San Augustine Storms

I am use to storms and unexpected rain in Orange and along the Gulf Coast. You could see and hear lightening miles away and in a way it was refreshing. The roads would get cleansed and the azaelas seemed to perk up after a good storm. San Augustine has some rain that refreshes. However, storms here can be different. They can travel across the area unexpectedly in vertical bands. There are more tornado watches. This is the Piney Woods with lots of trees and they can fall across major roads and interrupt power regularly and can cause loss of life if you are in their path. Also, trees are like a magnet for lightening. Some residents have invested in built-in generators so that power continues when the city power is down. The wind can be almost hurricane force in some areas. The lightening can be deafening because it is so close.

We had such a storm this weekend. I woke up early and watched as the sun started lighting up the sky. An hour later, while making breakfast, I noticed that the sky was as black as night. I was very concerned and woke my husband up so we could make preparations for what might happen. The lights blinked, but thankfully stayed on. However, I heard later that some communities near Nacogdoches still did not have power by Monday and on my way to work down Hwy 96, there were several trees down. Many had been cleared out of the lanes for traffic. Large old trees were down in parks and in front of homes. In a way, San Augustine storms are an awesome experience, if you are inside and safe and dry.