Monday, January 18, 2010

Woohoo! El Nino has arrived, and with a vengeance

The rain started trickling in late yesterday afternoon and continued steadily through the night and into the morning hours.  By noon, the wind began gusting maybe 40+ mph, blowing the pounding rain in at a horizontal angle.  It got so bad that the ceiling of our library actually sprung a leak and I had to put a bucket and towels underneath to catch the drips.



Around 5pm, the rain finally let up and we are now in a temporary lull. The forecast, however, shows at least a couple more storms on the way. I wouldn't be surprised if we got over 4 inches of total rainfall up here on the plateau just from this first storm.



If I had any doubts about the prospects of an El Nino before, well I don't anymore. We definitely need the rain, but this deluge must be very worrisome for those folks living in the burn areas. I pray that they will be safe and their homes spared from mudslides.



1/18/10 Hana, wondering where all her frenemies are hiding out in the pouring rain



1/18/10 Around 2:30pm, water coming down on the library window from the upstairs balcony



1/18/10 4pm, herb garden is flooded






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2 comments:

  1. Noelle Johnson January 18, 2010 at 10:33 PM

    Hello Arleen,

    The rain has started for us as well. Like you, we desperately need the rain and it will be interesting to see how my garden fares. BTW, I am also 44 and I grew up in LA. I look forward to reading more of your blog.

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  2. camissonia (Arleen)January 21, 2010 at 8:46 PM

    Hi Noelle!
    I read your latest blog posting today and can see that you have no shortage of rain in your neck of the woods either. Indeed, the aftermath of a downpour in the desert is beyond cool.

    I must confess, I have a special fondness for desert plants, palettes, and landscapes because my husband and I are (almost) certifiable desert rats, having spent many a happy time hiking and camping at Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley, and the Eastern Mojave.

    Two years ago, I even set aside a small area on my property for a "desert garden" but it's been hit and miss due to the amount of rainfall we get here in Murrieta.

    But, I won't give up and will continue to be inspired by your blog and beautiful photos!

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