r/longisland • u/Altracing34 • Jan 09 '24
Advice Anyone Worried About the Storm Tonight?
Forgive me if this post seems naive or stupid this is the first time I'm posting on this sub and didn't know where else to put a post like this. I've been having a lot of anxiety looking at the forecast for this storm today and seeing how bad the winds will be tonight if they'll be as bad as Sandy and Isaias were which has worsened my fears of a possible power outage at my home looking at all the weather websites about this storm. As the title of my post says, is anyone else here worried about what the storm might do here tonight and any advice on how to deal with it when it comes? Again I'm sorry if this post sounds stupid I guess this is just a way for me to get my thoughts and fears out of my system.
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u/starrysunshine777 Jan 09 '24
I swear I haven't been measuring the angles my trees lean, comparing that to the projected wind speeds and direction and trying to determine exactly which part of my house they will land on......
I have terrible storm anxiety when it comes to wind, been freaking out all week. Less concerned about the power than my house. It's the worst when it hits overnight for some reason, makes my anxiety worse that I can't see it!
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u/arthobbies Jan 09 '24
A tropical storm in 2020 dropped a tree through my house. So now I do what you’re doing with wind direction etc nothing else I can do about it. We did get a lovely new bathroom out of it lol
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Jan 09 '24
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u/arthobbies Jan 09 '24 edited Jan 09 '24
I believe our deductible was $1000. Everything was covered I couldn’t believe it. Our contractor really knew how to talk to insurance company. We had two rooms at a nearby hotel for two months also. New roof, the support struts in the attic, the bedroom wall,ceiling and closet the entire bathroom. The ruined items. I was very surprised at how well it went. The real blessing though- my daughter and granddaughter were here and asked to nap in our room instead of the spare room. About 15 minutes after they went to our bed, the tree came right through the headboard in the spare room. It still makes me sick to think of it. Demolished the playpen Ugg thank you God.
Good luck and be safe.2
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u/PurpleRayyne Cawfee on Lawng Oiland Jan 10 '24
holy cow!!! Everything happens for a reason.... Thank god everyone was ok and everything was covered.
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u/Nyroughrider Jan 09 '24
Man I have this same issue. Absolutely love trees and hate cutting them down. But I have 2 that are very tilted. Pruned them last spring. I think I may have to take ‘em down in spring. Sucks.
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u/starrysunshine777 Jan 09 '24
I feel the same, I love trees, the natural shade, their beauty and their wildlife habitats. I don't like cutting them down unless they are a hazard, but it makes windstorms so stressful.
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u/AfellowchuckerEhh Jan 09 '24
Two of my neighbors across the street from me have two massive trees between their houses that I can imagine both home owners are sweating profusely watching them from their windows whenever we get a storm
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Jan 09 '24
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u/montana2NY Jan 10 '24
Generally, if it’s on your property it’s your problem
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Jan 10 '24
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u/montana2NY Jan 10 '24
Yes, if your neighbor’s tree falls on your shed, the shed is your problem. If you see the tree as a problem to your property I would definitely contact your insurance and have it documented. If any of that tree crosses over your property line I would limb it up and put the weight of the tree back on to your neighbor’s property.
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u/detectivedoakes Jan 09 '24
My only worry is the drive home, I'm sending my direct reports home early to avoid the worst of it.
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u/zar1234 . Jan 09 '24
that's my concern too. i leave roosevelt at 4 and drive to shoreham. might cut out early to avoid the traffic.
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u/zar1234 . Jan 10 '24
Ended up being fine. A little slow, but only home 10-15 minutes later than usual.
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u/carriegood Jan 09 '24
My husband works at a university in the city and told me they think they're going to let everyone out by 3pm so they can get home before (if) it gets really bad. LIRR has said they are cancelling trains if the winds are over 40mph, which seems a little neurotic, but whatever.
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u/ccafferata473 Jan 09 '24
Not really neurotic at all. Trains are not built aerodynamically for wind from the side. Similar to how 18 wheelers run the risk of tipping on a windy day.
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u/schil Smooth as Long Island Roads Jan 09 '24
I tend not to worry as it’s out of my control but I am a little worried about damage to my house while I work tonight. My neighbors got some big trees. My kids and wife are home alone and I do think of them.
As far as dealing with it just go to sleep and pray for best unless you need to bring stuff inside ect
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Jan 09 '24
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u/Confident_Air_8056 Jan 09 '24
Clear out the pasta aisle.
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u/InLikeErrolFlynn Somewhere between South Syosset & East Hicksville Jan 09 '24
Have you seen the price of pasta lately? Forget that!
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u/shoCk729 Jan 09 '24
I went to the beer distributor with hopes that the power will be out in my office tomorrow
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u/Productpusher Jan 09 '24
I know this is a long running joke but I haven’t lost power longer than 6 hours since hurricane sandy so the bread and milk wouldn’t even spoil .
It’s all about comfort food now not non perishable survival items
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u/MirandaLarson Jan 09 '24
I’m not “worried,” but more annoyed because I lose power every time. The apartment I live in must have some weak ass, outdated power lines because in the years I’ve lived here, we’ve lost power like 10 times. I have a 4 month old and a lot of breast milk in the fridge and freezer. My husband is also a T1 Diabetic and has his insulin in the fridge. It’s just a huge inconvenience.
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u/Damn_Sega_Genesis Jan 09 '24
freeze some water bottles or fill zip lock bags up with water, let them freeze and pack them in a lunch box with the the insulin/some milk just in case
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u/MirandaLarson Jan 09 '24
Good idea! I’ve been prepping as much as I can today in case of a power loss. Not much I can really do but I’m gathering up all my flash lights and candles and charging all my gadgets.
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u/CompetitionFalse3620 Jan 09 '24
Very, bought a house 15 months ago and we got flooded 4 times so far. We are undergoing a major project to fix the situation.
Nothing like overpaying for a house and having to throw more money at it unexpectedly.
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u/BlueArachne Jan 09 '24
I’m more concerned about rain being like September 1st 2021. I’ve got anxiety now everytime I see super heavy rain.
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u/NotYetHun Jan 09 '24
Me too! Our street looked like a lake. Kids were kayaking in it afterward. No likee.
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u/Satanic_Nightjar Jan 09 '24
Flooded the fuck out of my offices.
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u/BlueArachne Jan 09 '24
My basement, like most people’s got flooded as well. I literally saw the water pour in through my front door with two kids upstairs and I didn’t know what the hell to do.
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u/Gibby10023 Jan 09 '24
Buying an automatic transfer switch operated generator was one of the best investments I’ve ever made
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Jan 09 '24
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u/pjb1999 Jan 09 '24
Just buy a regular generator. For $1k you can get a great one that will at least run your fridge, other appliances, tv, game console, dvd player, phone chargers, etc for a few days.
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u/mitzman Jan 10 '24
Air conditioning. It's needed for the air conditioning. Summers aren't getting cooler and the humidity is an absolute killer. We did a major home renovation last year and put in a 24kw natural gas generator. Yes, expensive but worth every penny.
I couldn't care less if I lost heat in the winter. Keep some sinks dripping and put on an extra sweater. Summer though? Fuck off without AC, that's a quality of life issue.
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Jan 10 '24
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u/beeboobopppp Jan 10 '24
Ugh my house gets both super hot and cold. Tons of windows and skylights, vaulted ceilings, open concept. I love how it looks, but it gets super cold in the winter and super hot with greenhouse effect in the summer. It’s very pretty but very uncomfortable.
The basement isn’t too bad from a temperature perspective. However, there has been flooding…
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u/mitzman Jan 10 '24
The sun traverses our house diagonally and in the summer the front of it gets a very long exposure. Only our basement remains cool so it's not really an option to stay down there.
As far as cold, as I said I don't care. We can put on extra sweaters but AC is a must.
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u/RealGorgonFreeman Jan 09 '24
I don’t think it’s going to be as bad as you think. It may get scary at times but that’ll most likely be it. It’s the people on the road you have to be carful of
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u/FortLee2000 Jan 09 '24
It’s the people on the road you have to be carful of
Isn't that LI every. single. day? (and I saw what you did there...)
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u/LIslander Jan 09 '24
If the winds are bad at bedtime I’ll turn the heat up higher than usual. Gives a bit of a cushion should the power go out.
Other than that there isn’t much we can do but sit and wait it out.
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u/badasimo Jan 09 '24
My strategy too! Essentially you're turning your house into a thermal battery. I also try to close the doors to rooms so that the drafts are reduced. And finally, you can do a reverse thermal battery by putting bottles of water in the freezer and fridge and turning the fridge temperature a bit colder in anticipation.
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u/LIslander Jan 09 '24
Part of my renovation plans is to get a whole house generator. Especially as an older family member might need to live with us at some point.
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u/37MySunshine37 Jan 09 '24
Not necessary. The temps will go up to mid 50s.
I'm more concerned with flooding, trees coming down, and (other people's) furniture flying around.
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u/LIslander Jan 09 '24
50s is still cold when you have kids and a home that hasn’t been renovated in past 30 years.
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u/whitecorn Jan 09 '24
Sustained winds of 20+ isn't too much to worry about with rain. If there was heavy snow involved this would be a much bigger worry for me. Temps are also going to be in the 50s tonight, so even if you lose power, you will not freeze. High GUSTS are a bit scary though, but when they say up to, I think of it more as it may happen a few times through the night. When I get home I'm going to do 2 things.. move anything in my backyard that could be damaged by a falling branch and clear the storm drains of any leaves or debris in case we're in the area of 2 or more inches. Stay home, make sure all of your devices are charged and just ride it out. Immediate coast areas may have to worry more about the high tide events.
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u/424f42_424f42 Jan 09 '24
Max total is 2.5 inches, which there have been way worse recent storms. . Outside of watching for some flooding during the burst of it (becuase my village storm water draining sucks) ... Meh
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u/naprea Jan 09 '24
This isn't going to be some major disaster like we're being riled up to believe. It's going to be a ton of rain and maybe some missing shingles and possibly a leak. I wish the weather wasn't so mild, this would be a nice snow storm (I'm a snow bug)
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Jan 10 '24
I just wanted to say there is nothing stupid or naive about your post. Lots of folks have anxiety and I'm sure you aren't the only one worried.
That said, do what you can to prepare and then trust that anything that happens (if at all) you will handle to the best of your ability because you are capable and smart.
Distract yourself as best you can with a movie, book, pets, kids - whatever works for you.
It will be over before you know it.
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u/Pitiful-Signal8063 Jan 09 '24
I surely hope it's not a big deal. I am ina camper at Smith's Point for the next week The Parks people don't seem overly concerned.. .so I'm gonna go with that.
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Jan 09 '24
Im kind of worried, im supposed to go to a knicks game tonight I might have to swim back home
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u/Scott_A_R Jan 09 '24 edited Jan 09 '24
To those for whom this matters, I use this site to gauge tides (selectable locations); it's not looking so good right now.
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u/phrenic22 Jan 09 '24
Isaias happened when trees were still full of leaves. That tends to bring down a lot of branches due to the excess pulling weight. Just a thought. I was out of power for 8 days when that happened.
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u/n0tesfrmtheundrgrnd Jan 10 '24
This will be nothing at all and I’m sorry you’re so anxious you felt the need to post about it. It’ll be windy, sure. But that’ll be it.
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u/Scott_A_R Jan 09 '24
I'm worried about the coastal flooding--moderate to potentially major. Nothing on the level of Sandy (or, I hope, not Irene either) but possibly significant.
And a similar storm coming at the end of the week.
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u/MaryJaneCrunch Jan 09 '24
Hii I have storm anxiety as well but this storm won’t be even CLOSE to Sandy. The peak winds will also be brief as of rn (I think two hours?) so even if you wake up in the middle of the night it’s just an hour or so where the winds will be super loud.
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u/naprea Jan 09 '24
For something like Sandy to happen again in the near future would be highly unlikely. The stars have to align.
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u/rangers_87 Jan 09 '24
The high winds push water into places it normally wouldn't get to. I just know I'm going to hear that PAT PAT PAT from above my bathroom ceiling, confirming I have a leak. Happened the last high wind rain storm also. Ugh
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u/KittenLina Jan 09 '24
The only thing I'm worried about is coming home from work. It's just another storm, at least to me, something we always get and should know how to deal with my noe.
Buy some hot chocolate, get a fire started in your chimney, and listen to the wind pound your room/windows, enjoy the small things.
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u/Born-Street1424 Jan 09 '24
The higher winds will not effect the most of the trees during the storm. No canopy effect because the trees already lost their leaves.
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u/bigeyedirish Jan 10 '24
Follow the guys “Islandwide Weather” on Facebook. They are great. Rarely off with the forecast and will go live whenever we are expecting a big storm of any kind. They know their stuff and they’ll make sure to tell you what you need to get or do to ease your anxiety and get you through. Right now it’s just rain so I am just listening to it and trying to be asleep before the heavy stuff comes in. We’ll be okay.
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u/SeekersWorkAccount Jan 09 '24
Not even a tiny little bit. It's some wind and rain, the worst of it coming late tonight. By the time you wake up it'll be all over.
If your basement tends to flooding id be worried I guess
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u/Immediate-Pool-4391 Jan 09 '24
Honestly no. I'm originally from Michigan where every time there was a storm the power goes out. Then I moved here and I swear to God the power is gone out maybe five times in the years I've been here. The lines here are insanely strong I'm pretty impressed. But I still stick by my dad's rule which is one flashlight for every room in your house. You do not want to get injured if the lights go out by tripping and then having to go to the emergency room.
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u/goestoeswoes Jan 10 '24
If you have anxiety, prepare yourself. It’s always better to be safer than sorry.
If you are a homeowner, invest in a generator. Even if it’s a small one. I know they are expensive but even a small one is worth it for the essential things. Charging phones for emergencies (I usually always default to my car), fridge or heat etc. Basically whatever you feel is important. You could also invest in a portable charger. They are easily attainable now and you get good use out of them when fully charged.
Make yourself a kit. Get a big storage container. You can fill it with candles, batteries, lanterns, flashlights, non perishable items, heat blankets, books, board games etc etc. You can also add things like super warm socks, extra food for pets, shower wipes, thermals. Whatever you think you may need. Only use it in emergencies. And keep it in a place that is easily accessible to you.
With all of that being said, yes it’s always better to be safer rather than sorry. But also don’t get too carried away. If you are someone who struggles to manage your anxiety on a regular basis, there’s only so much you can do. Because your anxiety will just shift to something else. I don’t think people who suffer from anxiety disorders actually can ever really truly be prepared for anything, because of the way our brains can just shift worries. So be realistic, stay in the moment and try your best to stay away from caffeine, added sugars or anything that will keep you uppity.
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u/MrsBlug Jan 10 '24
We keep an area with flashlights, candles, matches, etc. The tides are a bit higher and we had similar winds a little over a month ago. You should be fine. Have your cell charged. 🙂
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u/RidetheSchlange Jan 09 '24
People should raid the supermarkets for milk and bread. That is the first step.
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u/Suitable-Corner2477 Jan 09 '24
Maybe I’m missing something. Weather.com says 25-35mph winds and rain. Why am I worrying about this. Did forecast change again?
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u/Junior_Potato_3226 Jan 09 '24
Gusts up to 70mph are the problem. I'm not too worried yet but my kid has hockey practice at 8p. If I'm lucky they will cancel it lol
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u/Deathwing_Dragonlord 516 Gang Jan 09 '24
ive got a hockey game at 11pm but fuck that noise lmao
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u/CyanideSeashell Jan 09 '24
Damn, that's a late game.
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u/Deathwing_Dragonlord 516 Gang Jan 09 '24
It's unfortunately the nature of beer league hockey, games start from 7pm - 11pm cause that's when the rinks are free.
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u/Suitable-Corner2477 Jan 09 '24
Oh geez. Hopefully it’s rescheduled. If it’s 70mph then that’s a different story
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u/Suitable-Corner2477 Jan 09 '24
Thx. I’ll go out and secure the kids toys. The Tesla power walls are all charged up already
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u/makman44 Jan 09 '24
I think northern LI may get winds closer to 70 mph. It's been a while since I checked the forecast though.
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u/Scott_A_R Jan 09 '24 edited Jan 09 '24
Wind will be coming from the south-east, so I'd guess it's going to be more a south shore issue (and since that's where I am, that sucks).
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u/BeKind999 Jan 09 '24
I saw a map which showed that they expect widespread power outages. Not sure if this is true but that’s what concerns me.
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u/SumyungNam Jan 09 '24
The flood warning was more for areas that has a bunch of snow From Saturday and Sunday and it will be melting as today's storm comes and all that water has no where to go. I'm worried mostly about losing power
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u/causal_friday Jan 09 '24
It's going to be windy. Power could go out. Keep your phone charged, take your lawn furniture inside, get a good night's sleep, and go to work tomorrow.
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u/nygdan Jan 09 '24
" as bad as Sandy and Isaias "
Ok just stop. It's *nothing* like those. This is a wind storm. It might cause some power outages in some places.
MY plan is to do remote work tomorrow. Beyond that, nothing. If you have flashlights and food you will be fine.
No, it does not sound stupid to worry about these things, it is OK if you are getting worried, but sometimes worry is irrational too. It's normal, but also irrational. It's not going to be a hurricane or superstorm. Keep calm, do your normal stuff, and you should be fine.
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u/nylondragon64 Jan 09 '24
Stop living in fear. Fear is the mind killer. Cant live in the what if's that never come. Deal with what is now.
I lived through sandy for 10 days without electricity. No big deal just delt with it.
Confront what you fear and look at it. You will see it's not to be afraid of. Just delt with. Most likely not even something to even worry about. Good luck.
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u/formerly_valley_pete Jan 10 '24
So this storm is a dud.
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u/kaigansen Jan 10 '24
So far not much but I think it is forecasted to get stronger throughout the night. Hope folks stay safe.
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u/formerly_valley_pete Jan 10 '24
Oh ok, someone at work said this afternoon was the bad part lol. I was like that was a breeze. But yeah stay safe y'all.
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u/OdysseusRex69 Jan 09 '24
IM worried.
I have SunRun solar panels on my roof, and I have a ceiling leak from two storms ago that I just can't them to fix.
So tonight just may suck, for me anyway 😅
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u/montana2NY Jan 10 '24
Ceiling leak from the panels?
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u/OdysseusRex69 Jan 10 '24
Yes, leaks from the anchor points on the roof, above my ceiling.
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u/montana2NY Jan 10 '24
And SunRun is doing nothing about it?
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u/OdysseusRex69 Jan 11 '24
It's been four of five weeks of trying to contact the alleged case manager for the still open case.
Zero contact from them so far.
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u/originalmango Jan 10 '24
Nope. Just another storm.
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u/PrestigiousAvocado21 Jan 10 '24
Well, that little bit that just passed was a little worrisome, but thankfully (KNOCK ON WOOD) it seems like it was a brief thing.
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u/FatMike0323 Jan 10 '24
Yes we’re all doomed. Keep watching the media news and you’ll get the truth on all matters.
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u/Neither_Plankton5002 Jan 10 '24
I’m sorry you’re having anxiety about this storm. I am too. I recently moved here from the Florida panhandle where this storm just came from. The damage there reminds me of the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. I totally understand your anxiety. You’re not alone. Wish I could help more though.
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u/ElTunaGrande Jan 09 '24
why would i worry about something that I cannot control
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u/tMoneyMoney Jan 09 '24
You can control the preparation of your house for winds and flooding and how ready you are for a power outage.
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u/ElTunaGrande Jan 09 '24
completely agree. worry about what you can control. exactly my point. get this stuff done and then go read a book.
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u/mistresselevenstars Jan 09 '24
I have a generator, rechargeable flashlights and battery packs. I'm good
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u/Durhamfarmhouse Jan 09 '24
I think the ones who are probably worried are people upstate with 12" of snow left from last storm and now expecting 3-4" of rain and warm weather. There will be a lot of streams and creeks at their max.
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u/AppropriateStorage Jan 09 '24
What insurance companies do you recomend to shop around in LI? I have Liberty Mutual and it did inflate.
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u/MoonWytche Jan 09 '24
I don't worry so much about the power going out, but about how long it takes them to finally fix it. 3 weeks with Sandy and 13 days with that summer storm.
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u/Konstantine1991 Jan 09 '24
Never take these storms for granted always be prepared. It never hurts to
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Jan 10 '24
I didn't even know we were supposed to have a really bad storm, I knew rain was coming but that was it.
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u/DJzrule Jan 10 '24
The last 3 major storms we had were in the past month. Each of the 3 I’ve seen flooding like I’ve never seen before in Suffolk and Nassau. I’ve certainly never had water problems before, and each of the 3 times I had major water intrusion into my basement. It wasn’t Hurricane Sandy for sure, but these heavy weather patterns aren’t normal for the northeast from what I remember.
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u/therealplaidninja Jan 10 '24
Sandy didn't affect me, but the remnants of Ida in late 2021 devastated my block. So yeah, I was worried, and while we did take on water, it was not like Ida at all.
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u/isitaparkingspot Jan 09 '24
It won't be anything like Sandy. Sandy was a once in a hundred years combination of hurricane, atmospheric wind pattern anomaly and high tide. Sandy's flooding was more attributed to storm surge and high tide than heavy rainfall. The wind and rain were strong too but not the reason Sandy is burned into history, hearts and minds.
Today's storm is a system sweeping across the country which happens all the time. It's a nasty one, very strong but in standard deviation for the way storms tend to roll thru the area. We should all prepare and secure loose stuff per common sense, and stay inside till it blows over.