Hurricane Irene Supplement

Hurricane Irene is still aimed right at Hartford.  She should arrive Sunday morning and stay for much of the day.  The forecast maps send Irene over Hartford, then Bradley International Airport, then Springfield, Massachusetts.  Springfield was hit by a major tornado just two months ago and doesn't deserve a second beating this year.  Earlier news reports suggested that Irene might be the worst hurricane seen in this area since 1944.  Recent reports are more hopeful.

The same majestic old maple and oak trees that contribute to the grace and beauty of this area also contribute to its vulnerability during major storms.  Fallen trees and downed power lines are inevitable.  It is only a question of how many, how bad and how long.  We might be without power for a week, as we were after Hurricane Gloria visited in 1985.  We can handle some inconvenience and some damage.  I am hoping that our region can avoid loss of life and serious injury.  Keep the utility and emergency workers in your thoughts.

I have lined up enough life-as-usual posts to keep the blog running into September.  If you see those and don't hear from me, our power is out and I have other things to worry about. 

I appreciate the many thoughtful comments from those who have extended their best wishes about Irene.