Stay Safe During Frankenstorm

From The Virginian-Pilot:
Frankenstorm

But with tropical-force winds extending more than 400 miles from the center of the Category 1 hurricane, even a sideswipe will deliver nasty weather. Dan Proch, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Wakefield, said locals should expect Sandy to loiter through at least Tuesday.

Rainfall was being forecast at around 6 inches, with moderate flooding. If the peak storm surge coincides with high tide, 2 to 4 feet of extra water should be expected. Given Sandy’s large wind field and lazy movement, the elevated water could hang around through several tide cycles.

Water is rising in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. – Water is inescapable in Virginia's second-largest city, home to the world's biggest naval base, three major port facilities and public and private shipyards. Norfolk is nearly surrounded by water: it sits at the mouth of the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and the junction of the Elizabeth and James Rivers. Canals and creeks penetrate into many neighborhoods, and home sale listings highlight water access – "Within 50 feet of H2O – You can canoe and kayak!"
Yet as much as water is a resource in Norfolk and the surrounding area, known as Hampton Roads, it also represents a threat.

Most of Norfolk is less than 15 feet above sea level, and low-lying neighborhoods already flood regularly when heavy rains combine with high tides, swamping storm-water systems. The worst flooding in memory happened in 1933, when a hurricane and five-foot storm surge left residents wading thigh-deep on downtown streets.

Even now, city maps show that the surge from a Category Three hurricane would inundate nearly the entire city. 

My view:

One of the most serious hurricanes in recent years is about to make landfall.

Hopefully, the vast majority of residents are well prepared to either ride out the storm on higher ground or have an evacuation plan in place in the event the storm changes course.

If we consider the situation of Norfolk, with much of the city barely above sea level, it is easy to see how even a four foot storm surge could wreak substantial damage.

It seems that human nature wishes away dangers that have the potential to disrupt our lives or injure us significantly.  Perhaps the saying "familiarity breeds contempt" is appropriate when it comes to storms if one lives in an area where they occur regularly.

This concept can also be applied to the financial system.  When a financial house has been constructed below sea level (ie: fiat currency & central banking), any significant storm that comes along threatens to flood and collapse such a house built in a vulnerable location.

Just a storm preparations are made for hurricanes and tornadoes including moving to higher ground to avoid the flood, financial preparations can be made by building up cash and gold reserves.

With both these things in mind, keep safe and prepared East Coasters, as this storm looks ugly.