“If you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes.”

We heeded that timeless advice last Saturday afternoon when it was 32 degrees on the

Miramichi. It was a perfect day for a road trip to the beautiful Acadian Peninsula and a

clam bake on the beach.

As usual, by the time we reached Oak Point, the temperature showed signs of easing a couple of degrees. Tracadie

was even more comfortable but the sky was darkening and it was obvious that inclement weather was blowing in off Bas Caraquet.

Caraquet beach looked perfect. The storm had passed over us and was on its way south.

A quick stop at the Creek Fish Market and we would be set.

Within minutes, what was bright sky was now black and the dash

lights in the car came on, it was 5:30 PM.

The bad weather had returned.

Now, I love storms, especially over the water, so being only two minutes away, we took a

drive down by the lighthouse. The thunder was beginning to rumble and the wind made

holding the camera steady, almost impossible.

Lightning forked from sky to sea, it was a spectacular sight but we were in a dangerous area. Mother Nature was getting more

restless by the second.

This particular beach area is at the bottom of a huge hill, down a side street which has a

long history of being washed out during rain storms. And rogue waves were becoming a

possibility.

We moved to a parking lot at a much higher elevation.  The plan was to watch the storm

from there. Rain was coming down in sheets, making visibility almost zero.

The winds rocked the car like we were in the animated movie, Cars.

We had parked facing the storm. With the threat of having the Grand Prix upset from

winds coming up the hill in front of us, and heavy power lines threatening to snap like

toothpicks behind, we had to take a chance and move further inland, crossing the main street.

Just as I lowered the window, checking for traffic, Mother Nature tossed a full bucket of

rain water in my face. We headed south, back a more sheltered street, keeping the wind

behind and the power lines to our sides. That was the safest possible scenario at the time.

About ten minutes had passed since the “squall,” so dubbed by our meteorologists, had started.

We came to a three- way stop, turned and parked a safe distance from the intersection.

The three way would give us a better chance of finding an exit route in case of fallen trees and power lines.

The storm was over in about 20 minutes. The wailing winds gave way to sirens as rescue vehicles sprang to life.

We took one last look at the bay before heading back to the Miramichi, passing hoards of shocked homeowners

accessing damages to property; houses and outbuildings.

Downed power lines and huge uprooted trees were everywhere.

The frequency and severity of such dangerous storms is growing and becoming

more unpredictable.

The Weather Network issues warnings and watches, telling us to take necessary

precautions, but just what does that mean?

Here are a few safety tips during severe storms such as hurricane winds and high gales:

• Take shelter immediately in basements, interior hallways, or a small interior room on the lowest level of your home
• Stay away from windows
• Quickly leave mobile homes or trailers and take cover
• If you are in your car or outside, get out of your car, enter a nearby building or lie flat, as low to the ground as possible, or in a ditch, so winds can blow over you.

SEVERE HAIL STORMS:

• Stop Driving. Pull completely off highway so poor visibility doesn’t cause you to get hit.
• Stay in your vehicle, protect your face from breaking glass
• If you are in a building: Stay inside and away from windows. Do not use phones or electrical appliances in case of lightning strikes.
• If you are outdoors, seek shelter, protect your head and body, and stay away from low- lying, flood -prone areas. Avoid trees in case of lightning strikes and falling branches.

HIGH GALES:

• Avoid sheltered side of boundary walls and fences. If they collapse, they will fall on you.
• Stay away from buildings and trees
• Avoid driving on exposed routes such as bridges and high, open roads. Delay journey if possible.
• Slow down and be aware of side winds-especially if you are driving a high sided vehicle or towing.

Remember, during an emergency, you may have to make snap decisions.

For more detailed information, visit: Environment Canada – Weather and Meteorology – Being Prepared for Summer Weather at : http://www.ec.gc.ca/meteo-weather/default.asp?lang=En&n=86C0425B-1

Knowing what to do could save your life or the life of someone you love.