Gustav

 
“He’s coming straight at you.”  My son Cory warns. 

“Wrong Answer”, I quickly retort. 

This is the peak time for hurricanes along the Gulf of Mexico.  In mass, we closely monitor all storms as they brew, churn and spew off the coast of Africa.  At this time, we have Gustav barreling towards the gulf coast with Hanna hot is on his tail.  All televisions tune into Jim Cantore and the Weather Channel morning and night.  Every store conversation, every phone call, every waking moment is consumed with Gustav’s impending arrival. 

Six Days before the Storm: Grouchy Wednesday 

Purchase bulk dog food, chew sticks and bird food. Mow the yard removing and securing all lightweight items. Boats secured. The Dollar General has cars lined up outside the store with hustling people within. Family members call with the same question. “Why do you live there?”

 

Five Days before the Storm: Body Aches Thursday 

The local Exxon station is sucked dry of gas with no pending delivery in sight.

Do all dirty laundry because the power may be out for weeks. Wal*Mart has water jugs piled high in the aisles. Families huddle together shopping. Grocery shelves empty, no bean with bacon soup, no applesauce, no fruit cups, no tuna. Friends call with different question. “When will you learn?”

 

Four Days before the Cat-1 Hurricane: Ulcers Friday 

Test all kerosene lanterns. Check batteries. Check matches. Get cash. Take down hanging plants. Bungee trash cans. Pay bills. Stop Netflix. Pack documents and papers in large plastic tubs with clothes and shoes. Evacuation route is planned, plywood for windows purchased.

Family/friends call with scary question. “Are you going to leave?”

 

Three Days before Cat-4 Hurricane: MigraineHeadache Saturday 

All local gas stations are bone dry. Neighbors huddle in the streets talking about sustaining winds and quickly dropping millibar pressure. A Parade of RV’s, trucks pulling oversized boats and masses of motorcycles slowly eek down the two-lane road, all evacuating.

The air quality is poor. Moist, heavy, foul air makes it hard to breathe. The phone is ringing off the hook with inquires and safety concerns meantime the weather forecast continually-drones-on in the background.

 

Two Days before the Cat-4: Surrender Sunday 

In my area along the coast, we expect Gustav to launch his attack early. By nightfall, we’re threatened by water surges and flooding.  In addition, Gustav will turn his rage into storm force winds fueling tornados in the wee morning hours, Monday.

 

Oops, I’ve got to go; someone’s beating at my back door. 

“Oh, Hello Gustav, Cory told me to expect you!”

 

 

 
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