If you've caught the national news lately, you know it's raining cats, dogs, and horses here in Georgia. It's an absolute mess. And even though the roads are dangerous -- some impassable -- Kennesaw State is open for business. Not sure why.
Just now the floor of the main entry way into the English building began gurgling (brown--sewage???) water. It spread several feet and came down the hallway toward my office. I've tried to get all my valuables off the ground in case we have any more problems. Several buildings on campus are experiencing flooding -- the bookstore, the Social Science building, the English building, the Wilson building. Probably more ... I've been visiting with our lovely custodian, Dee, and offering to help her if she needs it. She's been giving me the inside scoop on all the disasters happening on campus.
And yet ... classes are still in session (as much as they can be anyway). Are you kidding me?
My class meets tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. I can tell you right now, I'll be letting that class out well before dark so that none of my students (nor I) have to drive home in the dark -- because you can't see the water when it's dark. My normal route to work was flooded out at 10:45 a.m. Who knows what it will be like when I head home in 6-7 hours?
And the rain keeps coming. Sometimes hard. Sometimes soft. And it only stops for 10-15 minutes at a time ... every several hours or so.
Wish me luck getting home, and keep the GA residents who are flooded out in your prayers. So far, we just have a couple of leaks in the house. No biggie.
So long from Water World.
Just now the floor of the main entry way into the English building began gurgling (brown--sewage???) water. It spread several feet and came down the hallway toward my office. I've tried to get all my valuables off the ground in case we have any more problems. Several buildings on campus are experiencing flooding -- the bookstore, the Social Science building, the English building, the Wilson building. Probably more ... I've been visiting with our lovely custodian, Dee, and offering to help her if she needs it. She's been giving me the inside scoop on all the disasters happening on campus.
And yet ... classes are still in session (as much as they can be anyway). Are you kidding me?
My class meets tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. I can tell you right now, I'll be letting that class out well before dark so that none of my students (nor I) have to drive home in the dark -- because you can't see the water when it's dark. My normal route to work was flooded out at 10:45 a.m. Who knows what it will be like when I head home in 6-7 hours?
And the rain keeps coming. Sometimes hard. Sometimes soft. And it only stops for 10-15 minutes at a time ... every several hours or so.
Wish me luck getting home, and keep the GA residents who are flooded out in your prayers. So far, we just have a couple of leaks in the house. No biggie.
So long from Water World.
13 comments:
Yes, I'm commenting on my own post ...
Five school systems in/near the Atlanta metro area were closed this morning; Cobb County (where KSU is located) has decided to let its schools out early.
Two people in the metro area have died because of washouts.
And the rain is not letting up. We've had 8 straight days of it.
I think someone at KSU finally pulled their heads out of their butts, and I believe classes from here on out are unofficially canceled. They sent out a notification a bit ago telling students not to come to campus, so I've gone ahead and canceled tonight's class -- e-mailed all my students.
FYI -- I've heard roads are now closed near my neighborhood, and right now two of the three entries and exits to KSU are closed off. So those of us who are on campus might be here for awhile.
Nice, KSU. Real nice.
Today should have been one of my 6 mandatory, unpaid furlough days.
Fun times.
I'm back.
At long last, the great minds of KSU have decided that the university should close due to the flash floods happening ALL OVER the place -- including our classrooms and offices. I just hope people can make it home safely.
Me? I'm sticking around for a bit because I don't think I can get off campus right now anyway.
I read the post and remembered how the area around Hutchinson-Nickerson flooded in my fourth year of teaching. The Superintendent of the school district was new and did not realize how the local roads could fill up with water. I listened, one morning, to the radio when the flooding began. I waited anxiously to hear that our school district would not have school. The surrounding area schools would not be in session the radio announcer had already told the listening audience. I was very upset because I did not want to risk a serious incident by driving through flood waters to reach my school. FINALLY, someone must have talked some sense into the superintendent. Just when I thought the man was going to demand that school be in session, the announcer told his listeners that Nickerson School District would not have school that day. WHAT A RELIEF. You were writing your second comment when I tried to respond to the post. I was going to tell you how worried I was about you. I was also going to tell you to cancel your classes. The threat of danger is greater than the need to attend school. I don't want you on the road tonight. I see by your comments that classes have been cancelled. Thank God. I am still worried about you, but at least it won't be dark when you drive home. Eight inches is a lot of rain. You might be camping out for awhile on campus. I am sorry for your inconvenience. I am glad your house has not experienced major damage. Right now it is very windy here and the sky is threatening rain. We need the moisture though, unlike you. I hope the rain stops there and Georgia begins to dry out. Good luck. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope Trent is in a safe place. Please keep us posted.
Hi, Honor. I agree that the threat of danger is greater than the need to attend school. I think a lot of people were pretty upset that KSU was in session this morning until about 1:00 p.m.
I made it home around 4:15. Stayed on campus until about 3:30, vising with some people and doing some work. I was able to avoid most heavy traffic roads, and the washed out roads, too.
KSU has already canceled classes for tomorrow in order to assess the damage that's been done from today's flooding and to keep people off the streets since more rain is in the forecast. Some spots have gotten 15 inches since Friday (the rain began last Tuesday), and several more inches are expected over the next few days.
Trent's still not home ... not sure when I should expect him either, since his boss is a total tool and since the downtown connector (I-75/I-85) is closed in both directions due to flooding. At least his in the truck, which sits higher off the ground (better visibility and higher clearance).
Love to you all!!
I am glad you made it home safely. I hope Trent will be ok and get home safely too. You folks have had an incredible amount of rain. The good news is that the college will be closed tomorrow. Thanks for keeping us informed. It is a great relief to know you reached home without too much trouble.
Katie I am glad you made it home safely too. I hope that by now Trent is home enjoying his super. Keep us posted on the conditions. I agree with your comments about KSU. Who in their right mind found the need to drag people out in those conditions? I hope all your students and co-workers made it home safely. Stay safe and have a hot chocolate with cinnamon night.
This morning on the news, Katie, we heard that your area has had 20 inches of rain. Six people have died in the high waters. Please stay home and try to stay safe. I hope Trent made it home for supper, as Fiddler said. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Last year a drought, this year a flood; Georgia and the south have been hit hard.
Katie I'm so glad your safe. Jeeze what a mess. Did Trent get home? Water can be scary. I hope Trent doesn't try to get through if it isn't safe. The weatherman here says,"turn around don't drown." I seen on the news that clean up has begun. Thank God!
Hi, all. Thanks for your kind words. Trent did make it home last night, and today too.
The sun is shining, and things are looking up. I feel for the people in low-lying areas who didn't have flood insurance. The clean-up around here is going to be difficult.
Love to you all.
We are happy that you and Trent are ok. I hope the sun begins to shine and the waters recede. Take care. Love you.
What harrowing events....sorry to be so slow to comment but very glad you and Trent are safe!
Love you both,
mom
I saw some of the pics of your area on Good Morning America. Water can be devastating and frightening, always play it safe. I am glad the sun is out again. I hope everyone dries out soon.
Katie, I hope that your house was undamaged by the heavy rain. Since you live on a hill, you are probably in better shape than most folks. I do not know if there was wind or hail during the storms that might affect your home. Glad you and Trent are safe.
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