Vicki – Barometer 1018 hP, Air 22 deg C, Sky 8/8, Wind N 20+ kn, Atmosphere Tense
The turnout at this morning’s Hurricane Matthew meeting at the marina saw almost 100 people in attendance. We were given advice on shelters and hotels to go to for those not staying on their vessels and government websites with an evacuation plan, advice on tying up and what to put in a ditch bag. Storm surge is a real threat and NOAA has issued storm surge maps which show our area experiencing at least 3 to 6 feet of storm surge. We are also expected to receive around 6 to 10” of rain so flooding will be quite bad. A second hurricane named Hurricane Nicole is also in the Atlantic keeping Matthew company but will not affect us. However, Hurricane Matthew has sustained winds of 120 mph and is moving NW at 12 mph along the Florida coast towards our position in Georgia and will be here by Friday. Some people are staying on their boats, others are leaving. There is an evacuation order in place for South Carolina in the Charleston and Beaufort counties. At this point, the hurricane is expected to pass only 40 miles or so off the coast from us.
Friday’s weather report for our area reads:
“Hurricane conditions possible. NE winds 30-35 kn with gusts to around 60 kn becoming NNE 35 to 45 kn with gusts to around 70 kn in the afternoon. Seas building to 19 to 23 ft, occasionally 27 ft.
Friday Night: Hurricane conditions possible. NW winds 40 – 50 kn with gusts to around 70 kn. Seas 23 ft with occasional seas up to 29 ft subsiding to 21 ft but occasionally 27 ft after midnight. Inland waters extremely rough. Showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms."
Below is the forecast on Weather 4D:
Today, we double tied our lines, put 7 huge fenders along the dock, removed furniture and covers and tied down all items on the bridge deck. We booked a hotel room nearby, ensured we have car insurance for the duration of the storm, purchased water and will pack a grab bag so we can make our escape if it becomes dangerous. If conditions permit, we will stay here but if not, we will leave Vanish and pray it will be ok. Everyone in the marina is nervous. People have worked hard removing dodger covers, tying their lines and the lines of neighboring boats, adding fenders, removing jibs and mainsails and countless other jobs.
I think we have done as best as we can but in the long run, our lives are what’s important. You don’t mess with hurricanes. Period.
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