Last night I posted an on-the-scene report from where Isabel is expected to land in North Carolina, thanks to a friend of 31 years.
Here is a link to how they prepare on his island strip for these storms -
yes, he, too, was is a Marine!
This area is just below Morehead City, NC.
The Weather Channel has been reporting from Atlantic Island, which is about 25 miles east of Bernie's home on Emerald Isle.
This morning, Bernie sent an Update just for The Finest to have!
(Note there already are looters present to take advantage of the situation.)
===================================================
We had a good night's sleep and were up by 4:30 this morning. At that time we were experiencing some 25 mph winds with gusts up to around 35 but nothing worse than that. Rain was soon to follow and by 7 o'clock we had some heavy rain and gusts forceful enough to almost flatten the Pampas Grass.
There must be some real pressure out there for water is seeping through our plywood panels. The storm is expected to be at its strongest by noon to 3 pm. I would expecting gusts to 80-85 mph with sustained winds around 50-60 mph.
The ocean is a sea of white froth with little beach erosion at this time. High tide is 1:57 this afternoon and that is when the winds will be at their highest, so that will be the time we may lose some dunes.
We have our scanner on during the storm to keep up with what may be taking place on the island. It appears the police have already found people wandering the island that have no business here. The bridges are pretty well guarded but there are those who will travel across the sound side of the island to loot as soon as the strong winds subside to where it is safe to cross in a boat. The police department has divided the island into sections with two officers patrolling each section. They will look for any obvious damage to houses, electrical wires down or looters.
I will now return to watching Isabel do her thing and marvel at God's handiwork, as well as His might. Do you ever wonder at the gentleness of God, as His angels touch our daily lives and yet be amazed at the strength of His wrath.
Bernie
==============================================
Will give any more updates as received - - due to hit in about two hours or so...