So it’s August, and guess what we’re watching these days? Yep, there’s a tropical storm appraching the Florida Straits, and it appears to be heading in our general direction. Adam tells us that the same computer modelling program that accurately predicted the location of landfall for Hurricanes Rita and Katrina last summer is predicting that Chris will make landfall on the Bolivar Peninsula, which is just southeast of beautiful downtown Seabrook. Great, huh? We could be looking at another wholesale evacuation of the Houston area (all four-plus million of us), and we’ll be here for this one. And when the next one comes into the Gulf of Mexico, we’ll be reading the tea leaves all over again, trying to discern the intentions and direction of travel of that storm. Eventually, somebody’s bound to lose a trailer…or worse. Such is the rhythm of life along the Gulf Coast.
Every summer, from June 1st until Halloween, those of us who live along the Gulf Coast hang on weather forecasts the way New Englanders hang on scores from Red Sox games. At least if the Sox lose, they live to play again tomorrow. One hurricane can pretty much ruin your whole day. Just ask anyone who lives (or used to live) in New Orleans. Welcome to our world, eh?
Perhaps Chris will head our way. Perhaps not. I’m trying to sound nonchalant while on the inside I’m secretly wondering what if….? This is the way it will be until Halloween, when we’ll all (hopefully) breathe a collective sigh of relief. Let’s hope that in the meantime no one loses their home, their livelihood, or, even worse, their life.
Stay tuned….
