THE WRATH OF IAN A snowbird’s tale of nerve-wracked survival Some teachable moments carry steeper learning curves than others. Jarring, terrifying and eye-opening triggers of stress, worry and frazzle. Sudden new perspectives about taking for granted basics and creature comforts, such as flipping a switch for lights, turning on the tap, flushing, pumping gas – and the internet. The clichéd wise reminder that some things are never really appreciated until they’re gone. Mornings-after are a reality check. The breathtakingly brutal and shell-shocked aftermath and also sighs of relief and grateful, counted blessings. The awesome wrath of Ian ripped through suburbia, mobile home parks and plazas, plucking mature oaks and palms The 28-degree, blue-sky sun was shining, like it usually does. Local radio and TV aired a steady stream of alerts about the possible paths of the approaching hurricane. Just after 3:30, the perky, local TV weather talking head was grinning in front of the colourful studio screen with sweeping gestures, showing the differing radar cone and spaghetti tracking guesstimates of where it may hit, and explaining the bright orange, yellow, green and red graphics about howmuch storm surge flooding it could cause. Suddenly, the TV went black. The lights, the fridge, Wi-Fi and cell signal went out. The wind picked up, swaying the majestic and tall palm trees. By dusk, it was howling, groaning, relentless and constant. The typically heavy Florida rains got even heavier. The palms no longer swayed, but bent and strained in valiant self-defence. And the hurricane-virgin snowbirds cowered on the couch, hoping to stay safe, nervously and helplessly wondering how much worse it will get and how long it will last? And what happens next? For seven rumbling and frightening hours that felt like forever, the Category 4 Hurricane Ian battered the snowbird-favourite Florida Suncoast, from Sarasota to Naples and all snowbird hot spots in-between. by John Hardy Special Report Photo: NOAA Photo: Sarasota Herald-Tribune 14 | www.snowbirds.org
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