Preparing For The Storm.

Iv'e been battening down the hatches for the big storm which is headed our way. It is expected to be of a similar scale to the Great Storm of 1987 when 15 million trees were blown down. It has been stormy all day though the main storm is due to hit us in the early hours of the morning. There was a warning to stay away from the coast as the waves could be up to 9m.

While Peter was out coaching a crew at the gig club I moved my car into a more sheltered spot and re-dug the channel that takes away any water that makes it down the drive.

The heaviest rains are predicted for the northern side of the storm but I was taking no chances. I put wood right across the road reinforced with heavy concrete blocks and soil. That should divert the worst of any water coming down the road.  

Any small outside items have been put away and I've tucked the acers in the sheltered spot between the sitting room and the porch.

The strong winds will probably bring down branches and there is a chance that some of the trees will come down too. The big beech tree on the corner is still full of leaves which makes it more vulnerable. If that tree falls towards the house then it will take out the whole corner of the building. The other trees on that side, which is catching the worst of the wind, have been swaying alarmingly all day but they have less leaves on. If they come down the main damage would be to the conservatory. The conservatory roof, which is not in the best of states might just get blown off. I've cleared everything of any consequence from the conservatory and Speedy and Patch will join the other cats in the kitchen tonight. There is a possibility that the wonky chimney will fall down but we sleep on the other side of the house

It is very likely that the power will go at some point but that shouldn't affect us too much. The rayburn does not depend on electricity so we will have a warm kitchen, be able to cook and have hot water. Thinking about the things we would lose if the electricity went out I decided to hoover the whole house and Peter's rowing kit is in the washing machine right now. Although the tv and pcs are our first choice for entertainment I changed my library books on Friday and there are plenty of other things to do. There is not much else we can do to prepare so check this space tomorrow to see how we fared.
PS The hen did not make it through the night.