Photos by Donna

We are now experiencing sustained W/NW winds of 37 mph with gusts at 44 mph.  They were coming from the N/NW.  Our building shakes when the gusts hit.  Our large windows heave, and the plants seem to be ‘alive’ as they & the ceiling fan chains jiggle at a gust hit.  Late this afternoon into the evening, we are forecasted for sustained W winds at 40-50 mph, with gusts at 60 mph.  Low tide occurred for us at 11:26 am and was about normal in height.  Tonight is the full moon high tide, ours is to occur at 5:51 pm.  It appears we will be spared a big surge which is great.  I’ve been taking photos every 1/2 hour or so since daybreak.  Here’s a few of what is going on outside my window…..

Hurricane Sandy 10/29/12 @ 8:12 am – 18 mph N/NW winds, gusts at 31 mph

Hurricane Sandy 10/29/12 @ 10:23 am – 23 mph N/NW winds, gusts at 42 mph

This fella was trying to fish as he does wild maneuvering in the winds.  He actually did a couple dives but wasn’t successful.

Hurricane Sandy 10/29/12 @ 10:57 am – A tern fishes in the winds!

Hurricane Sandy 10/29/12 @ 12:23pm – 32mph W/NW winds, gusts at 41 mph.

Hurricane Sandy 10/29/12 @ 1:28pm – 37 mph W/NW winds, gusts at 44 mph.

It really doesn’t look so bad, does it?  It seems it’s not much different than a bad thunderstorm coming across the Chesapeake Bay EXCEPT they usually only last 20 mins to an hour at most.  But this one is still going on.  The driving winds and rain really are pressing down instead of kicking up the water, but there is water mist blowing across on top.  A few birds are trying to fly somewhere/anywhere for safety.  I just watched four ducks go for a wild ride up over me, almost being flipped upsidedown from the wind.  This fella somehow righted himself before being flipped completely!

Hurricane Sandy 10/29/12 @ 1:26pm – Duck almost being flipped upsidedown in the wind

Still hoping for the best and trying not to worry!  Just wish our building would stop shaking!!  :-\