Okay, downtown Richmond, Virginia lost power at about 5:13PM EST. It was far too early to go to bed, so I went out to find an establishment that served refreshing beverages and had wi-fi access. I'm at Richmond's New York Deli now.
It's a little surreal in Richmond right now. It's raining hard and there's a gusty wind. A lot of blocks have lost power, but other blocks still have it. There are small groups of twenty- and thirty-somethings wandering around looking for bars that are still open.
Funny thing about Richmonders--when a disaster or bad storm is predicted, they run around like chickens with their heads cut off; they mob the local grocery store to stock up on milk and bread. But whenever whatever it is arrives, be it storm or earthquake or whatever, they are almost blasé about it. Panic disappears and people just start looking for a bar that is still open and serving.
After many adventures and near misses I have managed to find another bar with wi-fi. The New York Deli lost power a few minutes past 8:00PM. I decided to make my way home via Monument Avenue and I am sad to report that the many old growth hardwood trees along Monument have taken a hammering. Many of these large trees with 24" to 36" diameters are down and blocking the street (I'll post pictures tomorrow).
I made it to Capital Alehouse at 6th and Main and they still have power and wi-fi access. It's surprising how hit and miss power loss has been. You may go five or six blocks and no one has power, but then the seventh block does have power. There are plenty of people out and about--bored and looking for something to do. For me, this is the last stop. I'm going home and going to bed soon.
I am really surprised at how many people lost power tonight. Yes, Irene is a hurricane/tropical storm, but from where I've been sitting it hasn't been that terrible of a storm. Why is our power grid so vulnerable? I'm sure we'll be talking about this for weeks to come.
And then two trees fell onto my brother's house. Irene "was playing in the beginning, the mood all changed." Not cool Irene, not cool.
This diary has just been some random thoughts as I ride out the hurricane. Thanks for all your well wishes. We need them. How are you weathering Irene?