Isaias

Tropical storm Isaias roared over us a few days ago. We were keeping our eye on the storm and became concerned as the forecasted track moved closer and closer to us. George started listening to Chris Parker’s forecasts which helped us to understand why the track was so difficult to forecast and also why the wind remained so strong even after it the storm had been traveling over land for several hours. On Monday, the day before Isaias was supposed to hit us, we decided to remove all of the canvas and sails from Breeze On to reduce the windage. In addition, George doubled up on the dock lines, added spring lines and fenders. We were most concerned about wind from the southeast, which comes straight down the creek without being blocked by buildings or trees. A wind from the southeast hits Breeze On on the beam and can cause her to heel over if strong enough. That is what happened in the storm a few months ago that almost caused us to lose the bimini. Also, the slip is very narrow and Breeze On can hit the pilings when heeled over. The wind shifted to the southeast shortly after we got up on Tuesday morning. Fortunately it wasn’t very strong and Breeze On managed just fine. Shortly after 10 am the wind stopped, the clouds parted, and the sun came out as the eye of the storm passed over. We went out on our porch to look and take pictures but I went inside after a few minutes. Not long after that George, who was still on the porch, knocked on the sliding door to get my attention. A strong west wind had started to blow. We estimated the sustained wind was at least 40 knots with gusts to 70 knots. Our local marina confirmed those wind speeds. The wind was hitting Breeze On from behind so heeling over wasn’t a problem. A friend told us the storm dumped seven inches of rain and we saw water pouring into the creek like a waterfall. We later learned that three tractor trailers tipped over on the Route 50 Choptank River Bridge due to the wind gusts.  Isaias was a fast-moving storm and was finished within an hour after the eye passed over. Shortly after that we noticed the creek was flooding even though it was low tide. Some small boats on lifts were at risk of floating away but, fortunately, the water level dropped fairly quickly. We were relieved that it was over and Breeze On didn’t suffer any damage. 

View from our deck as the eye of Isaias passed over. Notice the shadows from the sun. 

View a few minutes later during the strong west winds. No sails, dodger or bimini on Breeze On.