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A bullet went over my left ear. Therefore I was never in danger. The latest hurricane track takes it slightly east - headed for Suffolk County. That much change in direction means most danger is averted. Irene moved 35 miles east taking the blunt of a threat away from land. Unlike New Orleans, NYC averted a bullet.
Irene hit NC only as a category 1 hurricane. It lost power in 82 degree (28 degree C) water.
Well, the local gossip is on the beach in Ocean City and Atlantic City. Hyping already 'severe' waves. Look behind those reporters. Water is flat. How to get so many people to not heed warnings next time? Let anyone assume the local gossip has any credibility.
The local gossip also compares this storm to Hurricane Floyd that passed over the Jersey coast maybe five years ago. Floyd created 30+ foot waves off NC. They forgot to mention that Floyd was not even a tropical storm when it got to Cape May.
Meanwhile Irene only created 27 foot waves. A lesser 'cane.
Hurricane Donna in 1962 was a major threat. Donna also moved east. Hit Suffolk County; never hit NJ. Also did not come close enough to NYC to drive a massive storm surge into a confined box called Lower New York / Sandy Hook / Raritan Bay. Another bullet that passed just over the left ear. will do almost no damage.
Those listening to the local gossip will now assume they are smarter. Because this 'cane (that has not yet arrived) will not do what it promised. Many will now stay for every future hurricane because they are smarter; because they are listening and learning from the local gossip.
Evacuations like this are essential for eight such hurricanes. Because only one does serious damage.
The honeymoon is over. We now learn what Irene looks like once the makeup is off. At least we had the anticipation?
BTW, I was viewing damage created by Mission Accomplished. Something approaching half the critical data buoys are defective. Some have been in need of service even since early 2010. Another tribute to wackos who saved America from Saddam's WMDs.
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