In the early morning hours of December 1st we experienced what is called a “Windstorm”. It turned out to be the biggest windstorm to hit Southern California in 35 years. Only a few miles from my home was the epicenter. We had constant winds ranging from 40-60mph with gusts clocked at 97mph. All night long we saw burst of light fill the sky from transformers exploding and terrible sounds as my 107 year old house groaned and shook from the strain of the winds. The morning light revealed what looked like a tornado-trees onhouses and cars, broken windows, power lines down and debris everywhere.
High winds forced Pasadena officials to close public schools and declare a state of emergency. Most of the nearby communities are overwhelmed and can't remove all the debris from the streets. City workers cut up the trees just enough to push the debris to the side of the road. The private tree trimming companies can't keep up either, just not enough equipment. Almost every block has trees down and tons of broken branches, leaves, and houses and cars under massive trees. We had 4 crushed cars within a block of our house. We are very lucky to have power restored, as most people don't. 
Sunday morning we attended worship at 9:15. As I expected there wasn't power there either. The inside of the sanctuary was dimly lit with candles, and the air was cool and crisp (around 48 degrees). The air may have been cool but the atmosphere was warm and friendly. The feeling in the room was that of joy and gratitude. We had all been through the storm together.
We are among the lucky ones who sustained no damage. We have much to be grateful for.
Brenda
Wow sounds like a big storm, those are impressive trees that came down!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are all right!
Oh, my! I wasn't aware of this storm--so happy your place was spared--and you and yours as well. There is right now a blizzard in Barrow, the town I left. And here in the south, even in winter, the threat of tornadoes is always real. Humbling, isn't it? What weather can do. Again, so glad you are safe--and the painting you made from the disaster is moving (and lovely). There can, indeed, be beauty most places we look. Best to you! Jay
ReplyDeleteBrenda,
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear you weathered the storm so well. My heart goes out to all those who have damage and no power.
xoxo
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI'm SO glad you made it through without injuries or big damage. I'll be sending prayers of healing to your community.
Good to know you're okay and glad to see that even in the face of unsettling events you are able to create.
ReplyDeleteYes, we grateful to be safe and that our little home is not damage. We are blessed.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your thoughtful words!
Sounds like hurricane force winds... very scary, good to hear you and yours made it thru without incident. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteWow - you have quite a story. We had strong winds up here in the Bay Area, but nothing like what you described. I'm glad to hear that you escaped any damage.
ReplyDeleteScary experience. I am glad you are OK. We went thru terrifying hurricane Irene Upstate NY when roads crumbled around us and we were strained there for 5 days without power and food, so I can imagine.
ReplyDeletewow! so happy that you and yours are safe.
ReplyDeleteLife is returning to normal. Power is back, hum of chain saws on every block, debris is getting hauled away...and Christmas lights went up yesterday. Another week or two and we'll look good again!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the words of concern and understanding.
Brenda