Sunshine breaking through the storm – Photo by warriorwoman531 Courtesy PhotoDropper
It was so good to wake up to sunshine today, having seen so much rain in Colorado the past week. In case you haven’t followed the news stories over the weekend, we’ve had an enormous amount of rainfall the past several days with devastating floods. One even said the rain was in “biblical” proportions. I know, as long as I’ve lived here, since 1969, I haven’t seen this much rainfall in a short span of days.
Colorado typically has storms that last an hour or two and then pass. They usually come in the spring and later in the summer, during the monsoon season ― not in September. But, this downpour came and parked itself over the mountains and outlying areas.
It rained nonstop for 4-5 days, with relief coming in short, intermittent periods. It was as if someone turned on a shower, full force. USA Today reported last Friday that with a soaking most of the week and no end in sight, “up to 10 inches fell in an area from the Wyoming border southward to the foothills west of Denver.” Interesting, as our climate is naturally dry.
Historic Colorado flood of 2013:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wC600Dww6_M
It not only flooded in the mountains but mostly along the Front Range in Denver, Boulder, Loveland, Aurora and surrounding communities. It was noted in one of the news broadcasts that the flood covers an area about the same size as the state of Connecticut.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgPPXQx4XL0
We were lucky and weren’t slammed like so many from this rain and flooding. We got rain and, at times, it was heavy but we’re not close to a river or stream nor susceptible to clogged roadway drains. Many were affected. I see it all around my state. It’s frightening to hear stories of rising waters with the sounds of trees cracking, rocks tumbling and debris slamming into bridges.
Here’s an example of one of the many flash floods and a rescue in the mountains:
There is not going to be a quick fix. It will take time for families, communities and businesses to realize some sense of normalcy. This year, across the US, many communities had calamities from hurricanes on the east coast and tornadoes in the Midwest to major fires in the west ― Colorado included.
What can you do? Wrap your arms around your family and the ones most important to you and hold them tight. Love them and be thankful for what you still have. Then, look for where you can begin to pick up the pieces the best way you know how. There will be many helping hands reaching out to give aid and encouragement. Take baby steps ― it’s going to take time. But, soon the sun will shine again.
God bless my fellow Coloradoans facing these challenges today and the days to come. I pray you will find the strength and resources to carry you through.
Colorado floods: How you can help
Pat from the ol’ kitchen table
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Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2013 Pat Ruppel
Oh my goodness. I have been a bit worried about you my friend. I am so happy you have been spared but my heart goes out to many that weren’t.
That is great advice. I’m going to go hug my loved one right now.
Thank you so much, Susan. Me too — hugging those I love. We’re the lucky ones and there are so many that haven’t faired so well. They still don’t have everyone accounted for and still haven’t reached all the areas where people are stranded. It’s a mess.
Asking for your prayers, please, so many need them right now.
I saw on the news about the Colorado flooding and thought ” I hope no one I know is living there”. I am lucky I have never been affected by flooding I don’t live in area that floods.
I’m glad you have no threats of floods where you live, Joanne. Typically, we don’t either as we live in a dry climate and have mostly to deal with fires because of such dry conditions. This is highly unusual and hasn’t happened in a long time.
Oh dear Pat. Floods in different parts of the world seem to be in the news in the last few years every week, but it’s not until you are part of one that you realise what a tragedy it really is. It’s easy to become immune to TV news. Glad you are safe though.
So true, Diane. It’s like we get tuned out or something and don’t give it a second thought because it’s not happening to us. This sure has brought it closer to home for me even though we didn’t experience the devastating floods that many have.
Thank you for your warm, kind words. It means a lot that someone miles away is listening, caring and tuning in. Just asking for prayers for Colorado and everyone and everything affected. God knows the greatest need right down to a lost baby or an injured bird.
So glad you are alright. Praying for those who are not.
Thank you Cheryl for your kind words and for the prayers. That’s probably the best help possible.
Beautiful photograph Pat. Thank goodness that things seem to be drying out for you all there now but so very sorry for those who have been devastated by the levels of flooding. Glad you have been ok throughout.
This weather is so upside down. In the UK we’ve had the best summer for 7 years. Previously we have had nothing but flooding in July and so many events have been complete washouts, not to mention all the damage done.
This makes me wonder what kind of winter we are in for. Already it is much cooler and raining a lot but that is normal for here.We tend to get a lot here in the Somerset, the west part of the UK.
All prayers going out to you in Colorado as the recovery begins x
Thanks Sherri for the prayers and kind words. There are many people devastated by this — whole communities, cities and towns. They haven’t yet reached all the communities yet to get people out that have been stranded because of no access. They have to be airlifted out. It’s hard to get our minds and hearts wrapped around it as it covers such a large area and widespread from the cities up through the mountains.
The weather has been upside down for us too. It was a beautiful summer for us and fall with mild heat and regular showers. We’re just coming out of a drought for how many years now, I don’t know. We usually have to deal with fires because it’s so dry. That happened this spring starting with temperatures in the 90’s and snow melted early in the mountains. It’s like we jumped right into summer skipping spring.
Then the fires started and heat and we braced ourselves for another hot, dry summer. But here in the fall with rain in these proportions was amazing and so unusual from the weather we typically have. This time of year we’re having the beginning of light snow storms not rain and flash floods.
I’m glad you stopped by and shared your thoughts and well wishes. It means a lot. 🙂
I’ve heard about these rains. I have some family in Colorado. I’m so glad to hear you’re doing better, and I wish the best for all those who experienced loss during the floods. I read something like roughly 620 people are unaccounted for and several have died. Very sad.
You’re right about hugging the ones we love and counting our blessings. Hugs to you, Pat.
Thank you, Denise, for your kind words. I hope your family in Colorado are okay. It’s pretty devastating as I’m sure you’ve heard. I think you’re right — it’s roughly about that number of people still missing with approximately 18,000 people on evacuation. It’s so widespread and the Platte River is still rising to above flood levels. It covers an area about the size of the state of Connecticut.
I’ve never seen anything like it and affects everything from water supply, infrastructure, livestock, wildlife, human lives, food, agriculture and access to name a few. It’s something that’s going to take quite awhile to get back on track.
I’m glad you and your family are OK. Sending positive vibes for you and everyone in your community. On my island in the Caribbean we have our yearly hurricanes. I was fortunate, when I was growing up, I never experienced a devastating hurricane. I was able to enjoy the beauty of the strong winds and heavy rain.
Yes, it can take a long time to get back on track but we are resilient creatures and I know this community is going to rebuild and embrace the promise of a better tomorrow.
Thank you, Adalia, for your wonderful, healing, positive vibes. I’m taking them and sending them out to our beloved Colorado, as I write this. Unlike your island with yearly hurricanes, this is something uncharacteristic for our Rocky Mountain region. Our climate is more dry and, if we have flash floods, it’s only spotty and passes over with very little damage. As it is, it’s been a bit overwhelming on the extent and amount of area it has affected.
But, you’re so right, in that we’re resilient and compassionate and pull together. There already has been a lot accomplished in the recovery in such a short time and we’re looking forward to brighter tomorrows. 🙂
Hi Pat,
I’m glad that you weren’t personally affected by these floods. My heart goes out to anyone who was.
I live in Texas and my area floods pretty bad too but it’s never been in my home and I don’t live near any body of water. Thank goodness for that. I’ve always wanted to but haven’t for these very reasons.
I know that people have lost their lives and my prayers remain with those families. You are right though, be thankful for what we do have and always let those around us know how much they mean to us. Mother Nature can rain down on us at any given time.
Stay blessed!
~Adrienne
Thank you, Adrienne. We were fortunate and only got a lot of rain not flashfloods. Like you in Texas we don’t live near rivers or streams close enough to affect us and we’re on high ground not downstream. So thankful no mudslides either. But, there are so many not as fortunate.
This is not something we normally see in Colorado and it’s overwhelming. It’s going to take a lot to recover from and a lot of time. A lot of people were gravely affected and their lives are changed forever.
I’m glad you stopped by and left your warm thoughts and prayers. It means a lot — thank you again. I hope you’ll come back again and share.