FALMOUTH – And now it has a name. Winter Storm Riley provided more excitement than we expected as we were hoping for a smooth transition from a relatively mild winter to an early spring. With hurricane force winds and terms like bomb cyclone being banded about, we hunkered down for the duration.
As for our neighbors on this peninsula called Cape Cod, they shrug at such a storm. We are hardy New Englanders and stolid Cape Codders, after all, and a little wind and rain is not going to intimidate us.
The day after a big storm? We go out like it’s business as usual and get coffee and perhaps take a scenic tour of the coast. Giant tree has fallen across the road. No problem. Just drive under it. Wires down? Drive over them. (By the way, you’re not supposed to do that, and yet, we saw it happen.)
Waters at Megansett, New Silver Beach, Old Silver Beach, West Falmouth Harbor and Eel Pond in Woods Hole were splashing over breakwaters and sea walls. Beaches were getting battered. It will take some time to assess the damage. Meanwhile, have a cup of coffee.
A few tips of Post-storm etiquette:
- When a puddle looks big, it probably is. Don’t drive through and make more work for the town’s emergency workers and tow drivers.
- If a car does not want to proceed over what could be a deep puddle, back up and let them turn around. Don’t stay tight behind them refusing to budge.
- If a car does not want to drive over a wire, see advice above.
- If a traffic light is out, consider it a four-way stop sign, not a freeway where you can drive through without stopping.
In the meantime, stay safe out there!
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