Will post Avalon and Stone Harbor updates as I know more.
Yesterday was a crazy day. We were up early to prepare for the mandatory evacuation, took a walk on the beach (posted pictures on Twitter), stopped by my office for a final check, and then headed out.
Our families are long time “beach people”, and many live along the coast. My kind sister and brother in law have 4 additional people to feed for the long weekend!
will continue to track the news and post updates on Twitter
PLEASE don’t think it would be “fun” to ride it out.Â
Mother Nature has the last word.Â
The ocean is huge and powerful, and we are a little barrier island.
Our homes weren’t built to withstand the high winds expected.
The Cape May County Emergency Management Department has called for a MANDATORY evacuation of all visitors and residents of Cape May County (not just the barrier islands)- except for essential personnel.
This order will be enforced- important to comply. We must all leave by tomorrow.
I admit to being a bit emotional when thinking about the approaching hurricane.Â
The island is my life history,  my lively hood, and my year round home.Â
Avalon and Stone Harbor have not faced mandatory evacuation since the fall of 1985 for Hurricane Gloria. It’s a clear memory even though almost 30 years have passed.
As of this morning, both towns are suggesting voluntary evacuations, especially for the non- residents.  Will post updates.    http://www.avalonboro.org/ or
 http://www.stone-harbor.nj.us/
Property owners have time to secure their homes: close and lock all windows, remove deck furniture, and store trash cans. Please DO NOT make plans to stay in town to watch the storm. You are likely to be without electricity or access on/off the island once the hurricane arrives near our coast.
It can be hard to believe the weather forecasts when it appears so calm. However…
The Mayor of Avalon strongly suggests that tenants due to check out Saturday leave by Friday night, and weekend visitors (including new tenants due to check in on Saturday) stay home until the storm passes our coast.
We will know more about the projected path of Irene by tomorrow. In the meantime, secure your deck furniture, trash cans, etc. and have a plan. I will be posting on my blog and Tweeting regular updates http://twitter.com/AnnDelaneyBeach
A late summer tropical storm is not unusual at the Jersey Shore. It can be a messy day or two with drenching rain, high winds, and rough surf.
The greatest concern this time of year is preparing properties for the storm. Even heavy duty deck furniture can take flight given the right wind conditions. Trash cans, kayaks, beach chairs, etc. need to be secured.
Watch the weather reports- currently it looks like Saturday night into Sunday for Irene’s arrival. If you need to hire a handyman to secure the outdoor items, I am happy to provide recommendations.
P.S. Well…that was an exciting afternoon. An earthquake in Avalon. I was on the phone with a prospective buyer, so I didn’t want to hang up ;) Felt my office sway back and forth, and watched our light fixtures swing a bit. Crazy. Customers across the street in the Avalon Supermarket and Hoy’s walked out on Dune Drive. Really thought it was a gas line explosion- until I read the reports on Twitter.Â
Impressive!Â
Spotted this mega sand castle on my morning walk. The beach tractor weaved around the sculpture so it could stay intact.
It must have been built last evening- after the rain.
Better weather today- cloudy early, then sun returns later in the day.
I grew up in the days of colorful shag carpeting- and the required plastic rake to fluff up the rug!
Freshly manicured beach sand provides flashbacks to those years.
I feel bad creating the first set of foot prints- ruining the art work of the early morning groomers.
Within a few hours, the perfect rows will disappear under hundred’s of foot steps…until tomorrow when the tractors return to the sand.
This is how I started my day :)  Out and on the water by 6:30am.
When I finished, the replacement team (surfers) arrived.
Then off to work- showing sale property and a busy rental change over day.
Have a nice weekend!
Positive Thoughts
I was up early preparing and worrying, and knew a walk on the beach to watch the sunrise would help.
Left the island by 10am. Hope to return soon…