August 26, 2020. Western Head, Nova Scotia. Hurricane Laura.

Laura is a big storm, due to hit land around midnight tonight at the border of Texas and Louisiana. It is a catagory 4 storm with winds up to 140 miles per hour. And it is wide, about 60 miles on each side of the eye. It is moving fast so the heavy rain will not last long. But the officials expect a big storm surge of up to 20 feet. What that means is if you live in a one story house and live close to the shore, the surge will go over your house. So this storm is a deadly storm. My friend Alice Anne lives in Galveston on the west end of the island, which means no sea wall. On Tuesday afternoon, she evacuated and went to stay with a friend in a little town called Santa Fe, Texas. Leaving Galverston is not easy. You must use the causeway and bridge to leave the island, which is south of Houston. If you wait too long to evacuate, the rain floods the causeway and you can not leave so early evacuatiuon is necessary. Other friends have gathered as well, all from along the coast. There are 7 people, 7 dogs, 3 cats and 12 chickens. They also have an RV which is plugged into the elextricity of the house. So they are able to accomodate everyone. Alice Anne sent me a picture of her bed which seems to be a pull out couch in an office. So she is inland and high and dry. And they are prepared with many bags of ice, lots of bottled water plus gin and tonic. And they have a new generator. They are set for whatever comes their way. I certainly wish them well.