Hurricane Sandy

Yes, H Sandy is on its way toward the Atlantic coast as I type this.  It's still a Category 1 storm, but since it has two other storm systems in the area the stage is being set for a very nasty time.

If you're in a flood-prone area and haven't gotten out yet, you might be in for an entire universe of hurt.  If you decide to have a coastal hurricane party, you're an idiot.

Some of the meteorologists have been sounding warnings that may appear silly or alarmist, but better to be alarmist and criticized than be blase about it and have a buttload of people get killed, you know?   

President Obama has already signed emergency orders making whole states disaster areas in advance, which is a prudent gesture and will bring the full weight of the Federal Government to play if things go bad.  This isn't the first time this has happened; according to Wikipedia, the first time anyone petitioned Washington for help was after the New Madrid Earthquake in 1815.

And it helps to remember, too, that A Certain Candidate advocated getting rid of FEMA during the primary debates, saying that disaster relief is a matter better left to the states.

So batten down the hatches - and if they're already battened down, batten them down again!  We'll teach those hatches!