Not quite hurricane-force... yet
We're in the midst of the most violent windstorm Seattle has seen in about seven years. We've had sustained winds in the 20-30 mph range, with gusts into the 55-65mph range around town. Here at the boat we're somewhat sheltered due to Queen Anne Hill and the large houseboat next door, so the weather station has been recording sustained winds in the 10-20 mph range with gusts up to about 35 mph. It's an incredible sight to see whitecaps frothing on the Lake and tarps being bandied about like fallen leaves.
Jasper has been anxiously pacing the boat since 4 am, less-than-thrilled by the wind whistling through the sailboat rigging all around us. The howling of the wind, groaning of the lines, and rattling of cables and accessories has given everything a somewhat eerie ambience, as if we're in the middle of a haunted house with a floor that is constantly pitching and yawing. The boats on the outside slips are pitching to and fro like small bath toys in the hands of an excited two-year-old. It's times like these that having an inside spot is very advantageous.
So far, other than a few reports of downed trees around town and a lot of blowing debris, there's been no damage. Kristin and I went out this morning just before the storm was at its most fierce, and removed the bimini canvas from its frame up top, because that was starting to get yanked about and was showing signs of fatigue. It needs a good cleaning and waterproofing treatment anyway, and this is as good a time as any to get it down.
The webcam's also been moved inside for the day for fear it would be blown right off the top deck and into the deep. Unfortunately, still images don't give this weather the respect it deserves, and since the internet connection has been a bit flaky due to the weather, you might not get to see any pictures anyway :)
Of course, the strangest part of this has been the precipitation, or lack thereof. Other than one massive downpour just after midnight, it's been light and sporadic, and the sun has even made a few brief appearances.
The best part of today, though? After this there's no rain in the forecast for at least a week... for the first time since mid-November. Time to play catch-up on all those chores we've been putting off due to the weather.
Comments
glad to hear that you guys got through it all right.i trided to get on this site yesterday tue afternoon but did not have any luck it is all right today Barry
Posted by: Barry | February 8, 2005 10:47 AM