My First

I finally had my first encounter. After spending most of the week preparing, we finally met. He was not at all polite, but quite boisterous and loud when he arrived. Banging on windows, knocking things over and oh my, the water messes! I must admit that the whole thing was rather anticlimactic, if I were to be honest. After spending so much time preparing, it seemed to be a bit faster than I anticipated. The devastation in his wake though, will be felt for months to come. He’s a homewrecker, that Matthew!

Myrtle Beach Business

We made it through our first hurrican with no major issues to our house and only minor fence damage. But, many in the surrounding area were not as blessed. There was major flooding which will continue over the next few days as rivers continue to exceed their banks. Power outages for thousands that will likely last for days. Major fires occured, one which spread to five homes, fortunately no injuries as the homes had been evacuated. However, the spread was due to high winds and the inability of firefighters to easily access the blaze because of flooded roads. At one point the county was warned that there was no 911 rescue available, due to so many impassable areas and dangers to workers.

A curfew took effect from 6pm to 6am last night and will be in effect again this evening. Area schools are also closed for the next week. The Mayor of Myrtle Beach closed all city businesses until further notice, so that clean up can be done uninhibited by excess tourists or residents cluttering the roadways. Unfortunately this will have a major impact of business owners and employees.

There were many trees uprooted, some which ended up on people’s homes, sheds or vehicles. Above ground pools, large trampolines and other such objects, most would not expect to move, were picked up by high winds. A tornado was also spotted touching down in a neighborhood and tore rooves off of houses and trees out of the ground.

See below photos taken by locals and more information on the area.

Hurricane Matthew, Myrtle Beach Area (photo by Local)

A 60 year old pier, the longest pier on the Grand Strand at 1,060 feet, was washed away in the heavy surf. Another pier sustained major damage.

Hurricane Matthew, Myrtle Beach Area (photo by Local)

There are over  55 roads closed or impassable due to downed trees, debris or flooding.

Hurricane Matthew, Myrtle Beach Area (photo by Local)

Daily Prompt: Careful

Sides Of The Sea

“There was a magic about the sea. People were drawn to it. People wanted to live by it, swim in it, play in it, look at it. It was a living thing that as unpredictable as a great stage actor: it could be calm and welcoming, opening its arms to embrace its audience one moment, but then could explode with its stormy tempers, flinging people around, wanting them out, attacking coastlines, breaking down islands…” ~Cecelia Ahern

It always amazes me how beautiful the ocean can be at one moment and how angry and aggressive it can turn the next. Nothing more surprising and sad than to realize the destruction from these horrific storms that come out of the water. Really a “Jekyll and Hyde” of characters is hidden within the sea.

By now most people are aware of this huge hurricane name “Matthew” that has and continues to devastate thee Atlantic. From Cuba, Haiti and the Bahamas, now headed for The States. Florida soon to be hit by a Category 3 to 4, many evacuated or in evacuation mode. Truly a scary event and the worst to hit since 2005.

Living on the coastline of South Carolina, our family has been in preparation for the past few days. Buying water, non-perishable foods, filling gas and propane tanks, as well as buying batteries. Today Hubby and Son have worked on getting the hurricane shutters in place and all lawn items have been moved indoors. They will soon be helping a neighbor do the same.

Thankfully we are outside thee evacuation zones that have been set for our area. These zones are due to not just one’s proximity to the ocean, but also the sea level. We are prayerful that by the time it gets to our area on Saturday it will be a “Category 2” or even less. Next will just be to ‘hunker down’ and perhaps some family board games or movie marathons (if we don’t lose power).

So much unpredictability, such is the way of weather and the sea.

“Sea Surf” ©SBDMB

Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Liquid