Jasperstone Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 They are broadcasting on tv that a category 4-5 is due to hit the Gold Coast, Qld, Australia throughout the night. I'm trying to down play it to them... I'm not even sure what the 4-5 ratings really mean. Might go now to Google it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 4 Severe Tropical Cyclone 225 - 279 km/h Very destructive winds. Significant roofing and structural damage. Many caravans destroyed and blown away. Dangerous airborne debris. Widespread power failures. 5 Severe Tropical Cyclone More than 280 km/h Extremely destructive winds. Extremely dangerous with widespread destruction. Ohhh, crap! Okay, was hoping it went to a 10 rating! No such luck...5 is the highest! Dd12 is making her bed in our room already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 Not sure if this is a coincidence, but our guinea pigs are jumpy. I wouldn't have been surprised about a dog acting funny. But never thought piggies would know something is up. Anyway...prayers our way would be most appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegs Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 I have friends up your way preparing also. I hope you all stay safe. Do you know how close it's likely to come to you, Jasperstone? Got a plan? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awisha. Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 :grouphug: stay safe!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 I have friends up your way preparing also. I hope you all stay safe. Do you know how close it's likely to come to you, Jasperstone? Got a plan? How far up the coast are they? It's apparently hitting here, but they always exaggerate so not sure. I'm thinking it should be fine here. No, only to jump in the car and flee if it's extreme. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 Is it Cyclone Marcia ? It doesn't sound great :( Stay safe and cuddle those kids! Have you got a good shelter ? That's it! Am I the only one that thinks it's weird that *Marcia* from the Brady Bunch is here on live reality TV ( though in Africa) and this cyclone is named that? Lol!!!! Yes, will do. I've already told ds 5 to come into our bed if he wakes up. Like I said before, dd 12 has already set her bed up in our room. And ds 9 doesn't appear to be frazzled by it yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 Now get this for another weird thing happening. Our real estate agent texted through before (7.55pm) asking for an inspection tomorrow at 11am. Hmmm... I said as long as its still standing. He doesn't get my humour though. So, now I'm cleaning.... I don't think I can actually comprehend the potential danger and damage this cyclone could do.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Sending prayers for your family and your community. Hope everyone stays safe. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegs Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 How far up the coast are they? It's apparently hitting here, but they always exaggerate so not sure. I'm thinking it should be fine here. No, only to jump in the car and flee if it's extreme. I don't know anyone too far North. Mostly friends of friends. Friends in Brissie are not too concerned. Just keeping an eye on reports yk? Oh, and expecting floods more than anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nd293 Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Have you seen the Storm Watchers game on the BOM website? Dd enjoyed it a few years ago when we had some hype about a cyclone further north in the state (we just got wind here). It's about storm preparedness for kids. http://www.bom.gov.au/storm_watchers_game/ Stay safe! We lived through a cyclone in another country. The houses were all brick so the wind didn't do much damage but there was a lot of flooding that caused a lot of damage. At its highest the water reached 1.5m in our walled yard. Luckily the (double story) house was raised and we only got 30cm inside and could go upstairs. It was certainly an interesting experience! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefgazer Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Stay safe! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Stay safe!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 I hope all is well at your house and you are happily snoozing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 I hope all is well at your house and you are happily snoozing. I woke up happy as we only had really heavy rain throughout night. Then, I popped on the news was deflated to hear that it hasn't arrived yet! And it's definitely a grade 5! I'm still trying to find out when it's going to hit us on the Gold Coast etc... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 I'm glad you can deal with it in the daylight! Move out now, while the going is good,if it's coming your way and stay safe. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 I hope you and yours stay all right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firefly Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Be safe! Hope you don't sustain too much damage. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pod's mum Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 That's it! Am I the only one that thinks it's weird that *Marcia* from the Brady Bunch is here on live reality TV ( though in Africa) and this cyclone is named that? Lol!!!! Yes, will do. I've already told ds 5 to come into our bed if he wakes up. Like I said before, dd 12 has already set her bed up in our room. And ds 9 doesn't appear to be frazzled by it yet. Each time I hear it mentioned a little voice goes "Marcia, Macia, Marcia!" Of course they wouldn't name one 'Jan' would they? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Gusts to 177miles per hour.... It's a huge, dangerous storm. Praying for your safety. I went thru Hurricane Andrew in Florida. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celticmom Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Praying for your safety. If you haven't already you may want to fill tubs, pots and pans with water. Assume that at best you will have a boil water notice for a while, if utilities are not completely out. What is your elevation? Hurricane Katrina was a category 3 when it hit but the storm surge and flooding was a higher category. The storm surge was by far the most destructive aspect. I would try to get 30-40 feet above sea level if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 How far up the coast are they? It's apparently hitting here, but they always exaggerate so not sure. I'm thinking it should be fine here. No, only to jump in the car and flee if it's extreme. If it's really hitting where you are, please make a serious plan for the safety of your family. By the time it gets bad, it will be too late to jump in the car and flee. That kind of weather can be deadly, in ever so many ways. Take it seriously. Do you have friends elsewhere you could visit for a few days? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 How far up the coast are they? It's apparently hitting here, but they always exaggerate so not sure. I'm thinking it should be fine here. No, only to jump in the car and flee if it's extreme. If it's really hitting where you are, please make a serious plan for the safety of your family. By the time it gets bad, it will be too late to jump in the car and flee. That kind of weather can be deadly, in ever so many ways. Take it seriously. Do you have friends elsewhere you could visit for a few days? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 If it's really hitting where you are, please make a serious plan for the safety of your family. By the time it gets bad, it will be too late to jump in the car and flee. That kind of weather can be deadly, in ever so many ways. Take it seriously. Do you have friends elsewhere you could visit for a few days? We will have some time before it moves down the coast. So we can assess it as soon as it hits the first town in its path. No one that isn't on the Coast as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 Praying for your safety. If you haven't already you may want to fill tubs, pots and pans with water. Assume that at best you will have a boil water notice for a while, if utilities are not completely out. What is your elevation? Hurricane Katrina was a category 3 when it hit but the storm surge and flooding was a higher category. The storm surge was by far the most destructive aspect. I would try to get 30-40 feet above sea level if possible.Wow! And we are having high tide! My brain can't seem to take the enormity of it..... I'm still feeling it's going to be fine.... We have at least 6- 12 hours to go. They keep changing the arrival time. We are glued to the news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 (Hugs) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PuddleJumper1 Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 :grouphug: Praying for your safety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celticmom Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Has it been a long time(like a generation or more) since a major cyclone hit your area? Or have you moved into the area and there has not been one since you arrived? I am kind of getting the impression you have not experienced one before. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Jasperstone, here's my list of tasks to prep for serious weather. Maybe some of this will apply to your situation. Most of it is things that need to be done eventually anyway, it's just good to get them up to date before a storm. If I get started a few days ahead of time, then I avoid long lines and empty shelves, which keeps my stress level low. We've been lucky to avoid any serious problems from local storms, but it's good to be prepared. --I clear the yard of sticks and other debris. Keep an eye out for things that would blow around, like trash cans, and either take them inside or tie them down. Remember that they can get damaged by the wind, but also that they can be blown into other things and damage those things. --I fill our cars up with gas. This way we can hop in the car and go if need be, either to another location, or in search of emergency services if need be. --I buy a few flats of bottled water. -- I make sure our phones and computers are fully charged. --I make sure we have batteries for our lanterns, our flashlights, and a radio, and wicks and oil for our oil lamps. --I put together a small bag of clothes and toiletries for each person, in case we decide to go elsewhere for the duration. I might add a bedroll, depending on the circumstances. --I make sure dishes and laundry are clean, in case we lose power or decide to leave. --I consider the food we have on hand, in case we lose power. I cook up fresh things, and might make muffins or other easy-to-eat, easy-travel items. --I have dh check our sump pump to be sure it's in good working order, and I inquire about the status of our extended family's shared generator. --I keep a bit of cash on hand, as often when the power goes out the credit card machines are down which can make it hard to get gas, etc. --I think through whatever else would be needed for me to stay at home for several days (so I don't have to go out in the bad weather), or to lose power for several days, or to leave home to seek safer shelter elsewhere. Again, most of this prep is things that need to be done anyway. It doesn't hurt to have a full tank of gas, a tidy yard, my dishes and laundry caught up, some peanut butter in the pantry and some fresh-baked muffins. We can then settle in and enjoy the time together (assuming we don't need to leave.) Wind damage can include power outages, falling trees, flooding, and in the worst cases the wind can tear apart buildings. If you are in an area where they are suggesting you evacuate (or they might suggest it), take it very seriously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celticmom Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Jasperstone, here's my list of tasks to prep for serious weather. Maybe some of this will apply to your situation. Most of it is things that need to be done eventually anyway, it's just good to get them up to date before a storm. If I get started a few days ahead of time, then I avoid long lines and empty shelves, which keeps my stress level low. We've been lucky to avoid any serious problems from local storms, but it's good to be prepared. --I clear the yard of sticks and other debris. Keep an eye out for things that would blow around, like trash cans, and either take them inside or tie them down. Remember that they can get damaged by the wind, but also that they can be blown into other things and damage those things. --I fill our cars up with gas. This way we can hop in the car and go if need be, either to another location, or in search of emergency services if need be. --I buy a few flats of bottled water. -- I make sure our phones and computers are fully charged. --I make sure we have batteries for our lanterns, our flashlights, and a radio, and wicks and oil for our oil lamps. --I put together a small bag of clothes and toiletries for each person, in case we decide to go elsewhere for the duration. I might add a bedroll, depending on the circumstances. --I make sure dishes and laundry are clean, in case we lose power or decide to leave. --I consider the food we have on hand, in case we lose power. I cook up fresh things, and might make muffins or other easy-to-eat, easy-travel items. --I have dh check our sump pump to be sure it's in good working order, and I inquire about the status of our extended family's shared generator. --I keep a bit of cash on hand, as often when the power goes out the credit card machines are down which can make it hard to get gas, etc. --I think through whatever else would be needed for me to stay at home for several days (so I don't have to go out in the bad weather), or to lose power for several days, or to leave home to seek safer shelter elsewhere. Again, most of this prep is things that need to be done anyway. It doesn't hurt to have a full tank of gas, a tidy yard, my dishes and laundry caught up, some peanut butter in the pantry and some fresh-baked muffins. We can then settle in and enjoy the time together (assuming we don't need to leave.) Wind damage can include power outages, falling trees, flooding, and in the worst cases the wind can tear apart buildings. If you are in an area where they are suggesting you evacuate (or they might suggest it), take it very seriously. :iagree: this especially the bolded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celticmom Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Also, don't forget to take pets into account. Emergency shelters and emergency evacuation vehicles cannot always accommodate pets so if you may need to evacuate with pets do so earlier rather than later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiguirre Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 First: Check the posted evacuation areas. In the US you will know if you have to leave and where shelters are located. I can't imagine that Australia is different. If you are not in an evacuation zone, don't leave. Really, the traffic jams can be deadly (google Hurricane Rita). If you will lose power, make sure you've got enough water and easy to prep food on hand for about 3 days. If the stores are sold out of bottled water, fill every pot you've got for drinking and your bathtub and any extra trash cans or large buckets to flush with. Once that's done, try to get flashlights and batteries, or even better, a solar powered lantern or even those lawn lighting sticks that are solar powered. If you can't get any of those, get some candles and matches. Fill your cars with gas if at all possible. Leave one in the garage, park one on the street if you have two. Hopefully, one will not be blocked after the storm. Make sure you have a radio of some kind to hear the news updates. When the storm passes your area, stay in an interior room on the ground floor as far as possible from any windows. We went two weeks without power after Hurricane Ike which was a cat 5 storm at landfall. It wasn't fun, but it was doable. The electricity was restored to our town center and our supermarkets within 2 days so we could get food. Stay safe! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted February 20, 2015 Author Share Posted February 20, 2015 Has it been a long time(like a generation or more) since a major cyclone hit your area? Or have you moved into the area and there has not been one since you arrived? I am kind of getting the impression you have not experienced one before. :grouphug: Yeah, I don't think there's been one for 50 years. If there has, they would only have been be small ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted February 20, 2015 Author Share Posted February 20, 2015 Thanks for all of the advice!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Saying a prayer! Be safe! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted February 20, 2015 Author Share Posted February 20, 2015 Yay...it's downgraded to a category 3! It's ripped a few roofs off in Yeppoon, and a few houses are in pretty bad shape, but its not as bad as they first thought. By the time it gets to us it should be fairly mild. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted February 20, 2015 Author Share Posted February 20, 2015 Yay...it's downgraded to a category 3! It's ripped a few roofs off in Yeppoon, and a few houses are in pretty bad shape, but its not as bad as they first thought. By the time it gets to us it should be fairly mild. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 So glad to hear this. I looked it up a little while ago and thought it sounded pretty bad. Glad to hear it's getting better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Hope all went well. Our news barely covered it, but did mention some coastal houses were destroyed. I'm assuming yours wasn't coastal. Nonetheless, I'm looking for an update when you get a chance (knowing power might be out for a bit). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted February 23, 2015 Author Share Posted February 23, 2015 Hope all went well. Our news barely covered it, but did mention some coastal houses were destroyed. I'm assuming yours wasn't coastal. Nonetheless, I'm looking for an update when you get a chance (knowing power might be out for a bit).We are coastal, but further down. So, Marcia had fizzled out to nothing more than wind and rain. No, blackouts or anything except bananas being $5.99 per kilo!!!! Lol... They come from up North. So you would think it wasn't affected that soon. I mean the ones they have already to be priced like that. I suppose they are predicting the shortage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PuddleJumper1 Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 Good news :001_smile: Glad to hear the worst you have is expensive bananas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasperstone Posted February 23, 2015 Author Share Posted February 23, 2015 Good news :001_smile: Glad to hear the worst you have is expensive bananas! That's pretty serious in our household, lol! Jokes aside- we are so grateful that people didn't lose their lives!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PuddleJumper1 Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 That's pretty serious in our household, lol! Jokes aside- we are so grateful that people didn't lose their lives!!!! It would be a tragedy in my house! :lol: We can go through a bunch a day without much trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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