Storm Eowyn: Battling 90mph Winds - My Met Office Warning Experience
Okay, so, Storm Eowyn. Remember that? Yikes. The Met Office issued that amber warning, and let me tell you, it wasn't a drill. I mean, I'd seen strong winds before, but this...this was next level. I'm still finding bits of my garden in the neighbor's yard. Seriously.
Ignoring the Warning - A HUGE Mistake
First off, let's talk about my monumental screw-up. I saw the warning, the 90mph winds bit, the whole shebang. But I kind of…minimized it. I figured, "Eh, I've lived through storms before. It'll be fine." Spoiler alert: It wasn't. Big, big mistake. I should have taken the Met Office warning a lot more seriously.
The problem wasn't just the wind speed; it was the sustained wind speeds. The Met Office highlighted that it wasn't just gusts; the strong winds were going to last for hours. This is crucial information!
What I should have done (and you should too!)
- Secure EVERYTHING outside: Think garden furniture, trampolines (mine went airborne, seriously!), anything that could become a projectile. I only partially secured stuff and it was a nightmare later!
- Charge all your devices: Power outages are a real possibility during severe weather. It's basic preparedness stuff, but I completely spaced on it, so now I'm way better at charging my phone.
- Check your windows and doors: Make sure they're securely fastened. I had one window that wasn't quite right...and the noise that night was insane. I'm so glad it didn't break.
The Night of the Storm
The wind started howling around dusk. It wasn't just a normal wind; this was a ferocious wind. It felt like the house was going to be lifted off its foundations! I remember that horrible whistling noise the wind made – completely unnerving. It was honestly terrifying. The whole house shook, and honestly, it was a bit scary.
I spent a good part of the night peering out the curtains, half expecting to see a tree crashing through my window. My anxiety levels were through the roof. My heart was pounding, I couldn't sleep; I was completely on edge.
Damage Control: What to Do After the Storm
Once the storm passed, I cautiously went outside to survey the damage. It was… significant. The worst part? My garden was completely trashed. Branches everywhere, debris scattered, and my poor trampoline looked like it had been through a war.
Here's what I learned about post-storm clean-up:
- Safety First: Check for downed power lines before you even think about cleaning up. Seriously, this is a must.
- Take Pictures: Document any damage for insurance claims. This is SO important. I wish I had done this better.
- Be Patient: It takes time to clean up after a major storm. Don't rush it.
Learning from Storm Eowyn
So, yeah, Storm Eowyn was a wake-up call. I seriously underestimated the power of nature. Now I'm much more prepared for severe weather. I follow the Met Office warnings religiously, and I've developed a much more robust storm preparation checklist. I'm not saying I'm a weather expert, but I'm definitely a better-prepared homeowner. Don't be like me – take those warnings seriously! It's better to be safe than sorry, especially when you're dealing with 90mph winds and an amber weather warning.
Keywords:
- Storm Eowyn
- 90mph winds
- Met Office warning
- amber warning
- severe weather
- storm preparation
- sustained wind speeds
- garden damage
- power outages
- safety first
- post-storm cleanup