F11: now thats a storm!
UPDATE: The worst is over and it really wasn't too bad. But ferries were cancelled due to 7 metre swell. A little snow but wind was not too fierce.
ORIGINAL: We have a storm coming. A real storm. All schools are closed. The snow has just begun but its actually a little quiet and subdued, compared to what's coming this afternoon.
My wife typed "F11 gale force" into Google and our little island of Orkney came up first. Not many places in the world get storms this wicked. But the storm predicted later on today and tomorrow is expected to be a blizzard with "up to F11" gale force winds. A wind classification guide says that F11 is a "storm", which means anything less is just bad weather. Wind speeds for a F11 storm are between 103 and 117 miles an hour. Thats pretty quick. Not a good day to be out and about. Think on us today in your prayers.
Back in 2004 I was inspired by the account of Jesus stilling a storm to write something more poetic. Its based on the storm that affected a number of people at the same time, all of them experiencing the power of God in bringing peace. Its based on the Luke 8 account and its called sTorm. Hope you like it.
A Celtic Blessing:
"May you have -
Walls for the wind
And a roof for the rain,
And drinks bedside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
And those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire"
Sounds like a cold hurricane to us! Keep your head down and hold on to your hat (s)! Praying.
Posted by: Rowley | February 01, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Sounds like a cold hurricane to us! Keep your head down and hold on to your hat (s)! Praying.
Posted by: Rowley | February 01, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I know storms like that can be deadly - but there's a little bit of me that is quite jealous, coz it's got to be exciting too.
P.S. in Southampton it's sunny, dry, probably a little cold but all in a lovely day. We never have snow here :(
Posted by: Phil | February 01, 2008 at 12:56 PM
on a side note . what is up with your website . it will not allow me to leave without shutting down my whole computer , been going on for a few weeks now
Posted by: Shok | February 01, 2008 at 02:13 PM
praying as requested... gotta chin strap for your hat?
Posted by: Jeff | February 01, 2008 at 02:39 PM
everyone - storm is not too bad. snowing has ceased and winds are not as bad as expected . . . yet.
shok - i really dont know why or how or if it my site. please let me know if it continues.
Posted by: andrew jones | February 01, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Many prayers, and look on the bright side, if you now type "F11 gale force" into Google you're No1...
Peace in the storm...
Jim
Posted by: jim | February 01, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Andrew...praying for you all. You know we've been having very blustery winters here...and had a tornado rip through Hazel Dell a few weeks ago. The sounds of wind howling and shaking the house can be frightening. Praying for God's shalom in your house, especially for your little ones :)
Posted by: Peggy | February 01, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Wow, my homeland is getting nailed. Time to light the fire, get a cup of tea. Sit back and ride out the storm.
We will be praying for the island
Posted by: Mike | February 02, 2008 at 01:01 AM