I've talked to a few people from Storm2k since the hurricane hit, but I wanted to check in and say hello to everyone. I'm in a hotel and paid for 24 hours of internet. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I'll tell more about everything that's happened later, but I can honestly say that I was the most scared I'd ever been. I still can't believe that there was a mandatory evacuation for where I evacuated to, but now it's easy to see why. Listening to the howling winds, hearing trees crash to the ground, watching roofs being peeled off right in front of me, and then watching parts of the motel coming off were just some of the lovely things Hurricane Rita brought to inland Jasper! A tree fell very close to the motel and many more all around it...I just knew one was going to fall on us. Knowing there were no emergency services if one did just added to the overwhelming fear and stress. I can't believe how high the winds were that far inland. Metal posts bent in two, large trees uprooted like twigs....Jasper has never seen anything like this. My hometown.....much worse. Although I haven't been back home yet, I've heard enough to know about the devastation. My area hadn't been hit by a major hurricane in a gazillion years.
From what I've heard, all of my family has suffered damage although we all still have houses to eventually go back to, repair and clean up. From people who have been there, many areas have been described as looking like a war zone, uprooted trees everywhere, many on houses, many destroyed buildings and homes. Hurricane Rita has changed my area...one mean storm we could have done without.
It's been a very draining experience, both emotionally and physically. I'm fortunate to be alive though....for many hours Friday night and Saturday morning (9/23, 9/24) I doubted even that. Conditions were awful after the storm hit as well....nothing I'd wish on my worst enemy.
Wow SG!! What a frightening experience you had. Good to hear you and your loved ones are all safe and sound!
, other than I feel the same as others have expressed here. While I know there is no way I can comprehend what you have gone through and will have to deal with in the future, my heart just goes out to you! God bless you and your families!