A Drenching.

Remember when I said Wednesday and Thursday were going to be iffy? Well, Wednesday we enjoyed lightning and thunder from about 10:30am to 2pm, but the rain was more drizzle than downpour (and boy was it humid). We got clipped by the bottom of the storm cells that went by, and it was the upper Keys and the mainland that got walloped most of the day. Thursday the rain started around the same time, but we've had much more lightning, much louder thunder, and much heavier rain. It's been pretty darn windy at times too (where are my sweat pants?). Laundry day has officially been moved to Friday. You can see we have our own little waterfall where the gutter is broken.

Here's a good example of what I'm talking about. I can't believe this couple was so determined to have a beach wedding - sheesh (video). Turn up your volume if you really want to get the full affect.


The streets here flood pretty easily (even going into the bars), but I'd say the latest deluge would have tested any city. I guess we'll take it over the snow that just powdered Minnesota and Wisconsin and the fires burning in California though. When I checked the rainfall at the Weather Underground at about 4pm, we were almost at 5 inches (the airport says 4.14" which is a record for May 2).

Photo by: Cayman Elston

You've got to give World of Beer credit,
they posted this pic with caption.

It's Ride Your Way To WOB Day. First person to ride their 
paddleboard, kayak, flats boat, etc 
up Greene St and park it in the bike rack 
gets a free draft.

Photo by: Jennifer Renee Mooser

Tempting...     I'm not sure these folks were heading for WOB,

Just glad that's not Michael

but they had a better idea than this guy.









The paddleboard folks at SUP Lazy Dog suggested tours of the island via its streets. I'm not sure if they were kidding or not, but it could be done.

While they must be used to this stuff here, the National Weather Service posted:

Businesses have water up to their doors in the old town section of Key West. If you are traveling, you are creating a wake and pushing flood waters into businesses. Do not travel! This is a dangerous situation!

So it hasn't been all fun and games. Bus service was suspended by 2pm, and even the airport finally closed down for a bit. I would have wondered what that silence was, but with the constant thunder and police sirens, it hasn't been exactly quiet here. I'm pretty sure the organizers of the music festival are cursing quite a bit, but they've kept most of the planned shows going so far (recommending people take a walk in the rain - and they have!).

Michael made it home without drowning and the sun has come out. Time to dry out!