It’s 4.15am and I am wide awake.
Today’s the day. Irma will be passing too close for comfort late this afternoon through the evening and night and into tomorrow. Already I can hear the wind outside as she starts to make her presence known. I was awoken by a phone call from my neighbour S who was in the departure lounge at Gatwick North, waiting to board her flight here. She asked me to check on a couple of things for her. And, once awake, it’s been impossible to get back to sleep so I’ve spent the last hour online looking at what’s happening with Irma. Despite all the predictions, the Bitch is not for turning! She’s still heading due West at a speed of some 13mph. This means the eye will pass perilously close to our twin sister island, Barbuda and will probably put us in the 40-mile radius of the full power of the storm, which could means winds of up to 140mph.
Poor Barbuda! The island is very flat; the highest elevation is 125ft asl. The storm surge could be 30ft.
I have to say I am amazed that flights are coming here when she is so close. Apparently the airport will close down later and also the power will be switched-off island-wide as a precautionary measure. That is the bit that sounds so ominous; we will be literally in the dark for so many long hours. It’s comforting that people like B and another friend BLB called to ask if I’m ok and if I need any help.
My friend B has told me to go and stay at hers. I am loathe to leave Avocado Cottage but dread the thought of being here alone in such a storm for such a long time. The Fella came and helped me secure the yard and the veranda and urged me to go by B’s. I said I wanted to stay put ‘in case something happens like the roof blowing off.’ He looked at me and shook his head. ‘Elaine, what you gonna do if the roof blows off?’ he quite rightly asked. So, once I’ve done what S phoned to ask me to I shall secure Avocado Cottage and take myself down to Jolly Harbour. Providing I can get petrol for the car, that is. The queues were hundreds of yards long yesterday. I shall go in search as soon as it’s light, which will be in a short while.
But, Irma, listen to me, sweetie. There’s still time to turn! How about you do a sexy, pirouette and take yourself off over the Atlantic where you’ll do the least harm?
Thinking of you Elaine ! xxx
So glad your going to B’s. It’s better to be with people when these things happen. Thinking of you xx