The wind outside is about as loud as a jet engine. I'm not joking. This is just fucking scary.

Apparently it's much stronger than even Katrina was. And bigger.

Tried to go out on the deck to take some photos before but got knocked onto my ass by the wind and just ran back inside. Probably better to just stay inside with all the trees and debris flying around.

It's expected to cross the coast at midnight local time (in about two and a half hours). So it's gonna get a lot fucking worse. They're now expecting a storm surge of seven metres here, above the normal tide level.

Hanging tight till then.

Something make it stop! Stay safe.

There's not much else that can be said. Except maybe "This is some fuck shit"

Good luck down there, mate.

Was considering this as well.

Just for comparison. Tropical Cyclone Yasi superimposed over US:





Stay safe. Continuing to pray for you and the rest of your countrymen.

Mick, you need to go on a vacation and get the F out of there for awhile. I'm sure you could do a tour of the states crashing at various obnerd's houses.

damn, sounds like this is more powerful than just about any hurricane we've ever seen in the u.s.

have we ever had one with winds this close to 200 mph?

Dude, best of luck. I'll be thinking and praying for you all day.

Greg McNaught, owner of a used car dealership, hurriedly moved computers and other electronics from the ground floor of his business to his apartment upstairs. His friend Chris Hincksman plastered strips of tape over the large storefront windows.

"We're just going to stay here and drink beer," McNaught said, taking a swig from a can. He admitted being a bit worried by the intensity of Yasi, but held up his drink and said wryly: "Maybe if I've had enough of this, it won't matter."



http://www.npr.org/2011/02/02/133427363 ... alia-coast

There were meausuring instruments during Andrew that maxed out or broke at around 140mph. Estimates from models gathered during the storm reached a consensus of 165mph sustained at its peak. After all the research they leveled it a Cat 5.

And if I remember right from the time I rode up it, Mt Washington in New Hampshire holds the title for highest ever recorded wind speeds on land at like 230 mph or so, low 200's I know that. So the very top speed of what's ever been recorded on land is just a little bit above what they're about to get nailed with, and it's full of water.

Mick I am so sorry. Please keep posting - this is fascinating and terrifying.