Generators, batteries, flashlights, munchies, beer, sodas, bottled water, window air conditioners (suitable for running off a generator) and the like were flying off the shelves. By yesterday afternoon, all the gas stations near me were out of regular unleaded gasoline. Later, they were down to premium. And some of them were flat out of gas.

Rumor has it that they will release us at noon. Plans have been made to send the Naval students out of the area.

Hurricane Dennis has been clocked at having 140+ MPH winds in the southeastern quadrant. There's been a big drop of millibars in the center, which usually precedes a strengthening. Oy, vey!

I'd really be happier if mom and dad would evacuate, but they won't budge, just as I won't. Mike and I will defend the castle, try and minimize the collateral damage as it happens, as we did for Ivan.

::cringe::

Update: Dennis is now clocked at 150 MPH winds with gusts to 185 MPH. I must admit, this seriously gives me pause.

(no subject)

We're supposed to start feeling the winds late tomorrow night. If history is any indication, we'll lose power fairly soon once the tropical storm winds start in earnest. As long as there is cell service, I'll post periodic updates from the heart of the storm, as I did with Ivan. I've got the Sidekick charged, so I'll be able to post via my cell phone for a little while. In fact, everything is being charged right now. Canon Digital Rebel batteries, cell phone, laptops, PSP, Gameboy DS...if it takes power, it's plugged in.

I've got a bad feeling about this one. The past 'canes, even Ivan, I went into with the attitude of something that simply had to be endured, like having a tooth filled. You simply had to get through it. This one gives me a bad feeling.