UPDATE: Hurricane Irma – 2017

8 Sep

UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know that my family and I are safe. We went through a frightening experience and we have a lot of cleaning up, repairing and restoring to do, but that’s okay. Things could have been much worse. And the important thing is that we made it out safely.

Hurricane Irma’s eye was threatening to barrel across the center of  south Florida. That would have been catastrophic. Instead, as she neared us she veered toward the West, so we received horrible bands carrying 100+ miles per hour wind gusts, but not a direct hit. South Florida dodged another bullet. There are some structural damage, lots of trees pulled out of the ground, large tree branches that acted like missiles, the water in some areas will be tainted for a while, but so far I have not heard of any loss of life. We’ll have to wait and see what the news tells us in the next few days. 

I think Florida did a great job preparing for this storm. I believe at least 90% of Florida residents took hurricane Irma seriously. My family and I certainly did. We have some work ahead of us, but we all made it out safely and that’s what’s important.

I want to thank everyone for being so kind. Thanks for sending all the positive vibes, well wishes and prayers––they worked! I am touched by everyone’s concern for my family and my well-being.  Thank you, thank you, thank you! You guys are the best! I will end it here before I get too mushy. ❤

Hello my friends! I’m sure many of you have already heard of Hurricane Irma. I live in south Florida (USA) and unfortunately we’re in the path of this powerful storm. My family and I are doing everything we can to prepare ourselves for the impact. We’re hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.

My number one priority right now is to protect my family and my home. There’s a lot to do. We began preparing the day before yesterday and we still have a lot to do.  I don’t know when I’ll be able to get back online between preparing, impact and aftermath of this significant storm.

I just wanted to inform you of what’s going on. I didn’t want to leave you hanging while I went MIA. Please keep Florida in your prayers and send good vibes our way. Thank you.

♦

hurricane Irma-2017-storm-real life-Florida

Hurricane Irma is 350 miles wide. The Florida peninsula is about 100 miles wide.

♦

hurricane Irma-storm-2017-Florida-winds-aftermath-Vashti Q-The Writer Next Door-Vashti Quiroz Vega

♦

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

107 Responses to “UPDATE: Hurricane Irma – 2017”

  1. lisamackay September 8, 2017 at 1:35 pm #

    It looks horrendous! Stay safe. x;-)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:00 pm #

      Hello Lisa! Well, all the windows are boarded up, the outdoor stuff is in the house and sand bags are in place. There’s not much more we can do but wait to see what happens. Thank you. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  2. Bobby Fairfield September 8, 2017 at 1:36 pm #

    Wish you and your family all the best wishes I can that you remain safe in this troubling time

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:02 pm #

      Thank you very much, Bobby. I appreciate it.

      Like

      Reply
  3. robbiesinspiration September 8, 2017 at 1:36 pm #

    I didn’t realise that you are also living in Florida, Vashti. I am so sorry you have to face this turmoil in your life. I will be thinking of you and praying for the best outcome possible.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:04 pm #

      Thank you so much, Robbie. We’ve done all we could do to stay safe, so all we can do now is wait. Who knows? Maybe hurricane Irma will decide to veer off to the Atlantic and disappear. One can wish. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. nagrij September 8, 2017 at 1:49 pm #

    Good luck.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:05 pm #

      Thank you, Nagrij. We can sure use some good luck down here.

      Like

      Reply
  5. trentpmcd September 8, 2017 at 1:51 pm #

    I hope you are safe/stay safe! I’ll be thinking about you and all of your neighbors down there.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:07 pm #

      We’ve taken every precaution, so all we can do now is wait. Thank you very much. I appreciate it.

      Like

      Reply
  6. balroop2013 September 8, 2017 at 1:53 pm #

    You are the best wishes of all of us, your friends, writers and followers all are praying for you Vashti. May God be kind and be by your side to minimise the damage and weaken the hurricane. Sending love and hugs dear friend.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:13 pm #

      From your lips to God’s ear, Balroop. Thank you very much. We’ve boarded up our house and protected our things as much as possible. Tomorrow morning we’ll be headed to my brother’s house which is further west. His house is newer and he has stronger shutters, so we’re hoping we’re making the right decision. Thanks again for the kind wishes and for the love, my friend. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  7. Joy Lenton September 8, 2017 at 1:54 pm #

    Vashti, I hadn’t realised realised you and your loved ones lived in the path of this potentially horrendous storm. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I am keeping you, your family and all who live in this area in my thoughts and prayers. May things be less critical than feared. May lives be saved and homes protected. May you be at peace as you prepare and wait. God bless you, friend. Stay strong. xo 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:17 pm #

      Thank you very much, Joy. Your kind words give me strength. We’ve done everything we could to prepare, so now all we can do is wait and put things in God’s hands––let him take the wheel. Hopefully Irma will veer off to the Atlantic where she can’t hurt anyone, but if not I have faith that my family and I will make it. Thank you for the kind words, thoughts and prayers. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. The Story Reading Ape September 8, 2017 at 2:03 pm #

    Stay safe, Vashti ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. LindaGHill September 8, 2017 at 2:15 pm #

    I’ll be thinking of you and wishing you and your family safe. Take care, and see you back online soon! <3.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:24 pm #

      Hello Linda. Thank you! We’ve boarded up the house and brought in whatever could turn into a projectile from our back/front yards and placed the sand bags near the doors. Tomorrow morning we leave to my brother’s house. I’m hoping we will all be okay there. So far it’s just a little windy and we still have electricity, but we don’t know how long that will last. Thank you for the kind wishes. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. olganm September 8, 2017 at 2:25 pm #

    Thinking of you and your family, Vashti. Keep safe.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:27 pm #

      Thank you Olga. So far we still have electricity. Then again the last report said we will begin to feel the effects of the hurricane tomorrow. We’ve done all we can to prepare, so it’s just of matter of waiting now.

      Like

      Reply
  11. Al Lane September 8, 2017 at 2:31 pm #

    Stay safe! Sending strong thoughts xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:29 pm #

      Thank you for the strong thoughts, Al. We could use some strength. So far it’s been a little breezier than normal and we still have electricity. The latest news said that we will begin to feel the hurricane tomorrow afternoon. We’re just waiting now.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Al Lane September 8, 2017 at 7:32 pm #

        I don’t envy you. Waiting for something like that to hit must be terrible, psychologically x

        Liked by 1 person

      • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 8:07 pm #

        I think it’s one of the worst parts of this. Luckily, we can still watch the news.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. KathrinS September 8, 2017 at 3:33 pm #

    Oh no, I really hope you stay safe!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:31 pm #

      Thank you, Kathrin. We’ve done all we can to prepare and now we’re just waiting. Luckily, we still have electricity.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • KathrinS September 9, 2017 at 1:27 am #

        Sounds like you’re prepared. Hope it doesn’t get too bad!!!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Vashti Q September 9, 2017 at 11:09 am #

        We really are well prepared. There’s nothing more we can do but wait. Me too! ❤

        Liked by 1 person

  13. davidprosser September 8, 2017 at 3:38 pm #

    Just stay safe please Vashti.
    xxx Huge Hugs xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  14. drkottaway September 8, 2017 at 3:47 pm #

    Thinking of you and hope that it goes gently and well….

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:37 pm #

      Thank you for the kind wishes. I too hope Irma decides to veer to the Atlantic where she can’t hurt anyone. We’ve prepared as best we can and now it’s only a matter of waiting.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • drkottaway September 8, 2017 at 7:41 pm #

        hugs.

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Linda Mims September 8, 2017 at 3:52 pm #

    Praying for your family, Vashti. Sending good vibes!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:38 pm #

      I appreciate the prayers and good vibes, Linda. Thank you very much. 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  16. D.L Finn, Author September 8, 2017 at 3:57 pm #

    Sending prayers…keep safe!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  17. Jet Eliot September 8, 2017 at 4:08 pm #

    Whew, this is a tough one — blessings to you and your family and friends, Vashti. Stand strong, have courage, and know that you are loved.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:45 pm #

      Hello Jet. Thank you so much for the kind wishes. Aw, you’re very sweet. We’ve done everything we’re expected to do to protect our home and we’ll be leaving to my brother’s house, where we think we’ll be safer. 🙂 xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. John W. Howell September 8, 2017 at 4:26 pm #

    I pray God protects you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:47 pm #

      That means a lot to me, John. Thank you for your prayers. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • John W. Howell September 8, 2017 at 8:44 pm #

        I’ve been there and have the shirt.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Vashti Q September 9, 2017 at 10:25 am #

        I know, Harvey did a number in your city. I hope the recovery process is going well for you and your loved ones. Here, the winds have picked up a bit and the skies are grey, but nothing serious yet. We’re hunkered down and waiting.

        Liked by 1 person

      • John W. Howell September 9, 2017 at 8:46 pm #

        We are back (just today) things are getting better.

        Like

      • Vashti Q September 10, 2017 at 12:14 pm #

        I’m so happy to hear/read that, John. I hope the recovery process goes smoothly and peacefully with no issues. I feel like I’m in a metal box, because my brother has metal shutters over all the windows and doors. We’re getting hit by some powerful bands while the storm is over the Florida Keys, but we can’t see anything. Well, actually we’re lucky because we still have electricity (many have lost power already), and we’ve been watching the news, so we’re seeing the chaos via TV, which is surreal. I feel safe though. All the best to you and your family. I hope your home and area are okay. ❤ xx

        Liked by 2 people

      • John W. Howell September 10, 2017 at 6:17 pm #

        Best wishes, Vashti.

        Liked by 1 person

  19. Writings By MCM September 8, 2017 at 5:02 pm #

    Be safe and take care

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 7:56 pm #

      We’ve done everything we can to protect ourselves and our home. All we can do now is wait and see what hurricane Irma does. We’re hoping for the best but prepared for the worst. Thank you very much!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. coldhandboyack September 8, 2017 at 5:12 pm #

    Stay safe, and we’re all praying for you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 8:04 pm #

      I appreciate your prayers, Craig. Thank you very much. Hopefully Irma veers off to the Atlantic. At least that’s what I’m hoping for, but we did prepare for the worst. It’s windy, but we still have electricity. We should get the worst of it beginning tomorrow afternoon.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. Annette Rochelle Aben September 8, 2017 at 7:29 pm #

    Surrounding you with Angels!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  22. Natalie Ducey September 8, 2017 at 8:21 pm #

    Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Vashti. XO

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 8, 2017 at 9:49 pm #

      Thank you, Natalie. I’m getting ready to head out to my brother’s house now, because the news just said tomorrow morning will be too dangerous to drive. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. ❤ xx

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  23. D. Wallace Peach September 8, 2017 at 9:19 pm #

    Stay safe, Vashti. My heart goes out to all of you. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  24. Maria September 8, 2017 at 11:26 pm #

    Hi there we are thinking about you guys wishing by this passes fast . Praying for you guys be safe we have a full pantry and water . 😘😘🙏🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 9, 2017 at 10:32 am #

      Hi Maria! Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. We’re hunkered down at my brother’s house. There’s plenty of food and water here too. I didn’t sleep a wink all night because the dogs were carrying on all night, but other than that we’re doing good. I too hope this thing passes by quickly. My prayers are with you and your loved ones too. ❤ xx

      Like

      Reply
  25. Sunni Morris September 9, 2017 at 12:43 am #

    Stay safe, Vashti. My family went through Harvey in Texas not so very long ago. I hope you have supplies such as water, canned food, handheld can opener, candles, flashlights, batteries, medical supplies and plenty of water and also food for your pets on hand. We always boarded up the windows when I was a kid in TX. So you’re prepared there. You might also want to have buckets of water for flushing the toilet in case the water goes off and so you can take a sponge bath. Good luck, my friend. Let us all know you’re safe when you can.

    Sunni

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 9, 2017 at 10:47 am #

      Hi Sunni! Yes, I know. I’m happy everything turned out alright in the sense that your family is made it out okay. Oh yes, we have plenty of food, water, batteries, and everything else. I’m at my brother’s house and we’re just waiting to see what happens. The buckets of water for the toilet is a great idea. I’m going to suggest that now. Thank you so much for the great tips. So far it’s very windy and grey, but we’re told that later tonight is when we will feel the effects of the storm. Thanks again for the kind words and advice, my friend. ❤ xx

      Like

      Reply
  26. Sue Vincent September 9, 2017 at 1:47 am #

    Stay safe, Vashti.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 9, 2017 at 10:48 am #

      Hi Sue! We’ve done everything we can to stay safe and now it’s just a matter of waiting. Thank you! 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  27. Gwen Plano September 9, 2017 at 6:37 am #

    You are in our prayers, Vashti. Blessings to you and yours…and to all. ♥

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 9, 2017 at 10:49 am #

      Hello Gwen! Thank you for your payers and kind words. I appreciate it. ❤

      Like

      Reply
  28. Dave September 9, 2017 at 10:05 am #

    I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, dear Vashti! Let’s hear from you as soon after the storm has passed. Stay safe, my friend! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 9, 2017 at 10:58 am #

      Hello Dave! I appreciate your prayers. We’re hunkered down at my brother’s house––waiting. We’re expecting the storm to hit tonight. So far it’s windy and grey. That’s about it. Thank you so much. I will try to give an update after the storm if we still have power. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Dave September 9, 2017 at 11:51 am #

        Thanks Vashti! Stay safe! xo ❤

        Liked by 1 person

  29. Marje @ Kyrosmagica September 9, 2017 at 11:46 am #

    Hi Vashti, how scary, stay safe thinking of you and your family. xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  30. watchingthedaisies September 9, 2017 at 3:10 pm #

    I do hope you all get through it all safe and well. 🌼🌼🌼

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 10, 2017 at 11:56 am #

      The storm is over the Florida Keys right now (11:52 am, Sunday), and we’re getting some powerful bands. We hear terrifying noises outside, but we can’t see anything because we have shutters over our windows and doors. We still have power but we don’t know for how long because it started to flicker this morning. We feel safe here though, so we’re hoping for the best. Thank you so much! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  31. tracikenworth September 9, 2017 at 8:23 pm #

    Prayers and hugs, Vashti!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 10, 2017 at 11:47 am #

      Thank you, Traci! We’ve been lucky so far. We still have electricity. Many have lost power. We’re actually watching the news and seeing what’s going on around us on TV, which feels so strange. The power is flickering, so I’m not sure how much longer we’ll have power. I appreciate your prayers. ❤ xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  32. nalhussain September 10, 2017 at 5:04 am #

    Stay safe and we wish for all people all the best

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  33. nalhussain September 10, 2017 at 5:05 am #

    And if you can tell us what going on in Florida now

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 10, 2017 at 11:22 am #

      Right now, it’s 11:15 am Sunday morning. We’re hunkered down at my brother’s house. There are wicked scary noises coming from outside. At times it feels like the entire house is shaking. My brother has a relatively new, well built home in SW Florida. He has metal shutters over his windows and doors, so we feel safe here, but the sounds are terrifying. We can’t look out because the shutters block our view. So far, we still have electricity but the power has been flickering. We don’t know how much longer we’ll have power. Thank you for your concern. I appreciate it. ❤ xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  34. unbreakableyetfragile September 10, 2017 at 5:32 am #

    Stay Safe

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 10, 2017 at 11:23 am #

      Thank you! I’m definitely trying. 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  35. colettebytes September 10, 2017 at 7:51 am #

    Hopefully, when you read this, Irma will have passed you and you and your loved family, friends and pets are safe. Thoughts with all of Florida and South Carolina as this storm wreaks its havoc. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 10, 2017 at 11:34 am #

      Hello Colette! The storm is howling and booming outside. I mean, the cacophony is terrifying, but I’m at my brother’s house and we have metal shutters over the doors and windows. We still have power, but it’s been flickering this morning. We’ve been able to watch the news and see the chaos that’s going on around us on TV, which feels surreal. It’s 11:27 am Sunday morning, the storm is over the Florida Keys right now, so we haven’t gotten the worst of it yet. We’re praying for all in Irma’s path. Thank you for the kind wishes. You’re very sweet. ❤ xx

      Like

      Reply
  36. Hugh's Views and News September 10, 2017 at 11:33 am #

    Oh my goodness, I had no idea you lived in the path of this hurricane, Vashti. I hope you and your family are all safe. I see you are at your brother’s house. My thoughts are with you, and all the people that have been or are being affected by this deadly storm. Take good care of yourselves and please let us know as soon as you can after the storm has passed.
    xx

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 10, 2017 at 11:38 am #

      Hello Hugh! We’re getting some terrible bands right now (11:38 am, Sunday), but the storm is over the Florida Keys right now and hasn’t reached us yet (SW Florida). We still have electricity, so we’ve been lucky so far, many have lost power. It’s frightening, but we feel safe here at my brother’s house. I will update the blog after the storm to let everyone know what’s going on. So far, so good. Thank you, my friend. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Hugh's Views and News September 11, 2017 at 7:48 am #

        I hope you and your family have come through the storm safely, Vashti. We’re all thinking about you and the people of Florida.
        xx

        Liked by 2 people

      • Teagan R. Geneviene September 11, 2017 at 5:07 pm #

        Dear Vashti. Godspeed! I was never sure if you still lived in Florida (though I knew you had at one time at least). Sending you every good thought. I know it must be terrifying. Hugs on the wing.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Vashti Q September 12, 2017 at 12:46 pm #

        Hello Teagan! I will admit it was one of the most terrifying experiences I’ve ever had. Thank God it’s over and we’re all safe. Thank you very much for all the good thoughts, my friend. ❤ Hugs & Kisses ❤

        Liked by 1 person

  37. dgkaye September 10, 2017 at 8:24 pm #

    You and Florida are in my prayers Vashti ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  38. mihrank September 10, 2017 at 8:48 pm #

    Vashti – wish you and your family safe and protected. This hurricane has been very tough, difficult to everyone, I pray to God to protect and support everyone.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 12, 2017 at 12:04 pm #

      Thank you, Mihran. We all made it out safely. Thank God. ❤

      Like

      Reply
  39. The Eye-Dancers September 11, 2017 at 9:01 am #

    Thinking of you and hoping and praying that you are safe.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 12, 2017 at 12:05 pm #

      Thank you very much! You’re very sweet. My family and I are okay. ❤

      Like

      Reply
  40. Doreen&foxdenrd September 11, 2017 at 10:24 pm #

    Please let us know how you’re doing as soon as you can!

    xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 12, 2017 at 12:41 pm #

      Hi Doreen! My family and I are okay. I posted an update a little while ago. I’ll post pictures as soon as I can. Thank you for the concern. ❤ xx

      Like

      Reply
  41. Denis1950 September 12, 2017 at 1:52 am #

    I trust you have sat it out safely Vashti and your house is OK. We are kept up to date on our nightly news, it seems the whole of Florida and further inland have experienced Irma. The storm surges have been incredible. Even in your hours of adversity I am sure your writer’s mind was working.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 12, 2017 at 12:07 pm #

      Hi Denis! It was rough for a while, but all is well. My family and I are fine and that’s what’s important. You’re so right, my mind was working. Ha, ha! 😉 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  42. Frank September 12, 2017 at 2:54 pm #

    Glad to hear you’re okay. Have been thinking of you while watching the news…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 13, 2017 at 2:24 pm #

      Aw, thank you, Frank. You’re very sweet. I appreciate you. ❤ xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  43. beetleypete September 20, 2017 at 5:51 am #

    Pleased to hear that all is well after the hurricane.
    Thanks for following my blog, which is much appreciated.
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q September 21, 2017 at 7:45 am #

      Thank you very much. Yes, things are finally getting back to normal. At least for me and my family. I enjoyed your blog, so it’s a pleasure. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Hurricane Irma – 2017 – www.pauledwardwiersgalla.org - September 8, 2017

    […] Source: Hurricane Irma – 2017 […]

    Liked by 1 person
  2. Writing Links 9/11/17 – Where Genres Collide - September 11, 2017

    […] https://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com/2017/09/08/hurricane-irma-2017/ Stay safe, Vashti! […]

    Liked by 1 person

If you comment you'll put a big smile on my face.