Freak Wind Storm

I saw a good post on Facebook the other day: Only in Alaska do we have 'hurricane's that don't get named...we just call it 'Wednesday'

I figured that was a good way to open this posting, since we really did have hurricane-force winds. They’re saying that up Hillside there were gusts up to 138 mph = according to the National Weather Service, that’s considered a Category 4 Hurricane!

Thankfully my house withstood the storm in good shape. It creaked and groaned all night long, but the only thing down when I woke up the next morning was my fence in the back yard, and one of my decorative trees is a tad bit more horizontal than vertical. Compared to other damage around town, I figure I got off easy.

Rob had one of his big trees break off mid-way and is now on top of his fence. He says the entire tree will have to come down now, and the fence will need a bit of repair – but it’s all doable without too much trouble.

My niece and her roommate were without power for 24 hours! No power means no heat, and the temps – while not being the severe cold of winter – are pretty darned cold at night. She bundled up in her down jacket and wool socks, and emptied her freezer content into Rob’s spare freezer so she wouldn’t loose any food.

My other niece was only without power for a few hours. UAA had everything very well handled, thankfully. She did discover, however, that she needs to get a flashlight to have on hand. Luckily she was able to download an ap for her iPad that simulates a flashlight (who knew!) so she was able to continue studying for her test.

Surprise! UAA canceled classes the next day – so she didn’t have to take that test after all…

My little brother has it the worst of all. He is a lineman for the electric companies, and he has been out there since 2 am the night of the storm with only a 3-hour nap. They are working hard trying to get everybody’s power back on, but it’s grueling work. There are stories on Facebook of some people who come and ask them how they are, offer them food and drink, thank them and call them heroes...and then others who are rude and only concerned about whether their equipment will damage their stuff (umm, do you want power or not?).