Preparedness for when

fuddle

Goodness. It's hairy here already. I've heard further west is worse at the moment so I do hope the lifeboat crew do what is needed and can get back safe and warm real soon. We're to get the stronger winds in a few hours.

Safe driving thriftwizard. The roads are ok if you stay on mains - true to form the sat nav took me countrywise and over tops - mostly standing water and branches on the roads. A plus is I now know how to avoid that stretch so a lesson learned for thistype of situation. Sat nav's are dangerous when they are all you have to get you to places and can't read a map!

Life almost took me to Stornoway about 4 years ago. My heart is in my mouth as it is, I'd never have coped in horrendous conditions. I have a lot of respect for our Scottish friends, especially those on the (beautiful!) west coast and higher grounds. You don't have it easy at all.

mardatha

Yes you would fuddle Is hellish here today though and they said tomorrow was the bad one. Power went off at 11 and back on just now. Wind absolutely howling and roaring, I hate the noise. And snow belting past the window, heading to Denmark at high speed lol. Gawd I hope it doesnt get as bad tomorrow as they are saying...

westcoastscot

Really wild here too - on days like this the fishing boats can get out but space themselves within range of each other and the coastguard so they can scramble to assist until the lifeboats arrive - I recall this time last year they spent days searching the coastline for a fellow seaman

SHTF on a daily basis it seems here - in the past two weeks we've had two serious car breakdowns, one washer breakdown, my back gone in the only undamaged bit I had left, power off and on, fishing boat off and on (ditto income from same), young neighbour seriously electrocuted at work and raging gales. Surely we must be due a break?

Not sure if/when i'll be back on this year as power dodgy and weather worsening, but have a fantastic and peaceful day when it comes,
WCS

mardatha

The only way from that pet is UP. cosy in and keep heid doon!

Goldiegirl

We went out early this morning to pick up out turkey joint from M&S, and then we returned straight home, and the festive bunker is now officially sealed!


It is the best place to be in this weather. It's very dull, very rainy and the wind is picking up, although we are forecast to get the worst of the wind later today and into the early hours.


I understand that they have already closed the QE11 Bridge at Dartford.


I think all the emergency services will be stretched over the next 24 - 48 hours - my very best wishes to all these brave men and women.


I do hope all MSE'ers stay safe.

mardatha

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/marine/shipping_forecast.html#All~Shannon

[Deleted User]

Just back from walking the dog and it's grim out there. The wind is whipping the rain with such force that it really hurts any exposed bits of you, now have a sore face. A couple of gusts took wheelie bins whirling off down the pavements and were difficult to stand upright in, thank goodness I had firm hold of the lead as the dog was blown backwards. Never mind, all indoors now and tea has been drunk and we are dry again. It's bad enough out there now I hate to think what will come later in the night, good luck everyone, hunker down, stay away from the windows just in case and wrap up warm. See you tomorrow god willing and yes, spare a thought for folks like the lifeboatmen and rescue services who DO put thier own lives on the line time after time after time for Joe Public, they collectively make this world a safer and better place, Bless them ALL!!! Lyn xxx.

thriftwizard

Fuddle, I've chickened out & will go to get him early tomorrow morning, when I can see any hazards. By my brother's reports, it's just as bad up there as down here; branches down, sirens screaming & lunatics hurtling round without lights on, in frantic pursuit of the last Christmas Pudding in any of our local supermarkets. He's bearing up well & says it'll give him a chance to wrap prezzies, though he'll have to buy his own paper & sellotape!

NOT nice out there at all. We're really sheltered, but the wind keeps blowing doors open and throwing the bantams round the garden.

[Deleted User]

It's wet here, but no wind to speak of, which is surprising, given how exposed we are up here.

fuddle

It's that constant drone of wind surrounding the house that makes you feel at her mercy. The lights have flickered a few times - pizzas (very festive!) have been cooked to have with potato salad later incase of outages. DH is in in 90 mins then we'll sit the night out and hope that the trees don't come down on our cars.

Scrap that. DH called. Electricity is off at the depot which means the electric gates can't close, he can't leave as that means kit going begging in the yard and invalidates insurance.

Too many things reliant on electricity!