Hurricane Irene

[Mother Natures Son]

With Hurricane Irene expected to hit this part of the country by the weekend, has anyone ever been caught on the trail by a hurricane or other substantial storm? If so, what did you do to survive the horrible weather?

[ChinMusic]

I was gonna backpack in Indiana during one hurricane (became just a strong storm by then) as it crossed over, just for the fun of it. REALLY glad I didn't . When I went back to that area a couple weeks later the number of blowdowns was amazing. I wouldn't have wanted to be out there when all those trees were falling......yikes.

[Slo-go'en]

I've been caught in the reminents of two hurricans, which are tropical storms when they hit New England.

First one was in the 100 mile wilderness. Heavy rain started about noon and lasted until about noon the next day. Thankfully, we were in a relatively low and flat section the wilderness and not too far from a shelter when the storm hit big time. Rain was so hard on the tin roof right above our heads, could not talk without shouting into each others ears. We watched a small stream in front of the shelter rise at least 2 feet in a couple of hours before it got dark. It was really raging the next morning. We waited out the storm until it started to clear towards noon the next day to move on.

The second time was a storm also named Irene, maybe 10 years ago while hiking the nothern end of the Long Trail. Once again, heavy rain started mid day and lasted well into the next. This time I happened to spend the night at the last cabin on the LT which still had a wood stove and was able to dry out nicely.

[skinewmexico]

I wish it would turn west, and maybe hit Texas between Brownsville and Corpus.

[Magazine]

I've never been hiking in a hurricane, I'm adding myself to the thread so I may see future posts as I'm planning to climb Mt Katadin on Monday and spent all week until labor day out there...bah

[emerald]

Google Crisis Response (http://crisislanding.appspot.com/) provides a map of the expected storm's track and links to official information including NOAA's National Hurricane Center website.

NWS Mt. Holly, NJ Watches, Warnings & Advisories (http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=PAZ060&warncounty=PAC011&firewxzone=PAZ060&local_place1=Hamburg+PA&product1=Hazardous+Weather+Outlook)

NWS Point Forecast for Hamburg, PA (40.56°N 75.97°W)

(http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hamburg&state=PA&site=PHI&textField1=40.5562&textField2=-75.983&e=0)Images of BMECC's shelters (http://www.bmecc.org/at.html#water) and their capacities may be found on its website.

Anyone choosing to wait out the storm at St. John's Church pavilion should be prepared to move elsewhere on short notice. Although rain has stopped and skies are clearing, keep in mind Schuylkill River will is not expected to crest until sometime tomorrow.

[squirrel bait]

Try this one, wunderground.com. Were keeping a close watch here on the Outer Banks.

[Buffalo Skipper]

My brother was thru hiking the AT and was caught by hurricane Belle. He was in NY and ishe nearly passed directly over him, and if I recall his account, he and his buddy just hunkered down in his tent and took a zero, as the rains and wind just weren't worth packing up or hiking in. I will try to call him and get a more detailed recollection if I have the chance later today.

That was August 10-11, 1976.

Though the formation of the storm was different, it could be that Irene's landfall could be very close to the same location.

[mudhead]

Try this one, wunderground.com. Were keeping a close watch here on the Outer Banks.

This is what I monitor also. Click on the 5 day for giggles.

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at201109.html

[DLANOIE]

Thanks for the link Mudhead. I have plans for Katahdin on Sunday, so Im watching this storm closely. I was lucky enough to reserve a parking spot for labor day weekend last night just in case...Full up this morning!

[Ironbelly]

I have gone out in quite a few really bad storms. I always go out, rain, sleet, shine or snow as my time off is precious. There comes a point where it is dangerous to be actively hiking, but most of the time you just have to deal with being wet. I consider a few things if it's truely a torrential downpour and high winds 1) What is the terrain like that I will be hiking on and 2)How many miles do i need to do(if any at all). I try to limit the amount of miles I do during really bad weather and if my timeframe allows will just take a zero. I really enjoy just lounging back in my hammock with my tarp in porch mode and just watching it come down.

If the terrain is mostly exposed rock, or above treeline, or otherwise exposed area I will not hike unless there was an emergency due to the risk of falling/slipping, i would just take a zero. If it's through typical trail I will do 5-10 miles then stop and set camp. If it's safe to do so, some of the best hiking memories are from being out there in the midst of it!

[CrumbSnatcher]

presidential range during hurricane floyd? 1999
gorham was very packed with hikers,as it poured rain for a solid week.

[CrumbSnatcher]

i think it was floyd? the years get mixed up sometimes:rolleyes: it was mid to late september and i was NH. in 1999
that i do know:D

[emerald]

There are at least two other threads active today on this topic that contain additional information related to Hurricane Irene, one of which includes information about its expected track.

I added links to my post earlier in this thread.

[Tipi Walter]

With Hurricane Irene expected to hit this part of the country by the weekend, has anyone ever been caught on the trail by a hurricane or other substantial storm? If so, what did you do to survive the horrible weather?

I've been thru plenty of winter storms and blizzards, but the big ones I remember the most:

** I was camped near Tweetsie Railroad in NC in '95 when a freak tornado came thru and missed my tent by one hundred yards---it swayed the tent so bad that it split the poles.

** I was living in a tipi on a ridgetop in NC in '93 when the Blizzard of '93 barreled thru and the whole Southeast went back to 10,000 BC.

** I was at the same tipi in '89 when Hurricane Hugo came thru and kicked my butt but the tipi stood.

** I was camped out this last April in Bald River wilderness in TN when the big Southeast tornadoes ripped thru Alabama and the Chattanooga area.

** I was camped out in a freak cold snap windstorm in January '85 where the ambient temperature got down to -30F. That's Minus 30F. I packed up my gear and got to the closest town and slept under a pew in an open Baptist church for a couple nights until it passed. Thank god for thermarest.

[Shutterbug]

With Hurricane Irene expected to hit this part of the country by the weekend, has anyone ever been caught on the trail by a hurricane or other substantial storm? If so, what did you do to survive the horrible weather?

I was in the 100 Mile Wilderness a few years ago when the remanents of a hurricane came through. Fortunately, the heavy rain hit in the evening. It poured rain all night and stopped the next morning. The wind wasn't strong enough to blow down trees. I just crawled into my hammock, pulled the tarp down low and slept through the storm. It really wasn't a bad experience. The trail was muddy for a couple of days, but it is almost always muddy in the 100 Mile Wilderness.

[long island bob]

weather.com (the weather channel) forecasts high-threat levels (winds up to 100mph) for all of NJ and SE NY begining Sunday Morning.


Similar forecast for most of New England in the hours tht follow. Should move to Canadian waters by Monday noon.

[Tipi Walter]

weather.com (the weather channel) forecasts high-threat levels (winds up to 100mph) for all of NJ and SE NY begining Sunday Morning.


Similar forecast for most of New England in the hours tht follow. Should move to Canadian waters by Monday noon.

Sounds like an excellent opportunity to finally put our Hilleberg tents to the test.

[long island bob]

Sounds like an excellent opportunity to finally put our Hilleberg tents to the test.

LOL that's nuts.

Winds of 80 mph uproots trees and tears shingles off of roofs.
At 100 mph roofs are torn off and trailers roll over.


As the storm approaches.
Find a hotel.

[Blissful]

Hope the AT thru hikers up there NOBO and SOBO from NY to ME are staying abreast of the conditions. I would not want to be hiking in tropical weather. Hope they can get to a hostel or other shelter area.

[long island bob]

Latest update is that it's been downgraded slightly and the most likely path ahs moved a little East.

The old projection indicted if it follows the exact centerline, the eye will cross Long Island at with 100-115 mph winds and track just a few miles to the east of the AT in NH and Maine with sindspeeds of 85-100.

The new projection has the eye just barely mising Long Island and targetting martha's vineyard at 85-100 mph and then slowing to a mere 65-85 mph with the centerline skipping most of the trail lying almost directly on top of Katahadin.

Katahadin in 65 mph winds.

[long island bob]

Go here:
http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/tracker

Type the name and state of a town or landmark (eg "katahdin").
The press the "minus" button to zoom out until you see a line appear on the map. That line is the centerline of the storms expected path.

[-SEEKER-]

i think it was floyd? the years get mixed up sometimes:rolleyes: it was mid to late september and i was NH. in 1999
that i do know:D
You are correct. It was Floyd that year. We flew into NY for two days and it hit the day we were supposed to come home. The airport closed and we had to rent a car and drive home.

[squirrel bait]

Good Luck everybody with this storm.

[CrumbSnatcher]

You are correct. It was Floyd that year. We flew into NY for two days and it hit the day we were supposed to come home. The airport closed and we had to rent a car and drive home.thanks, it was narly up on the range between mizpuh and washingington

[Father Dragon]

Latest threat level map from weather.com

http://www.weather.com/maps/news/atlstorm9/truvu15_large.html




(http://www.weather.com/maps/news/atlstorm9/truvu15_large.html)

[Father Dragon]

A statement from the same weather service:


"regardless of track and intensity, confidence is growing that Hurricane Irene will cause extensive tree and power line damage. Electricity infrastructure will be greatly compromised for millions if not tens of millions of Americans.

- Recent heavy rains over parts of the Northeast, especially New Jersey, have made tree root systems highly vulnerable. Flooding rains combined with high winds will add to tree destruction."

Full statement can be read

http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/irene-rare-dangerous-hurricane_2011-08-25

(http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/irene-rare-dangerous-hurricane_2011-08-25)

[hikerboy57]

Im 200 yards from the beach in Long Beach, and if irene continues its present course, we're going to be in a lot of trouble.we havent had a direct hit in Long Beach since 1938.Im hoping for the best and I hope everone out there stays safe.

[WingedMonkey]

And when do you think the typical New Yorker will try and stock up? Saturday night? Not a region known for dealing well without power.
Skipped us this time, but it reminded me to check the cupboards, they are always ready any way, but I usually start rotating more. And we got the generators tuned up.

Good luck, but I got a feeling "it ain't gonna be perty."

[Slo-go'en]

Im 200 yards from the beach in Long Beach, and if irene continues its present course, we're going to be in a lot of trouble.we havent had a direct hit in Long Beach since 1938.Im hoping for the best and I hope everone out there stays safe.

Good luck! I'd be packing my bags now.

Can't wait to see what the storm surge does to NYC. If Irene is anything like the '38 storm, the North East will be in big trouble.

[hikerboy57]

right now, if the storm doesnt change course, we will have forced evacuations. Ive lived in Long Beach for 30 years, Hurricane Gloria was too far east for us to get the storm surge, but beleive me, anyone here whos lived on the water for a while is taking this one VERY seriously.Right now I wish I was back in .

[Blissful]

Tracking right through the AT corridor. Saw the center projected right through southern NY eastern CT and the Bershires right up through VT and the Whites. Incredible. Any hikers out there, take shelter Sunday and Monday. Anyone with plans, stay home. I was in a shelter in PA (Peters Mtn) during the tornado outbreak in late April. It was scary.

[Kembo]

Sorry to bore everyone with these old journal entries from a 19 year old kid. It was from my thru hike. Springer was my dog. I left Damascus on June 20th just ahead of hurricane Agnes.


June 20 1972
I’m at Parker Log cabin. I didn’t sleep very good last night. I’m getting used to sleeping on a hard floor or ground. The soft bed made my back ache. Who ever Springer belonged to before I found her here must have house broken her. About 3:00 am she whined and nudged me with her nose then stood by the door waiting to get out. I couldn’t sleep anyways so I walked her out back. She did the same thing about 6:00 am.
When I first got to the room it was 86 degrees inside. I opened the window and door and by morning It was only down to 80. Besides the heat and the too soft bed there was a main highway 50 ft. from my bed and the tractor trailers always down shifted coming around the bend in front of my room.
This morning I had breakfast at the motel then went to the post office & sent post cards. To leave town I had to pass right by the custard stand so I had to stop and have my last treat before I started. I only had a hamburger, milkshake & a sundae though. It was drizzling on & off from the time I left till about 2:30 or 3:00 pm. Then it started raining pretty hard. (there’s a hurricane coming up the coast) The first shelter is 22 mi. from Damascus but I was talking to a man along the way and he said hikers could stay at the cabin. I left Damascus at 10:30 am. And didn’t expect to make it to the shelter anyways. This isn’t much of a cabin but it’s got a new steel roof so I’ll stay dry. I went through a small town called Taylors valley today. It was more of a hunting village than anything else. But the regular residents were as friendly as any I’ve met so far. Two different times people actually came out of their houses to talk to me. There were about 4 kids who ran over to me in bare feet and wanted to pet my dog. It took me an hour just to go a half mile when I hit the town. From what I could see the main building in town was a bran new church. The town was so small I could have run through from one end to the other holding my breath.
It’s really raining now. I’m glad to be in here out of it. I think my pack must weigh about 50 lbs. Now. Yesterday those 2 lady’s gave me about 4 or 5 pounds of dog food cause they were tired of carrying it. That was after I already bought 2 lbs myself. I have about 4 lbs of chocolate now plus a 2 lb bag of brown sugar and a 1 lb bag of peanuts ½ lb of cheese and 12 oz crackers & 10 oz grits plus a few more odds & ends. I saw one more box turtle. From the start of the relocation to Taylors valley is really worth hiking again. Easy grades & lots of streams.
June 21, 1972
I’m still at Parker Log cabin. Yesterday after it started to rain it kept raining pretty constant for the whole night. It wasn’t just light rain either it was a down pour. I woke up a couple times last night and it was still pouring. There were flash flood warnings out for this part of the state until 7:00 am this morning.
Two guys just came into the cabin. They’re all wet from the rain. Their names are Jack & Ralph. They say all the streams between here and Damascus are flooded. They had to walk through some up to their waists. When I came through I went across all the streams on stepping stones. We have a big fire going and are trying to dry their cloths. They started at Springer mt. On June 3 except they hitch-hiked parts of the way. They skipped the section between Hot Springs & Damascus. They also skipped parts of the Smokies.
June 22, 1972
I’m at Deep Gap shelter. It’s only 12 miles from the log cabin but I had a lot of delays. The first delay came just a half hour after I left. We had to cross a flooded stream. I rolled up my pants to my knees but found out the water was going to be deeper than that so I came back to shore. I had to take my pants & boots off and carry them across. The water was ice cold and there were rocks on the bottom that made traveling tuff. I took pictures of Jack & Ralph with their camera and they took pictures of me with mine. I almost forgot. We were ready to leave at 7:00 am but waited till 8:00 cause it looked like a storm coming. After we got across that stream we came to another in 200 yards. The trail went into it so we figured it crossed it. But it didn’t. It went in and came back out on our side 100 yds. Upstream. We crossed that stream on a railroad bridge 75 ft. above the stream. Springer was afraid to cross the bridge and had to swim. We ended up on the wrong side of the stream 1 mi. from the RR bridge on Rt. 58. Ralph & Jack were going to follow 58 & hitch and I went back to find the trail. We had all decided to go to the second shelter if it didn’t start to rain. I got to the shelter just as it started raining at 4:15. Ralph and Jack left a note that they left here at 3:45. It started to hail a while ago and it’s COLD! Especially on top the mountains. Ralph & Jack were probably just getting to the top of Mt. Rogers when it started to storm. I’m going to stay here.
As I was writing this 2 deer crossed the path 50 yds. Away. They’re just browsing. One circled all the way around me and came to within 40 ft. When it would put it’s head down I’d get my camera out. I got a picture of her but it’s kind of dark because of the rain. I saw a deer just after leaving camp today. I’ve got a T-shirt and flannel shirt on and am still cold. I can see my breath. It’s hard to write cause my hands are stiff from the cold.
The path was like a carpet with all the leaves over it. There are all kinds of leaves and twigs from the wind over the path.
June 23, 1972
I’m freezing here at deep gap. When I got up this morning the wind was ripping branches off the trees and blowing leaves all over the place. I stuck my head out of the sleeping bag and could see my breath. I’ve been able to see my breath all day today. With the wind like it is and the cold I thought I’d better not go over Mt. Rogers today. I’m just not prepared for the cold. I have a T-shirt, flannel shirt and RCA jacket on and am freezing. I’ve been in my sleeping bag all day with my cloths on trying to keep warm. I’m writing this in my sleeping bag. The sun hasn’t come out all day.
I couldn’t get a fire started yesterday because everything is wet from a week of rain. What dry stuff I did find wouldn’t start because of the wind.
One guy about my age just got here. His name is Bob. He’s trying to start a fire but it’s not working.
We just started a fire. We used all the wax paper we could find in the garbage pit to start it. Just after we got it started it started getting foggy.
June 24, 1972
I’m at Old Orchard shelter. It’s only 7 miles from the last shelter. I’ve been keeping tract of the mileage. It’s in the back of this book. My average has been taking a nose dive for the past 10 days. There are 2 days I didn’t even hike. The average is the lowest it’s been yet. (12.9) At this rate I’ll never make it to Pearisburg.
Last night I was going to keep the fire going till morning. But at 2:00 in the morning it started raining and put the fire out.
It rained till about 8:00 am. So Bob and I didn’t leave till 9:30 am I had to have cold grits cause there was no fire. I only have enough fuel for 5 or 10 minutes of flame so I’m saving it. When we left it was foggy & windy & cold. I had on my heaviest cloths all day.
I saw 2 deer running across a field today. They were running toward me so I must not have spooked them. When we took a break I looked over in the woods and saw a fawn just standing 50 ft. from us. It was really small & had spots. I didn’t see the mother around. Bob didn’t see it till it was running away.
The trail today was covered with water & leaves and broken down trees.

[gunner76]

One of the forcast for Irine has it passing over my house....here today, may be gone tomorrow (Sat)

[Two Tents]

I don't know if it will get bad this weekend or not but I'm hitting the NCT in Pa. for 4 days starting tomorrow. I'll hunker down if I have to. Test out my 4 season tarp.

[Wise Old Owl]

I don't deliberately go out in storms - but they sure find me... two important lessons I can share, be prepared for 5 days of continuous rain, Your blue jeans won't make it, nor should they. When a storm hits, its not the lightening or the rain, its the blow, raining branches is the real issue... Hense the importance of a trail towns and shelters.

[4eyedbuzzard]

I don't know if it will get bad this weekend or not but I'm hitting the NCT in Pa. for 4 days starting tomorrow. I'll hunker down if I have to. Test out my 4 season tarp.
You don't want to be under a tarp or tent when the wind starts taking down tree limbs.

[Slo-go'en]

You don't want to be under a tarp or tent when the wind starts taking down tree limbs.

He might be far enough inland to not feel much, if any effect. Can't wait to see if all the hype makes this storm fizzle out or not.

[johnnybgood]

You don't want to be under a tarp or tent when the wind starts taking down tree limbs. I'd be just as concerned with weakened tree roots from the already over saturated ground added with more heavy rain on top of that.

[Wise Old Owl]

Very Important - Take (2) plastic 1 gallon milk jugs and fill them with water right now and put them in the freezer. It will take two days to freeze. IF the power fails transfer one to the refrigerator next to the milk. It will give you two days of chill without power.

If you are on well water, fill the entire bathtub and get a bucket prior to the storm. - now you can drink and flush.

[ChinMusic]

I'd be just as concerned with weakened tree roots from the already over saturated ground added with more heavy rain on top of that.
I heard that the direction of the winds from Irene will be the worst for the trees. They have grown stronger in protecting themselves from winds in the opposite direction.

[WingedMonkey]

I have never seen so many people on whiteblaze planning on hiking over a non holiday weekend at the same time. Damn, if it wasn't for Irene the trail was going to be packed.

:banana

[Mags]

Been following Irene now. Looks like a Cat 1 hurricane when it hits Rhode Island (home state). My brother, sister-in-law and niece all live on the coast.

I really need to call them tomorrow. :(

[4eyedbuzzard]

Hoping it will not be too bad up here north of the notch, usually the mountains take the steam out of these storms. Going to fill up the generator tomorrow and the jerry cans anyway. I can probably run the well, fridge, lights, microwave, coffee pot, etc for well over a week on 25 gallons if I conserve on use.

[Buffalo Skipper]

Very Important - Take (2) plastic 1 gallon milk jugs and fill them with water right now and put them in the freezer. It will take two days to freeze. IF the power fails transfer one to the refrigerator next to the milk. It will give you two days of chill without power.

If you are on well water, fill the entire bathtub and get a bucket prior to the storm. - now you can drink and flush.


This is very sound advice. We went through 3 hurricanes in a 12 month period back in 2004-5. The first was Ivan, a Cat-3 storm which made landfall just west of us. Radar showed that we had much more severe weather than where landfall took place; power was out for us for 11 days. The second was Dennis, 10 months later. Though much less publicized, this storm was also a Cat-3, though much more compact. In this case, the western eye-wall passed over our neighborhood, and we were in the eye for some 3-4 minutes. Houses that survived Ivan unscathed lost entire roofs in Dennis; power was out for 6 days. When Katrina made landfall, some 180 miles to our west, we had (minimal) hurricane force winds in northwest Florida; power was out here for 2 days.

Hurricanes are not to be trifled with. Following Ivan, over a people died during the clean up efforts (removing trees, electrocution, etc). Be prepared, and leave if you are in an unsafe area. That is also good advice, IMHO.

[Sarcasm the elf]

One of the forcast for Irine has it passing over my house....here today, may be gone tomorrow (Sat)Same here, the latest forcast has the eye of the storm going over my house in Stamford, CT. Anyone want to buy a house? Great price, but must be willing to close by tomorrow afternoon.

[hikerboy57]

im looking to buy oceanfront propeerty in the poconos.My oceanfront property in Long Beach may be doomed.

[Sarcasm the elf]

I bought my house before the worst of the real estate crash. Maybe after Monday my house will be underwater in more ways than one.

[weary]

I've never been hiking in a hurricane, I'm adding myself to the thread so I may see future posts as I'm planning to climb Mt Katadin on Monday and spent all week until labor day out there...bah
Expect showers Monday morning, but clearing by late afternoon. Tuesday and Wednesday should be delightful.

[weary]

Here's a link to underground weather for Millinocket.
http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Millinocket,%20ME%2010-day%20forecast

[DLANOIE]

i have posted this under trail news/updates, but I will post it here too. I got a call from the ranger station at BSP-they are closed through Monday. Do not plan on hiking there this weekend.

[Blissful]

Very Important - Take (2) plastic 1 gallon milk jugs and fill them with water right now and put them in the freezer. It will take two days to freeze. IF the power fails transfer one to the refrigerator next to the milk. It will give you two days of chill without power.

If you are on well water, fill the entire bathtub and get a bucket prior to the storm. - now you can drink and flush.


I'm gonna post this on Twitter if its ok, good advice

[Blissful]

i have posted this under trail news/updates, but I will post it here too. I got a call from the ranger station at BSP-they are closed through Monday. Do not plan on hiking there this weekend.

Heard on the weather that it could still be a hurricane when it hits ME - though probably about the same as a nor'easter, I'd imagine. Except this is still potentially tracking right along the AT. I would not be in the Whites or Mahoosucs then. Hope those guys get off the trail.

[oops56]

if the sewer plant got no elec. the pumps no work it plug the lines

[ChinMusic]

Is Irene gonna put in for a 2000-mile patch when she get to Maine? She's gonna do more of the AT than Bryson.......

[hikerboy57]

It would be great if Irene were to bail out at neels gap.

[Feral Nature]

I agree with Wise Old Owl. In fact, I keep frozens bottles of water in my freezer at all times, you never know when the freezer dies or you lose power. You want to think of your freezer as a big ice chest. Also, you need enough frozen water bottles to put in your fridge. I do that now as a matter of fact, as a habit, to keep the fridge cold and to help it not work so hard.

Growing up in Houston, I have been in my share of hurricanes. The eye passed over our house once and we all went outside so we could look up and watch the eye pass. Of course, when the backside of the storm came over the house, we were back inside. Of course, recently, Hurricane Rita caused Houston toi be evacuated, especially right after Katrina and people were nervous.

We Texans are actually sad that Hurricane Irene turned and did not come to us. The weatherman said it would take two hurricanes for Texas to break our exceptional drought. Of course, we want no iinjuries and damage but really want the hurricanes' rain.

I have never hiked in a bad storm, but absolutly understand it's fury.

[ChinMusic]

I can't imagine the number of blowdowns Irene is gonna create. I heard that that the 1938 storm took down BILLIONS of trees. There will have to be a massive effort to clear the trail with obviously more pressing issues to deal with first.

[jbwood5]

It really sucks when there are tree after tree down across the trail when trying to hike.... especially those downed trees where it is a ravine to your light and a cliff to your left. You might have to wait for the maintainers to come through with the chain saws. I have bad memories of that experience, and that was only a severe T-storm or small tornado. This might be a good time to plan a zero near a town. :eek:
Good luck to all those on the trail near affected areas.

[jbwood5]

It really sucks when there are tree after tree down across the trail when trying to hike.... especially those downed trees where it is a ravine to your right and a cliff to your left.&nbsp; You might have to wait for the maintainers to come through with the chain saws. &nbsp; I have bad memories of that experience, and that was only a severe T-storm or small tornado.&nbsp; This might be a good time to plan a zero near a town. <IMG class=inlineimg title=EEK! border=0 alt="" src="http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/images/smilies/eek.gif" smilieid="10"><BR>Good luck to all those on the trail near affected areas.

[NBHiker]

News about hut closures.

http://news.outdoors.org/2011/08/amc-destinations-in-nh-nj-closing-due.html

[hikerboy57]

It really sucks when there are tree after tree down across the trail when trying to hike.... especially those downed trees where it is a ravine to your right and a cliff to your left.&nbsp; You might have to wait for the maintainers to come through with the chain saws. &nbsp; I have bad memories of that experience, and that was only a severe T-storm or small tornado.&nbsp; This might be a good time to plan a zero near a town. <IMG class=inlineimg title=EEK! border=0 alt="" src="http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/images/smilies/eek.gif" smilieid="10"><BR>Good luck to all those on the trail near affected areas.
Itg sucks more if you die during the storm that created the blowdowns. Nys Gov Cuomo has advised people to stay away from mountaintops and high ridges due to the expected hi winds. I expect itll be worse in the whites. so lets worry about the cleanup afterward, just make sure you and family are in a safe place to ride it out, and those in vulnerable parts of the trail do the same.

[Blissful]

Wow has the AMC huts ever closed like that this time of year? Just wondering if there's a precedent.

[CrumbSnatcher]

huts were open in 99' during floyd. tons of hikers ended up in gorham for a week or more,from 50 miles in each direction.
the 100 mile widerness felt like a track meet with so many blowdowns :-)

[Blissful]

Saw on another thread they are basically closing down the entire White Mountain trail system. I mean wow

[chelko]

On the bright side. There will be plenty of firewood for next hiking season.

[ChinMusic]

On the bright side. There will be plenty of firewood for next hiking season.

Maybe even for 2013 (my year)

[DLANOIE]

I am planning on being in the Bigelow Range late next week to assist in the cleanup.

[Blissful]

Looking better, only going to be projected Cat 1 at the Outer Banks and tropical storm up north. They don't know why this warm wind is tearing it apart. :) :)

[Sarcasm the elf]

Looking better, only going to be projected Cat 1 at the Outer Banks and tropical storm up north. They don't know why this warm wind is tearing it apart. :) :) Blissful, you're getting my hopes up, do you have a link to this latest forecast?

[hikerboy57]

they did expect it to weaken and then restrenghthen again after NC.so far in nY they havent changed their position(either cat1 or TS) but either way theyre predicting wind speeds in excess of 75mph, along with the weakened tree root situation, massive power outages., we have a mandatoryevacuation for Zone A areas of NYC(the first time in history), and Long Beach is under a voluntary evacuation, which may change to mandatory if the storm continues present course.we've laughed in the face of many hurricanes before, but we're taking this one seriously.

[Blissful]

The coast and northeast are doing the right thing by evacuation b/c of flooding. I just saw it on the Weather Channel - you can see the shearing taking place, but there is not the warm water north to strengthen it. If anything this looks like it will likely be more a water event, i.e .flooding - which can still bring down trees etc. Its also turning more to the east now which leaves most of where I am out of the rain (which we need in the Blue Ridge, its very dry). Oh well.

[long island bob]

Saw on another thread they are basically closing down the entire White Mountain trail system. I mean wow

Yes, the latest forecast is that the storm track has moved back west, close to it's previously predicted path but weaker.

Basically, if it follows it's current centerline precisely, in New England winds will be at 55-85 mph (previous prediction was 85-105 mph) and the eye of the storm stay 26 miles SE of the trail through all of NH and most of ME.

[Jack Tarlin]

Oh, for heaven's sake, they're not closing the White Mountains. (And if anyone out there knows how you close a forest, please enlighten us.) And the Huts being closed is no big deal, most thrus don't stay there anyway. Once upon a time, believe it or not, bad weather kinda snuck up on you. Today, EVERYONE knows about this storm and they know when it's due. 99% of the thru-hikers in New Hampshire will be spending the next few days in Hanover, Glencliff, North Woodstock, and Gorham. They will be eating pizza, drinking a lot of beer, watching a ball game or two, and generally having a great time. I assure you, this alarm over the plight of poor stranded hikers in the White Mountains is a bit overblown.

[Ladytrekker]

The TV coverage on this hurricane is unbelievable I think we are literally going to watch every move of it as it hits land and moves up the coast. I have seen no films or anything on the Bahamas not sure how they fared. I especially love the way the correspondents stand at an angle into the wind even at 20 to 30 knots. They are saying that this is a fairly dry hurricane not much rain as one would normally drop but that the storm surges are the biggest concern and it is spawning tornadoes some have touched ground in North Carolina. Hope the hikers get themselves holed up somewhere and just ride it out 18 to 21 hours for it to move through an area because of its size.

[long island bob]

The TV coverage on this hurricane is unbelievable I think we are literally going to watch every move of it as it hits land and moves up the coast. I have seen no films or anything on the Bahamas not sure how they fared. I especially love the way the correspondents stand at an angle into the wind even at 20 to 30 knots. They are saying that this is a fairly dry hurricane not much rain as one would normally drop but that the storm surges are the biggest concern and it is spawning tornadoes some have touched ground in North Carolina. Hope the hikers get themselves holed up somewhere and just ride it out 18 to 21 hours for it to move through an area because of its size.

Wise words.
Storm surges are very very bad, but they are not an AT issue.

The forecast keeps changing back and forth, but the latest calls for lot of rain in PA, NJ and NY and potentially serious problems along the AT in new England. For normal-minded people this will be a great storm to view from a car or building with real walls etc., but really sucky to view it from under a couple of mms of plastic tenting.

Just saying.

[XCskiNYC]

Here's how the noaa.gov high-side rain estimates in inches are looking around here and going north on the AT (this is for roughly Saturday through early Monday) --

Central Park -- "in excess" of 8.5 possible

Bear Mtn -- "in excess" of 8.5 possible

Dalton, MA -- "in excess" of 7.25 possible

Hanover, NH -- 6.25

Gorham, NH -- 7.5

Caratunk, ME -- 6.25

Mt. Katahdin, ME -- 4.0



Several parts of the city are in mandatory evacuation including Battery Park City in lower Manhattan. Probably not that many people will actually leave their homes. Grocery stores today were quite crowded but nothing too out of hand. The subways gonna stop tomorrow at noon. That's crazy

[XCskiNYC]

Here's how the noaa.gov high-side rain estimates in inches are looking around here and going north on the AT (this is for roughly Saturday through early Monday) --

Central Park -- "in excess" of 8.5 possible

Bear Mtn -- "in excess" of 8.5 possible

Dalton, MA -- "in excess" of 7.25 possible

Hanover, NH -- 6.25

Gorham, NH -- 7.5

Caratunk, ME -- 6.25

Mt. Katahdin, ME -- 4.0



Several parts of the city are in mandatory evacuation including Battery Park City in lower Manhattan. Probably not that many people will actually leave their homes. Grocery stores today were quite crowded but nothing too out of hand. The subways gonna stop tomorrow at noon. That's crazy

[Blissful]

Best one can hope for in NC - getting wave action and rain, but just a Cat 1, shearing on the southern part of the storm (which will mean less rain) and coming ashore at Cape Lookout, uninhabited. Still think this going to mainly be a rainmaker up north as a hefty tropical storm. Could have been much worse.

[DavidNH]

If anyone is hiking the trail up in the White Mountains.. they should get off trail ASAP.

Here's a link to the Mount Washington Observatory's forecast discussion for the higher summits:

http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/summit_forecast.php



David

[Ladytrekker]

Don't want anyone hurt but that would be some epic pics if people get some I mean how many hurricane photos are there other than urban areas what a memory to ride out a hurricane on the trail. Not to romanticize it all warnings should be heeded but I'm just sayin........

[Snowleopard]

Forecast winds from accuweather.com, at 10:15am EDT:
Trail towns along the AT from Kent, CT, Pittsfield, ma to Hanover, NH will have hours of sustained winds over 50mph. A couple of towns (Salisbury, ma and Adams, MA) will be a little below 50mph. BUT, a small shift in the storm's track could give winds over 75mph, especially in Conn. My hometown, Thomaston, ct, is about 20 mph east of the AT and the forecast is 74mph. Gusts could be higher.

It's hard to guess what the winds might be on the hill tops, but windier is certain.

Hopefully, the storm will weaken today.

[WingedMonkey]

I heard that the direction of the winds from Irene will be the worst for the trees. They have grown stronger in protecting themselves from winds in the opposite direction.

Since the wind changes direction after the eye passes I don't think it matters.

[ChinMusic]

Since the wind changes direction after the eye passes I don't think it matters.

That's the point. Even more will get the strong winds from a direction they are least developed for. The saturated grounds, from areas that had big rains previous to this, will be especially screwed. Blowdowns will be epic.

[DLANOIE]

Raining here in central Maine now. Here we go folks!

[flagator]

Im shelled up in benton, nh a womAn named margie was kind enough to let us stay for a night or two. Thruhiker Triton is here too, wonderful food and hospitality. Everyone on the trail ascending and descending moosilakee was well aware of the closures and taking proper precautions. Just gonna ride this thing out and than gonna continue north. So far so site of inclement weather. Keep us updated!

[4eyedbuzzard]

You should be good to go Monday am - sun at 7 am. Good call on getting off the ridge. It will just be 50 mph with gusts and 4" rain down in the valleys, but the high summits forecast is for 80 to 100 mph winds (it gets dangerous if not impossible to walk, and mosts tents short of exped models won't handle it).

[coss]

I hiked Cannon Mountain in the remnants of Hurricane Katrina. The winds were not much higher than 30 MPH, but the intensity of the rain was unlike anything I'd ever seen before. Water flowed off the mountain in sheets, striking legs at high-calf level and splashing up under a rain jacket to armpit height. With temps in the 60s, I was shivering whenever I wasn't moving. There was not a single place where a tarp could be erected without being in 1/2-1 inch of water, even in the crowned areas. The water loosened the soil around trees, so the roots had little solid structure to hold onto. Blowdown occurred at fairly low wind speeds, and the noise of the falling rain was so loud that you couldn't hear the sound of the trees as they toppled. We got off the mountain as soon as possible and holed up in a dry, warm building.

I remember thinking that the only viable camping option would have been in a shelter or a hammock, both of which would have been vulnerable to a falling tree. I won't do it again.

[Mother Natures Son]

Lost power for 1/2 of a day on Sunday. Glad I wasn't out on the trail as winds were 50+mph with heavy rain. How was the storm where you are at?

[DLANOIE]

My wife just found this online, it is near the Sugarloaf access road (Route 27). Looks like people won't be going through here for awhile. The AT crosses 2 miles north of here.
http://yfrog.com/mmnr6fj Th The AT

[jersey joe]

Route 4 between Killington and Rutland(not sure exactly how far from the AT but it could effect hikers. http://rutlandherald.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83452358f69e20153911a352a970b-pi

[Papa D]

Wow! This is Long Trail season - I wonder if end to enders are holed-up and what trail conditions are like - I would imagine that this (at the very minimum) adds a super big challenge

[Buffalo Skipper]

I read that Hwy 9 between Bennington and Wilmington is washed out. I have an old friend in Wilmington, where a young woman was swept away and perished in the Deerfield River. Very sad. Wilmington (12 miles East of the AT) is apparently isolated due to road washouts. My friend's house is at the convergence of the Deerfield River and a tributary stream. The Weather Channel had video of an overflowing bridge in downtown Wilmington, which is only 2 blocks from their house. I hope she and her family are OK.

[Kermitt]

Anyone know if you can hike out of D.W.G. throuhg N.J. & N.Y. on the AT. will be alright ? I begin that section next week.

[hikerboy57]

there is quite a bit of flooding in both northern nj and new york, may be a few more days before the rivers crest and water subsides. I havent heard about AT comnditions yet, but I know Windham NY in the catskills is under water.I'd say check in a few days, Im sure theres plenty of blowdown.

[RichardD]

I sheltered from Irene at White River Junction, Vermont, left the trail at West Hartford. Now I can't get back to West Hartford, road washed away. What to do? We have not skipped any of the trail so far, I hate to do so tomorrow morning but Irene might have forced my hand.
I hear but can't confirm that the bridge at VT 14 at West Hartford is now gone so hikers behind me will have to make alternative plans.
I am planning somewhat in the dark here, not much computer time and very confused info coming in, a lot of people have lost homes so my problems are very minor. Perhaps someone who has accurate info can chime in and let this thru hiker know what options might be available. By the way my trailname is Hot Drinks but have not had enough computer time to change it on Whiteblaze. Thanks.