90mph Winds: Storm Eowyn Danger to Life
Okay, folks, let's talk about something serious: 90mph winds and the terrifying reality of a storm like Eowyn. I'm not a meteorologist, but I've lived through enough crazy weather to know when to batten down the hatches. And believe me, Eowyn-level winds are a time to do exactly that.
My Brush with (Near) Disaster
A few years back, we got hit with a similar storm—not quite Eowyn, but close enough. The wind howled like a banshee, honestly. I remember this vividly; it was late October, and the leaves were already mostly gone, so we had this eerie, almost apocalyptic feel to everything. We thought we were prepared. We’d boarded up windows, brought in anything that could blow away – I even tied down the trash cans, which sounds silly, but those things become missiles in 90mph winds!
But we messed up. We totally underestimated the power of those gusts. A large tree branch, thicker than my arm, snapped right off and smashed into our shed. Luckily, no one was hurt, but it could have been a disaster. That's the thing about 90mph winds; they're unpredictable, brutal, and unforgiving.
Understanding the Danger: 90mph Winds and Your Safety
90mph winds are classified as hurricane-force. That's not a joke. We're talking about winds capable of causing catastrophic damage. Think:
- Flying debris: Anything not secured—signs, branches, even parts of buildings—becomes a lethal projectile. I've even seen cars flipped over by winds of this magnitude. Seriously.
- Power outages: Expect prolonged power outages. This can lead to dangerous situations, especially in cold weather. Have a plan for heat or cold emergencies. This is super important if you have small kids or elderly family members.
- Structural damage: Roofs can be ripped off, walls can collapse. Even seemingly sturdy structures can fail under this kind of force. You'll want to check any tree branches that are overhanging the house, too.
- Flooding: High winds can drive storm surges, causing flash flooding and significant water damage.
What to Do Before a Storm Like Eowyn Hits
- Develop an emergency plan: Seriously, do this. Know where you'll go if you need to evacuate. Have a communication plan (cell service might go down), emergency supplies (water, food, first-aid kit), and a designated meeting place.
- Secure your property: Bring in loose objects. Trim trees and shrubs that could fall. Reinforce your windows and doors if possible. Consider investing in storm shutters; that would have saved my shed!
- Charge devices: Make sure all electronics are fully charged—phones, laptops, anything you might need for communication or light.
- Monitor weather reports: Pay close attention to weather forecasts and warnings. Don't underestimate the power of the weather, even if it seems like the news is just being dramatic.
During the Storm
- Stay indoors: This is crucial. Do not go outside unless absolutely necessary. If you need to evacuate, do it safely.
- Stay away from windows: The risk of flying debris is extremely high. Find an interior room, away from windows, that's on the lowest level.
- Listen to weather updates: Keep tabs on the changing conditions through a battery-powered radio.
Learning from Mistakes: My Post-Storm Reflection
After that near-miss with the shed, I completely revamped our storm preparedness. We invested in stronger anchoring for outdoor furniture and made sure all our trees were regularly pruned. We also created a detailed emergency plan – because I'll tell you what, learning from your mistakes can be a brutal teacher, but definitely better than being flattened by a tree!
90mph winds are nothing to mess with. Take them seriously, prepare effectively, and stay safe. You'll thank yourself later. Trust me on this one.