Mel left a comment today asking for a hurricane update for us and for Nathan and Meagan. Thanks for thinking of us, Mel.
Earlier in the week, the words “catastrophic weather conditions” were being used for the Outer Banks but thankfully, in the past couple of days, that forecast has changed drastically. Now we are just supposed to get tropical storm weather on Saturday and Sunday. If it had gotten bad, Sarah would have come home from college but since she’s two hours north of us, her area will have very little impact beyond a little rain and wind.
Earlier in the week, we (and our island neighbors) were doing some big time worrying and preparing for the worst as were hearing such dire forecasts. I feel a bit guilty about being so relieved to be spared when I know that Florida is about to get slammed.
Who can ever understand a hurricane’s path? You go to sleep one night and all is well and wake up and everything has taken a turn for the worse. Or sometmes it’s the other way around.
Only God knows where a hurricane is headed–all of our projections and spaghetti models are only our best–and very limited– guesses.
Speaking of Florida hurricanes, Meagan posted this photo on Facebook a few minutes ago
Here is the caption:
We may or may not have gone grocery shopping in the hurricane. #dowhatyougotta do.
I got a pretty good chuckle out of their expressions. Noah is thrilled to be wet because he’s all boy. Madi is giving the camera the stink eye because SHE is all girl and doesn’t want to mess up her (very teeny amount of) hair.
And Meagan has the perfect look mother for the sodden mother of two small children. Love it!
Thankfully in Winter Haven they are only getting the outer bands of the hurricane so basically, tropical storm weather.
That’s all for now. Just wanted to let you know that all of the Smiths are safe and accounted for.
What about you? Are you anywhere near the severe areas of this hurricane? Check in with us when you can and let us know how things are going.
I’m glad you all are okay Becky. My folks are flying out of RDU on Sunday to come visit us in Oregon. We’re hoping the hurricane doesn’t impact NC at all. I’m glad the Outer Banks are going to avoid the worst of it.
Brooke,
I hope your parents got their flight out alright. We actually ended up being impacted rather severely. Will post about it soon.
Why on earth would Sarah return to Manteo for a hurricane? It would almost always make more sense for you to meet up with her somewhere inland than for her to head to the Outer Banks!
Thank you so much for the update Becky. I even went so far as to look up where Winter Haven is in Florida and seeing that it was more centralized, that definitely eased my mind somewhat but the update does much more. Praying that it continues to stay down graded for your area.
Living in Southern Ontario, we don’t get many hurricanes (lol) but we do happen to live in what they consider tornado ally for Ontario. 2 months before I moved to Woodstock, it was hit with a an F4 tornado. The damage was just incredible.
Our tornado ally changes to a snow belt in the winter but honestly after living through 2 major floods in our basement through no fault of our own, water is just so damaging I can’t even imagine trying to prepare for it.
Love the picture of Meagan and the kids. I always thought that the kids looked identical to Nathan but seeing her without her makeup, there is an awful lot of her looks in them too.
Glad the FlaFam is safe, if bedraggled. 🙂
I was in Orlando last week for the first time, and was able to visit Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure (just for the Harry Potter parts, of course – lol). I see that they’re closed because of this storm!
Orlando is a beautiful place, with friendly, helpful people.
Have MeagaNate moved into their new home yet, or are they still looking for the perfect place?
So glad everyone is safe. Love Meagan’s photo. A sense of humor is everything 🙂 I remember when she and Nathan were first married and her hair was always so perfectly coiffed. I noticed it because mine has never looked that good. I remember thinking, she will never be able to keep that up once she has a child or two. She did pretty well hanging onto that look when she had one baby, I was impressed but now that there are two, she looks like a busy mom, who puts her kids’ needs first. It’s a beautiful thing to see a young girl mature into motherhood. I love it!
Lesley,
I have always been amazed by Meagan’s hair over the years too; she and her sisters are virtually magicians when it comes to hairstyling. But as you said, I love that she is comfortable enough with herself to grab the kids, and take a photo, even with streaming wet hair. It’s one of the many, many things I love about her. (Her sense of humor being another favorite thing!) 🙂
We are further inland so should be ok. Expecting wind and rain but less than you at the coast. Prayers for safety.
Ann,
So thankful Matthew is taking a turn–for your sake and our sake, both!
tanks for the updatre. glad all ae safe. my daughter is in central Florida and my sister in law is near west Palm. I’m praying they stay safe .
Michele,
Two people you love right in the middle of it all. I know your heart is right there with them in Florida.
I’m about 40 minutes south of Winter Haven, in Sebring. Expecting tropical storm conditions, but hoping it’s not too bad! I work as a 911 dispatcher and I’m on ‘aftermath’ duty tomorrow; gotta come in when we get a phone call saying all’s clear. At least I’m not working during the storm this time!
Melissa,
THANK YOU for what you are going to be doing today to help traumatized people and a traumatized area. You’re my hero!
I second Becky’s THANK YOU! 911 dispatchers are life savers!
Glad to hear of the downgrade for all the Smiths! Being a storm lover, sad CT at this time will see nothing of Matthew lol
Guerrina,
Happy, happy, happy for a downgrade!
Becky was wondering about you all. Checking on Nathan and Meagan through Facebook. Hope you all stay safe. Praying
Gail,
Thanks for wondering and checking! 🙂
So glad to hear! Be safe, whatever comes your way.
Mary–thank you!
Thanks for the update!
Cindy,
You’re welcome. Hope you are getting settled in well as a new Minnesotan!
We have been getting some outer bands all day & they have been getting more intense (East Central Florida). Not looking forward to the next 24 hrs but praying for all to be safe.
Margie,
I hope your night went okay. It’s extra traumatic when bad weather strikes at night when it’s dark. I imagine you didn’t get much sleep!
So glad you’re safe, but, yes…it is concerning about those in Florida.
No, if the storm shifts direction, picks up you and Steve and Sarah and Summer and you’re headed west across the country, text me when you get to about Nevada and I’ll run out and buy a sky hook to catch you. I’m such a good friend that way.
Jan,
Nice to know we have all our options covered and there will be a friendly sky hook waiting!
Oh Becky, thank you SOOO much for the update!! You all have been heavy on my mind (hurricane maps don’t do a thing for me) and now I can breathe easier knowing that none of you are in imminent danger. *sigh of relief*
I love the picture! Those kids’ expressions are just cute beyond words!!! 🙂
LeeAnne,
How sweet of you to be so concerned about us. Thank you!
That picture truly makes me smile–I love my little family. 🙂
Thanks for the post, that way all your fans know that everyone is safe and sound (somewhat speaking)!! Hope everyone stays safe the next few days!!
Thank you, Donna. We’ve got a lot of flash flood warnings because our ground is already very saturated and we are at a glorious 12 feet above sea level. But other than that, we should be good.
thanks for the update
Becky–you are certainly welcome! 🙂