I don't recall any of our board members being down in Texas, but if anyone is I hope all is well. I also hope the remnants of the storm do not affect anyone too harshly. I know the weather forecasters are saying we could get up to 200 mm of rain here in Ontario. That is about 8 inches for all you Americans.

It seems that the rain we had last week is going both to America and Canada. I blame the french personally.

I hope everyone is safe tonight!

Originally posted by Metaliant It seems that the rain we had last week is going both to America and Canada. I blame the french personally.

Hee, my parents, in Nova Scotia, have been telling me how wet this whole summer has been there, but I'm not sure if they're blaming the French.

My Uncle lives in Houston, and he rode the storm out...he said it was so loud, he couldn't sleep...his electricity is out and he lost a bunch of trees, but he is safe... He was really cocky about it last night, but this morning he was much more reserved...I think it humbled him a bit...

Originally posted by clouddancer I don't recall any of our board members being down in Texas, but if anyone is I hope all is well. I also hope the remnants of the storm do not affect anyone too harshly. I know the weather forecasters are saying we could get up to 200 mm of rain here in Ontario. That is about 8 inches for all you Americans.

The BF's brother lives near Dallas, but he's reporting in as being fine -high winds, heavy rain, but otherwise fine. Where his house is, isn't at too much risk of flooding though. Others may not be so fortunate.

Originally posted by Metaliant It seems that the rain we had last week is going both to America and Canada. I blame the french personally.

Sounds good to me! Yes I hope everyone in Texas is alright... The only thing that's come over us in VA is Hanna and it only dumped a bunch of rain in one day...

Hey, Shamrockchick...I'm in Va, too...and we had a dead tree that was blown down by Hannah...and it fell down in the perfect spot (didn't damage our fence)...so Hannah actually saved us some money! We would have had to have someone cut it down for us!

Heres to everyone being safe in Texas... mother nature really has a way of letting humans know how much in control they really are... NOT.

This morning, I heard that 3 million Houston area residents were without power. I have not heard an update tonight. The remnants of that storm are on their way north, downgraded to a tropical storm. We are expecting high winds and 5" of rain tomorrow. Its a big disaster for the Illinois farmers who already had such horrible luck with flooding during planting season. Now they are saying that the crops that haven't been harvested yet (and there are many) could be destroyed by the storm. Weather is humbling. I hope everyone continues to stay safe and dry.

Originally posted by Springie Hey, Shamrockchick...I'm in Va, too...and we had a dead tree that was blown down by Hannah...and it fell down in the perfect spot (didn't damage our fence)...so Hannah actually saved us some money! We would have had to have someone cut it down for us!

Well I'm glad nothing was damaged!!

I saw some of the footage on telly...its looks bad. I hope none you know is affected by it.

My prayer goes to all of you in the U.S. Hope that you & your family are all safe and sound.

Originally posted by gatchgirl Heres to everyone being safe in Texas... mother nature really has a way of letting humans know how much in control they really are... NOT.

That's very true, Mother Nature does have a way to tell us that SHE and not us is in control.

Wow, Springie, run out there and cut off yoru winter firewood before they haul that tree away! Seriously, though, I'm glad everyone is safe.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Wow, Springie, run out there and cut off yoru winter firewood before they haul that tree away! Seriously, though, I'm glad everyone is safe.

That's exactly what my Dad did after Hurricane Juan hit Nova Scotia in 2003 -he cut up his fallen trees and all his neighbours', and didn't have to buy firewood for a very long time after that!

It does seem that in Britain and North America, there does seem to be a lot of flooding either druing the summer or Autumn. I think I will move to a very high mountain and stay there. By the way, does anybody think that it sounds like we will be like the film Waterworld in the furture or is it just me?

I am glad to hear everyone is safe. And I hope the rain/flooding does not do too much damage to the farmers. Here in Ontario we are hoping this storm does not do a Hazel on us. In 1954 a Hurricane formed down in the Tropics hit America decreased to a tropical storm but as it came across the Great Lakes it picked up strength again returning to hurricane status as flooding parts of Toronto. They have been predicting another "Hazel" to hit for the last 10 years or so, since one seems to hit about every 50 years. Parks and rec. and the Water conservation Authority want to test their systems since 1954 to see if they work. I am glad I am on high ground --- I hope.

BTW: Met and LB, I am sure you already know this, but unless it is localized, storms move from West to East here in the Northern part of the hemisphere. It is due to the Jet Stream and ocean currents. So storms from G.B and France would not be hitting us ---- more likely they would be moving over Russia and Asia, I think. I guess Amy is getting the Rain Met was talking about.

Not my fault Amy, honest.

*snicker* I am sure she does not blame you Met. Unless your other name happens to be "Mother Nature."

Or it could be a Galactor plot to make a big splash by raining out North America and Europe.

Originally posted by gogirl212 We are expecting high winds and 5" of rain tomorrow. Its a big disaster for the Illinois farmers who already had such horrible luck with flooding during planting season. Now they are saying that the crops that haven't been harvested yet (and there are many) could be destroyed by the storm. Weather is humbling. I hope everyone continues to stay safe and dry.

I've been watching the weather radar here in Indianapolis, and it sure looks like Illinois is taking a beating. I feel for the farmers, and anyone who gets flooded. Here, the worst of the rain has moved north, but it's still very windy -one of those days when being in a house surrounded by large, heavy trees is rather unnerving. Hope you're dry and have electricity, GoGirl!

The worst of the storm went over my town throughout the morning. The rain was absolutely torrential and lots of wind, but we didn't lose power. I haven't had the heart to turn on the news and see what happened with the local crops. I think it could have been much worse, so I am keeping my fingers crossed. Let's hope Ike keeps dying down and doesn't pull any nasty surprises on Cloud in Canada!

The power has been out here for about two hours, but just came on again about 15 minutes ago. It went out just after I posted my last message here!

That seems very suspicious lb -- maybe it *is* a galactor plot afterall?

Everybody looks at Amy.

LB, I think it's the good guys helping you. After all, ti went out AFTER you had posted here... not before!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun LB, I think it's the good guys helping you. After all, ti went out AFTER you had posted here... not before!

True, but not long after the power returned, the cable went down, taking out TV (no big deal) and the internet (a really big deal!) until just now. Sigh, I can't really whine though, as I heard that one of BF's friends, in Houston, Texas, has roof damage and some flooding.

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by Transmute Jun LB, I think it's the good guys helping you. After all, ti went out AFTER you had posted here... not before!

True, but not long after the power went out, the cable went down, taking out TV (no big deal) and the internet (a really big deal!) until just now. Sigh, I can't really whine though, as I heard that one of BF's friends, in Houston, Texas, has roof damage and some flooding.

[FONT=comic sans ms][COLOR=red]I know what you are going trough...I live in Florida & when Charley & Frances hit us I spent 3 weeks without electricity & is sucked really bad...the good thing was I did worked for FEMA...assisting victims with emergency housing. They came to Galactor for mercy...hahahhaahaah![/COLOR] [/FONT]

LB, I was wondering how you faired with those strong winds.... While we did get some major winds, it wasn't near what you got south of us. Glad to see you back online, you to gogirl...

Originally posted by Ladygalactor777 [FONT=comic sans ms][COLOR=red]I know what you are going trough...I live in Florida & when Charley & Frances hit us I spent 3 weeks without electricity & is sucked really bad...the good thing was I did worked for FEMA...assisting victims with emergency housing. They came to Galactor for mercy...hahahhaahaah![/COLOR] [/FONT]

That was you, Lady Galactor?? Should have known it was somesort of sinister Galactor plot... I was lucky though... Only lost electricity for 22 hours, though the street directly behind mine (and quite a few of my co-workers who live closer to the I4 corridor) lost their power for 3 weeks or more. In the middle of the hot humid Florida summer. Yuck!! And I wouldn't exactly call going to FEMA at that time going for mercy... No offense, but FEMA screwed up big time in Central Florida too. They just didn't get as much coverage about it as they did in New Orleans... As for Ike, I hope the Texans who stayed behind made it through ok. But I have to say that after living 6 hurricanes in 2 years, and seeing the destruction a Cat 2 can do even when it comes to you from the opposite coast, anyone who stays on a barrier island for a direct hit Cat 2 or higher hurricane is absolutely insane. If the wind doesn't knock your house down, the storm surge will sweep it away.

Muahhaa true terror of the storms is the ability they have to demolish everything in there way.... The american economy is colapsing and were about to face major crisis were we wont be able to handle these storms and have the ability to help the need by federal support..... This will end the great american empire for quite some time but we will bounce back and take are right as supreme powers in the WORLD!

Originally posted by Hinotori As for Ike, I hope the Texans who stayed behind made it through ok.

Apparently my BF's friend in Houston, whose house is damaged, is currently staying round the clock at the hospital where he works (he's a surgeon) and taking care of patients. As for me, other than vague memories of the tail end of Hurricane Belle in 1976 (especially of all the downed spruce trees in our backyard -fun to climb on) I've never really experienced a hurricane. Lucky, so far...

Only hurricane I've experienced was Isabelle in 2003. That blew out everything that wasn't tied down and knocked out the power for a week where I'm at.

I missed both major hurricanes in Florida by months... only had to go through a tropical storm in my 2 years there.

Ye heavens... more Gatchamaniacs along I-4??? Me too!!!

Originally posted by Hinotori

Originally posted by Ladygalactor777 [FONT=comic sans ms][COLOR=red]I know what you are going trough...I live in Florida & when Charley & Frances hit us I spent 3 weeks without electricity & is sucked really bad...the good thing was I did worked for FEMA...assisting victims with emergency housing. They came to Galactor for mercy...hahahhaahaah![/COLOR] [/FONT]

That was you, Lady Galactor?? Should have known it was somesort of sinister Galactor plot... I was lucky though... Only lost electricity for 22 hours, though the street directly behind mine (and quite a few of my co-workers who live closer to the I4 corridor) lost their power for 3 weeks or more. In the middle of the hot humid Florida summer. Yuck!! And I wouldn't exactly call going to FEMA at that time going for mercy... No offense, but FEMA screwed up big time in Central Florida too. They just didn't get as much coverage about it as they did in New Orleans... As for Ike, I hope the Texans who stayed behind made it through ok. But I have to say that after living 6 hurricanes in 2 years, and seeing the destruction a Cat 2 can do even when it comes to you from the opposite coast, anyone who stays on a barrier island for a direct hit Cat 2 or higher hurricane is absolutely insane. If the wind doesn't knock your house down, the storm surge will sweep it away.

You guys have been hit badly from what I see on the news. I hope no Gatchamanic's in the mist of it...

And if they are, sort out those pesky Galactors that are messing around with that weather control machine please.

I've never been in a hurricane (thank goodness) the closest natural disaster I'm used to is earthquakes. I'm not saying one is better than another--I hate them both! I hope all the Gatchamaniacs and their loved ones are OK and those affected get the help they need.

I hope they are all ok too, but I doubt we will get any updates from them soon if they are... IFO can't think of any off hand.

Originally posted by Metaliant And if they are, sort out those pesky Galactors that are messing around with that weather control machine please.

. Well thats Galcactor's job!! Don't they cause these things...Lets blame Berg Katse!!!!. Call in the team they have a hell of a clean up job to do!. What did the mecha look like???

No idea what the Mech would look like, though it would certainly be in the middle of the storm. The only hurricane we ever had in Britain was Hurricane Higgins, but he was a snooker player and not a storm, so that doesn't count.

Originally posted by Reboekah Ye heavens... more Gatchamaniacs along I-4??? Me too!!!

OK, I gotta ask... What area of I4 are you at, Reboekah?? You can PM me if you prefer. And for those of you never in a hurricane, honestly, you're not missing much..... Ok, so actually you're missing alot, but it's not something you want to be in. Depending on what's coming at you, they can be big and scary or just an utter annoyance. If it's a tropical storm or Cat 1, it's more of annoyance. Cat 2 or higher...forget it. Between the torrential rain, winds, tornadoes, humidity, potential for trees to come down, and flying debris - blech! I'll take a Snow Day over a Hurricane Day anytime! Snow Day at least you can play in the snow... Hurricane Day - you don't even want to be outside (though I was a bit for Charley. Probably not the smartest decision I ever made, but at least it was when it was pulling away and not in the middle of it.....)

Originally posted by Hinotori

Originally posted by Reboekah Ye heavens... more Gatchamaniacs along I-4??? Me too!!!

OK, I gotta ask... What area of I4 are you at, Reboekah?? You can PM me if you prefer.

North side of Orlando - just off 434 in Longwood... And you?

Originally posted by Hinotori And for those of you never in a hurricane, honestly, you're not missing much..... Ok, so actually you're missing alot, but it's not something you want to be in. Depending on what's coming at you, they can be big and scary or just an utter annoyance. If it's a tropical storm or Cat 1, it's more of annoyance. Cat 2 or higher...forget it. Between the torrential rain, winds, tornadoes, humidity, potential for trees to come down, and flying debris - blech! I'll take a Snow Day over a Hurricane Day anytime! Snow Day at least you can play in the snow... Hurricane Day - you don't even want to be outside (though I was a bit for Charley. Probably not the smartest decision I ever made, but at least it was when it was pulling away and not in the middle of it.....)

Charley was moving so danged fast! Not like TS Fay drenching us for days at a time... Ironically, I was watching the Summer Olympics during both storms... But during Charley I was worried that the solar panels we use to heat the pool water were going to go sailing away in the winds. And that was the one which took out trees in my back yard - getting too close to (but not on!) the house. Given my property is mandated to remain half woods and backs onto a conservation area, there were plenty of trees to fall. Plenty of crashing sounds in the dead of night during the storm ... We lost two (into the yard) during Charley, one each for Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne - and ultimately lost two additional trees from unrecoverable root damage due to the winds. They came down (with help after they died) last year. Strangest sound was the lack of traffic noise from I-4. I never really noticed it until there were only natural noises... -Boeke

Originally posted by Reboekah North side of Orlando - just off 434 in Longwood... And you?

I know where you are!! I was east of you, right along the coast. I'll PM you with more details.

Originally posted by Reboekah Ironically, I was watching the Summer Olympics during both storms...

Was the Summer Olympics on when Charley came through?? I don't even remember that! I just remember Tampa getting ready to power-down, then the darn thing made a sharp right and hit Punta Gorda straight on, cut through the state, and made a bee-line along I4 (though it would have been at least slightly humorous if it had made a bee-line across the Beeline! Sorry, that was a bad joke that only older Central Floridians will understand...) Anyway, people are amazed when I tell them that all the trees they see leaning on I4 occurred during Charley. Before that, they were all standing straight... Hmmm, now that I think about it, I wonder if those half-demolished billboards on I95 in Daytona were ever fixed... I sound like such an old Cracker when I tell people my Florida stories... "Yep, those there trees - they was all standing straight 'til Charley came on through. And those open wastelands, well those used ta all be pine trees 'til the wildfires of '98 happened... And see that huge Harley Davidson place? Well, that used ta be an old hotel and nothin' but swamp next to it...." Oh wait! And my personal favorite.... "The Mall of Millenia? When that there thing opened, it was the lead story on the Orlando news for a week..." [/quote] Strangest sound was the lack of traffic noise from I-4. I never really noticed it until there were only natural noises...[/quote] I still can hear the sounds of the debris smacking the boards on the windows... And the whistle of the wind... Sometimes, when the winds whip up and I hear that sound, it still freaks me out. Don't miss the hurricanes. Nope, not at all!