The cone of uncertainty widens ... Dean could be a dangerous Cat 5 storm when it slams into the Caribbean and emerges into the Gulf. Texas? Mexico?
" ... This was the part he hated
about his job: if he was
wrong, even if he were right,
people would die. ...."
He didn't need to scan the weather maps to know trouble was brewing. All signs pointed to a disaster in the making. Besides, old bones told
all he needed to know: it would be bad, this runaway freight train of a storm. Now how to plot it: who would be stuck on the tracks, who would be missed?
This was the part he hated about his job: if he was wrong, even if he were right, people would die. He sighed and went back to reading the maps.
(c) 2007, Karla Dorman (8/17)
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Reviews of "Hurricane Dean: Damned if You Do, Damned if You Don't"
It's like the crucible of leadership- we'll be damned if we do and damned if we don't do. I guess that is why the various computer models at least offer some form of mitigated risk taking.
You have such keen insight Karla! Excellent poem. I'm praying hard that this storm will dissipate before it reaches Texas, or any other place. Be hopeful !
Meteorologist are like modern weather profet, but when it comes to hurricanes they are as powerless at the people that are giving the warning of an impeding earthquake.
They say that the President will come 100% to Texas aid (no surprises there), what about New Orleans, Baton Rouge and the rest?
Georg
I wouldn't want to be a meteorologist at NHC since 2004. The pressure of forecasting the 2005 season alone would kill the ordinary guy. Now here we go again after 1 season off (2006) -- you capture that dilema well in the title alone. As soon as we hit peak season, the first serious hurricane blows up into a monster and the waters are warmer and warmer each year. Thanks for bringing the forecasters plight to us, I too think it is almost a thankless job for them UNLESS they can be sure they are saving lives!
will be reading, michael
Reviewed by Kate Clifford (Reader)
Reviewed on August 18, 2007
It would not be easy to be in that position and you have brought this insight to us the readers.
Wow as always Karla this is an amazing write
God Bless
Michelle~
Reviewed by Victor Buhagiar (Reader)
Reviewed on August 18, 2007
I agree with Richard. Things seem to be moving towards a finality that will end us all. I try not to be pessimistic. I don't claim I know when. I only know it's getting too near dfor comfort. Victor
My gosh ... I read this morning that a volcano in Alaska is about ready to seriously explode; they've even warned the airlines. I am sure that we are seeing and experiencing the 'birth pangs' written about in Scripture now. I really have no doubt anymore! Superb write from the heart of a truly caring and empathetic woman. Blessings to you ...
Richard
A powerful write my friend...a different view...hadn't really thought of from this angel...but your write makes one stop and think, very profound indeed! Well done my friend, hope all is well!
Blessings,
Joyce B.
a different way to look at things-i like it-like all the many facetts of our mine disaster-the possible consequences of decisions made and the way things are reported-enjoyed the write
Earlier this year you were asking whether there was to be a summer...now that summer is here you worry about a storm that is part and parcel of the summer...you can't be satisfied can ya...LOL? e
You can only try to warn people. Think about how many people would have died in New Orleans if they hadn't evacuated. Lots more. So ultimately, it is up to the people to decide to whether they want to get out of the way or not. ~ Sara
Karla,
No one is praying that Dean goes into Mexico more than I am, for sure, sitting here in Galveston County, 1,000 feet from the water, as the Houston area prepares. If Galveston calls for an evacuation, it will likely be Monday and our community will follow, shortly thereafter. All we can do now is sit and wait. Whatever will be, will be. We have our plan fairly well finalized, should we have to go. Let's all hope this isn't another Katrina. Governor Perry, our local mayors and city managers have a hard job and a tough call, indeed. I have faith in their ability to keep us informed though. I will say that we're already starting to have a gas crunch here in the mainland areas, 10 miles inland from the coastal area of Galveston. Finding water, fuel, generators, and plywood is getting harder all the time, but at least our residents are taking the threat seriously. We're preparing; that's all we can do.
Hugs and Love,
Jill.......the nervous Gulf Coast Texan, praying the storm misses our state and the U.S. Mainland.
I pray Dean won't turn into another Katrina; we don't need any more disasters! And Texas has had far too much rain! We needed the rain, but this is getting rediculous! God help us! Powerful, unsettling poetry; very well penned! BRAVA, Karla!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your twin, Karen Lynn. :( >tears! <
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Regis
Aloha,
Myles
Love,
Eileen
Love Tinka
They say that the President will come 100% to Texas aid (no surprises there), what about New Orleans, Baton Rouge and the rest?
Georg
Thaks for sharing
Peace my friend
Love
William
will be reading, michael
God Bless
Michelle~
My gosh ... I read this morning that a volcano in Alaska is about ready to seriously explode; they've even warned the airlines. I am sure that we are seeing and experiencing the 'birth pangs' written about in Scripture now. I really have no doubt anymore! Superb write from the heart of a truly caring and empathetic woman. Blessings to you ...
Richard
Blessings,
Joyce B.
No one is praying that Dean goes into Mexico more than I am, for sure, sitting here in Galveston County, 1,000 feet from the water, as the Houston area prepares. If Galveston calls for an evacuation, it will likely be Monday and our community will follow, shortly thereafter. All we can do now is sit and wait. Whatever will be, will be. We have our plan fairly well finalized, should we have to go. Let's all hope this isn't another Katrina. Governor Perry, our local mayors and city managers have a hard job and a tough call, indeed. I have faith in their ability to keep us informed though. I will say that we're already starting to have a gas crunch here in the mainland areas, 10 miles inland from the coastal area of Galveston. Finding water, fuel, generators, and plywood is getting harder all the time, but at least our residents are taking the threat seriously. We're preparing; that's all we can do.
Hugs and Love,
Jill.......the nervous Gulf Coast Texan, praying the storm misses our state and the U.S. Mainland.
(((HUGS))) and much love, your twin, Karen Lynn. :( >tears! <
Newfie Hugs, Rose