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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

WEDNESDAY WEATHER REPORT


Good Wednesday Mornin' Yall,
I do hope that everyone had a great Tuesday and survived it and ready to start a new day. It is currently 25 degrees with a windchill of 18 degrees. The winds are currently out of the West at 6 mph. Yes my friends, read the temperature right. Yesterday was just a total washout plus a very wicked windy day here. Oh, let me tell ya, I've never seen anything like it that I can remember. The high got up to 67 degrees here yesterday. When I posted yesterday morning, it was raining some. After I came home from taking the girls to School, it was still raining. Later on, the bottom fell out. And I do mean fell completely out. I bet from 9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. we got about 3 to 4 inches of rain. Not only did it rain hard, the wind was blowing something fierce. So we had a very hard and heavy blowing rain. Then, around noonish, they put us under a Tornado Watch until 7:00p.m. last night. Well, around 1:45p.m., we got another round of very heavy and hard rain with the wind still blowing like crazy. Then, around 2:30p.m. guess what? The Sun came out. Yep, it sure did. Oh, but the wind was still blowing. It never let up. Well, after the girls got in from School around 3:45p.m., we were sitting here in the living room and I was on the computer, the lights started flickering. They flickered a couple of times and went off. That lasted about a minute and the lights came back on. Around 4:10p.m., the lights went off again. This time they stayed off. And I do mean they stayed off. Our elelctricity just came back on around 3:15a.m. this morning. We had no electricity for 11 hours. Oh, and the wind kept blowing and howling also. It started turning colder late yesterday afternoon before dark. I kept waiting for the electricity to come back on so I could fix supper, but it didn't. I guess around 5:45p.m., me and the girls went out to the local Quick Shop. This is a little store where we buy our gas and they make sandwiches and sell a few groceries as well. They had no electricity either, but they did have a generator going. The whole town was without electricity. We went into the Quick Shop and ordered us some sandwiches. They couldn't use their Microwave or other heating ovens tho. But there is nothing wrong with having a cold sandwich. This little store was really busy too. Since the whole town was without electricity, seems like everyone was coming to the store to get sandwiches or some sandwich meats. Me and the girls sat there in the store and ate our sandwiches. They have some tables with chairs and a little bar to sit at as well. The owner and a few customers in the store were saying there were some poles down across the road and that was why the electicity was off. The owner was also making coffee for people who was out working in the very windy and colder air. I thought that was so sweet of him to do that. By the time we got ready to leave the store, it had done got dark. We were going down the highway and there was no Street Lights on as well. It was total darkness outside. We made a block and came home. We have this thing, I can't remember what it's called, that when the electricity goes out, you can plug something with small voltage in it. So, I plugged in a lamp that uses a 40 watt bulb. This thing also has on one end a double flourescent bulb on it that can be used as well. You can also jump start a vehicle with it too. Anyway, it was starting to get chilly in the house. About 8:30p.m., I told the girls to put their pajama's on and to get in bed and stay under the covers. Our youngest daughter still sleeps with me and DH, but our oldest daughter sleeps in her own bed. I tried to get our oldest daughter to get in the bed with me and our youngest daughter, but she just refused. So, I told her to be sure and cover up really good. She had plenty of covers on her bed. Before we had layed down, I called the Power Company to see how long the electricity would be out. They told me that there had been some severe damage in the area and the ESTIMATED time for everything to come back on was around Midnight. My Sister had called me earlier and said that on Highway 63, it's like an Interstate and will be changed to I-555 in the near future, that between Trumann, AR, and Bay, AR, there were 2 18-Wheelers that had been blown over. She was on her way to Jonesboro to take her dog to a friend's house because the wind had blown her chain link fence over and had some damage to it. She said that their electricity in Lepanto, AR was out as well. My Mom had called me as we were going into the Quick Shop to let me know that their electricity had come back on. Anyway, later on, my Sister calls back and she is on her way home from Jonesboro. She said that the Northbound Lane on Highway 63 had another 18-Wheeler that had been blown over. She said that traffic was at a standstill and backed up. My Mom had wanted us to come down there to stay the night with them, but I wasn't about to get out on the roads with the way the winds were blowing. It was just fierce I tell ya. About 10:30p.m., I dozed off and went to sleep. I woke up around Midnight and the lights were still off. It had done got pretty chilly inside the house here. It was okay as long as you were under the covers, but if you got out from under the covers, it was cold. I was thinking of the girls, so I got up and went into the kitchen and turned the oven and burners on. We have a gas stove, but I still couldn't cook without no lights for seeing. About 12:45a.m., I got the girls up and we all came into the front room. It was a bit warmer in here with the oven and burners going. We had some heavy quilts over us as well. Finally about 2:15a.m., our youngest daughter wanted to go back and get in the bed. She was having a hard time going back to sleep. So, I turned the oven and burners off and we went back to bed. As I was about to go off into a deep sleep, the electricity came back on about 3:15a.m. I sure was glad. I told my youngest daughter that I was going to go ahead and stay up and fix me some coffee and for her to get some sleep. So, both girls are sleeping now and I am drinking my first cup of coffee. My Mom also told me earlier when she called that in Pocahontas, AR, which us North of us, had some damage to their School. They had cancelled classes for today up there. Now, if your interested in seeing some of the damage around here in our area, you can go to http://www.kait8.com/ and see some pictures from there. Since I couldn't watch t.v. last night, I seen it a little while ago once the electricity came back on. My Sister had told me earlier that while she was going to Jonesboro, that she heard on one of the Jonesboro Radio Stations that the Winds had been up to 70 mph. I don't doubt it for one bit. But we are all okay here where we live at. I'm sure there are some tree branches blown down from trees, but I won't know or see any damage until it gets daylight. The high today is only suppose to be 42 degrees and windy again. I don't think it's going to be as windy as yesterday. I sure hope not anyway. Rain is back in the forecast for tomorrow and they are saying we could see some Snow with it. Now, don't go doing the "HAPPY DANCE" for me. LOL. I think the Snow will be to the North of us. Oh, we may see a flake or two, but nothing to write home about. I know they have already posted some Winter Weather Advisory's out for some Missouri Counties that are in our Region 8 viewing area. Since KAIT8 is in Jonesboro and that is where we get our local news and weather, Region 8 covers several counties here in Arkansas and Missouri. But anyway, that is why I named my post for today, WEDNESDAY WEATHER REPORT. I hope you don't mind that I posted about it, but I had checked my emails before starting on this post and I had a couple of friends that were concerned about us here. I'm just "THANKFUL" it wasn't any worse than what it was.
My DH didn't get to make it home early this morning like they normally do. The last time I talked to him was around 10:00p.m. last night, and he had just gone thru Alburquerque, NM. They will probably get into Memphis, TN this afternoon just in time to pick up the other load and head North with it. He said that being shut down the other day in Wyoming had set them back about 12 hours. He will call me this morning before he goes to bed and let me know what's going on with him. I know so many of you have been praying for my DH and his Uncle, and I appreciate it very much.
The girls are having their Sports pictures made today. At least I hope they still are. I don't know what time they will have them made, but they have to take their Uniforms to School and after the pictures are made, they have to turn the Uniforms back in to the School. They didn't get to take their baths last night like they normally do every night. I sure didn't want them taking one without any heat. I will get them up this morning and let them wash off real good and that will have to do for today. It's not like they got dirty yesterday at School anyway. They didn't go outside at recess because it was raining. When they came home from School, I wouldn't let them go outside either because of the fierce winds blowing. I know I probably sound like a mean Mother, but I sure didn't want to take a chance on them getting sick and having to miss alot of School. Last night, our girls got a taste of what it was like living without electricity. They asked me alot of questions and even compared it to Laura Ingalls Wilder days. Even tho we had no electricity last night, we had a good time just sitting around and talking.
Well, guess I'll go for now. I just poured myself a second cup of coffee. I think I will go visiting because some of you hadn't posted yesterday afternoon and I couldn't visit last night. So, don't think it wasn't because I didn't want to visit, but without electricity, I couldn't visit. I hope you will understand. Take care my friends and have a great day. May God Bless Each and Everyone of You.

LOVE & HUGS,

30 comments:

Denise said...

Wow, that is some wild weather, glad you are ok. We had bad storms here last night, very heavy rain. But, thank goodness we did not lose our power. Take care, love you.

Brandy said...

I am so glad that you are ok! I was worried about you. I did say a little prayer last night! It is windy here to, winds up to 40mph, which is a lot for this area. I was terrified!

Hootin Anni said...

Mornin' Karen.
Firstly, no you can do the 175 word challenge from my sidebar any time!!! Don't worry about it at all, the link on the sidebar will always be there.

Now, the winds....oh my. I can't understand why the highway commissioner didn't close down the roads for high profile vehicles?!!!! I hope no one was seriously hurt and the damage to homes and such is minimal!! What a day huh? I bet you ARE doing a happy dance. I would be too.

You take care now,y'hear? And if you ask me, a cold sandwich sounds good....even right now. ;o)

Nonnas News said...

Thats some crazy weather your having there! The winds were strong here yesterday, but we didnt lose electricity. It's 21 degrees right now. BRrrrrrrrr!!!!

Stay warm!!

Joyce said...

Good to know all of you are OK this morning. This storm hit many states with different outcomes. You will have to read my post about what happened around here. I can now tell you my oldest is 29. Go over to her post and read about it. Thank you for making a guess. Have a great day.

Love and Hugs,
Joyce

Susie said...

Glad you're safe Karen. Sounds like that was a terrible storm.
((hugs))

Hope said...

Good Morning Karen,
I'm pouring myself a cup of coffee if that's okay with you! :)

What a night you had!! I don't mind the usual storms with thunder and all that but when that wind gets up it scares me! Glad you electricity came back on. Ours went off last Sat. morning for 5 hours while Dave's sister and her husband were visiting. Dave's sister woke up early and came in and shook Dave and said, "Did you pay your electric bill?" LOL Turns out a pole across the street had burned almost in two.

Sometimes having no electricity can be a good thing. It forces people to stay close together to try and keep warm and you talk to each other because you have no tv or computer! :)

I know you've already received the Blessings award but I want you to have it too, especially from me! You have been a blessing.

Love and Hugs,
Hope

bj said...

WOW...what a LONG time to go without electricity...I keep plenty of candles around and we have a wood burning fireplace so if we are without power, we can survive at least. Cold food doesn't bother me a bit...it's going WITHOUT food that would be rough.
I am so glad and thankful that all is well in your world right now.
Take care, stock up on foods for the pantry and get things you can eat cold, just in case this happens to you again.
hugs to you,
bj

Linda said...

What awful weather and to be with out power for so long is hard. I don't mind eating a sandwich--I love them--- and cold food is fine but no heat, brrrrr. Glad the power is restored and things are better. Are you feeling better? Sure hope so. If you still have coffee I'll drop by in about an hour for a cuppa. Hugs, Linda

Chrissie said...

MY! At least you have interesting weather! Our temps have remained in the 40's all week, with some rain. We were hoping for some thunder storms, but it passed by us and went to the central valley, which even got a tornado warning! I'm so glad you've been feeling better. This week I've been slowly getting things done with a yucky cold - so with a sneeze and a sniff - I'll bid you a lovely day and God bless!
With love and prayers,
Chrissie

Carole Burant said...

Hello dear Karen,

Oh wow, what a day you had...we are having those winds right now and with the snow blowing all over the place, it's looking quite nasty out there. They're advising people to stay off the roads today so I'm staying snug and warm inside. I'm so glad that you and your family are safe...I looked at the pictures from the storm and couldn't believe all the damage it caused!! Being without electricity when it's cold out is no fun..I remember a few years ago we had no electricity for 18 hours but at least it was summer time:-)

Seeing the picture of the transport truck flipped over must have really made you worry about your own hubby on the road. Prayers that he stays safe!!!

Well I've really enjoyed having a cup of coffee with you...I really wish we could have one in person:-) Stay safe and warm my friend! xoxo

Mary said...

Karen,

Sounds like you had the weather yesterday that we are having today. It is bitter cold here at -11 Celsius with a windchill of -22.
That wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the wind. It chills you to the bone. Thank goodness the sun is shining or it would be far worse.

I know what it's like without power. I'm glad you were able to warm the house up a little with the gas stove.

I do hope that DH and his uncle get home by the weekend. The weather hasn't been in their favor this week. I continue to pray for them. I do hope that no one was hurt when those big rigs blew over.

The schools are all closed here today and the boys are ecstatic. Jordan wanted to phone me at 8am and his mother told him no. LOL He wanted to let me know that he didn't have to go to school. It seems odd them having a snow day when there is no snow. It's the cold and wind that got them this day off.

Take care and stay warm and cozy.

Blessings,
Mary

Sandra said...

Karen,

Sounds like you had just crazy weather yesterday, and here I was complaining about our short power outtage when you went 11 hours. Good grief!
Glad you're all ok though :)

Still praying that your hubby and uncle get home this weekend, I hate knowing there are truck drivers out there in this weather just trying to do their job.

Hugs,
Sandra

Anonymous said...

Karen glad you made it out of that ok thank God!
xo
mary
hoganfe handbags

Anonymous said...

Karen, you got the same weather we did yesterday afternoon and over night the only difference was we had blowing and drifting snow and white out conditions. It was terrible. We are still -25 with windchills here today and tomorrow afternoon we have a snow storm moving in. Hope you stay warm and dry today. Hugs to you my friend.

Angela said...

WOW what an adventerous night!!.
We had a bit of high winds here last night with all the rain, but nothing that knocked anything out here. It's chilly today compared to yesterday that's for sure:-).
Have a warm & cozy day!!!

Unknown said...

I am sorry to hear that you had a loss of power last night. Nothing is worse than having no power at this time of year. Hope you are staying warm. It kind of looks as if our deep freeze will be over tomorrow. I am hoping that it is. My car made it back and forth to work today just fine. No problems what so ever.

Anonymous said...

Gosh, I'm glad your electicity finally came back on for you. Even a few hours in this bone chilling wind would be awful!

The sun is shining like a spring day here but that will fool you as the wind will cut you to the bone!

Have a warmer day my friend!

Melanie said...

Wow- what terrible weather you had. I think you must have sent it here to me because we've been having it where I live today. Very high winds and 30 degree temp drop and now snow. What a yucky day!

Glad things are better for you today though.

Livin' With Me

Love Bears All Things said...

That wind was something!
I didn't lose power but others here did. My friend in Arlington came home last night from a visit to Minnesota where shes from and hers was off. She said it came back on at 10:00a.m.
Another friend in Cordova called me last night. Hers was out when she got home from work.

Papa Bear has been in Houston this week and he flew in this morning. He'll be home soon. He went on to work from the airport.

I've put you in my favorites.

Blessings,
Mama Bear

Unknown said...

Hi Karen! So glad your power is on again! My boys didnt have school today because the windchill is -13 degrees!!! It is bitter and so windy. I remember two Februaries ago. our power went out and we had to go to a hotel! It was terrible. I dont think you are a mean mom at all! I would do the same thing and I do!!

Hope everything stays well!

Love ya,
Amy

Anonymous said...

Oh my, glad you are OK. I hate it when the electric goes off, makes me jump and I get so disorientated in the house. We are up for some stormy weather tomorrow apparently and hopefully some snow this weekend...my girls are so desperate for it to snow.

Hugs and God bless xx
Sarah

Shari said...

Hi Karen, yesterday we had a Snow Advisory. And it was just snowing icy snow. Sleeting. Last night we looked at the weather channel and it said that temperatures would drop to 30 below. Whoa. I could feel the winds blowing against the house. Hubby said to wake him up at 7:30 so he'd take the girls to school. Turned out to be a Snow Day. :) No school. We had a wind chill advisory till 3 this afternoon. It should "warm" up to at least 20 degrees tomorrow and 30 on Friday with maybe some more snow (50% chance). I'll keep you posted if there are any changes via email. I don't normally keep tabs on the weather too much. Take care and hope your hubby drives safe.

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Karen,

Thank the Lord you and the girls made it okay last night. That wind was the worst I have ever seen, for sure. They did say 70 mile per hour winds. We lost power here as well, but was off only for two hours, thank the Lord. I'm kinda scared of the dark. LOL. We didn't have damage here, but one neighbor down the road said the wind hurled a big tree right through their picture window! And now, the talk is of snow coming tomorrow. And the way it sounds, it may get here, in my area. Well, if it does, I'll just take some pictures and show it to you, in case you won't get any. Hehe. But we'll be warming up again by the weekend, so it won't be around too long.

Dear Karen, I hope your day went well, after a cold, dark night. It actually wasn't bad out, with the bright sunshine, was it? I read too that lots of areas in Arkansas were still without power.

Hope you can enjoy the evening with your girls, all warm and cozy and maybe eating some of that great soup you make and having cornbread with it. God bless, and have a great evening!

Love and Hugs,

Renie

Talk..to..Grams said...

Good Evening Karen, It sure is cold here and they are calling for a bunch of snow here tomorrow.
Kelly came down with the same junk that Karen and I have too! She went to the Doctor today.... I have lost my voice!! Like I told Hope Now we are in Trouble!! :)
I am so glad you all got your lights back on!! Please take care! Love and hugs Grams I will be praying for your DH and His Uncle

Mimi said...

Karen,
I'm so glad that you only lost electricity during the bad weather... it has been all over the news that the entire midwest was having tornadoes and heavy rains......
be careful my friend!!
Mimi

Betty said...

You really did have some bad weather there, didn't you Karen? We had rain here all day yesterday. Then last night it got harder and the winds were blowing hard. We didn't get any damage, thank goodness.

I hope you are feeling better, Karen.

Hugs,
Betty

Sally said...

I'm so glad you and the girls were safe. That was horrendous weather you guys had! Can you imagine how it was in the Laura Ingall's days like your girls were talkng about! Well, I remember when I was a child and visiting my grandmother in the country with no no heat except for fireplace. And by the time I came along, she did have electricity; it was a single bulb hanging from a cord in the living room. I can also remember how cold it was at night in the winter, and sleeping with her. Ah, such good memories.

You take care, Ms. Karen and I'll check back in with you tomorrow night. :)

Diane@Diane's Place said...

I kept Emmy yesterday so Jessica could do some business for a new job and Jessica barely missed being in the path of those semis that blew over here at Bay on 63. There were 3 of them, and one of them, the cab was hanging off the overpass here at Bay! I told Jessica if I'd been in that truck it would need some new upholstery and a good cleaning before it could be used again, LOL! ;o)

I'm just thankful it wasn't any worse. No damage here at my place, but it did get bad for a while. Our power blinked off and on for almost an hour. I couldn't do anything much so I just sat and crocheted.

Glad y'all are all okay, and I agree about the winter weather. I'll be shocked if we get much more than a dusting of snow.

Y'all take care and stay safe and warm.

Love and hugs,

Diane

BittersweetPunkin said...

Hi Karen! I am visiting very late tonite! I am glad you got your power back on!! That happened to us last year for 3 days right in the coldest part of winter...not fun!!!
I'll pop by again tomorrow if I am running on schedule! I have been a bit behind lately!!
Hugs,
Robin