If you've seen any of the storm coverage, there's a good chance you're a little anxious about this gal named Irene.
Hang on a second. Or two.
Here's what I know:
People in the Coney Island area have been evacuated. It's the beach. They should be. And it's far from where I live. In fact I went to that area last weekend, and I took a little nap in the car ride home. That's how far it is.
People in the Wall Street and Battery Park areas have been evacuated. Again, right on the harbor plus lots of glass buildings. Sure, it's closer to me. Probably two miles.
Me? I'm on Sullivan Street in Zone C - the least likely to be evacuated. I've got more than enough food, candles, cash, flashlight, batteries, water, and a radio. My little apartment is stout. Built in 1900. It's seen a lot.
I'll keep you updated throughout the day.
10:36 p.m. - The rain is heavy is now. Comes in cycles, which I understand is normal. I should've bought cookies.
8:05 p.m. - Finally. It's raining. I filled the bathtub with water in case we lose water. (I'm doing what the news people say. They're very passionate about this stuff.)
Here's some third world trivia for you: Did you know you can dump a bucket of water in a toilet and it will force it to flush? Try it. Fascinating hurricane games.
7:00 p.m. - Clearly, waiting out this hurricane is exhausting. I just took a 45-minute nap. I haven't slept like that in a long time. The streets are quiet. Light rain. The mayor has issued a 9 p.m. curfew.
3:15 p.m. - Irene. Irene. Irene. You're boring me. Intermittent showers. People are out. People are about. We're following the rules. Irene is about 350 miles away, so we're waiting. A few restaurants in the West Village are open, and they are packed.
12:00 p.m. -- The park is closed. Mostly misty. Light rain. The MTA (subways & buses) just closed. It will take eight hours for it to shut down completely. Lots of taxis available. Police on patrol. People are still out, but it's strictly locals. No tourists clogging up Bleecker Street today. Starbucks, McDonalds and the pizzerias are closed. But the ladies at the nail salon across from my apartment are still clipping, buffing, and painting. No idea how they'll get home. A friend from the UK texted to ask me if it's eerie. Not at all. Very calm.
7:30 a.m. -- Foggy. 74 degrees. A little breezy. Forecast says Irene is going east of New York City. It's quiet. Clearly some people have left. Others out walking their dogs. The squirrels in Washington Square Park are having lots of fun. The birds, too. They say animals know first - it that's true. We're good.