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In Matthew's Wake
After The Winds And RainOctober 9, 2016
Hurricanes in Oriental have typically come with storm surge flooding. Not so this one. It was Hurricane Matthew’s winds that did more damage. Trees bore the brunt. The ground was already saturated by recent wet weather. With less holding power for their roots, the trees were easier pushovers when Matthew’s winds blew.There’ll be less shade on Church Street and at the Schoolhouse Condos. Matthew’s winds pushed over a very large deciduous tree. (Photo: Lucy Athey).Also downed: a large cedar near the intersection of Janeiro and Oriental Roads.Some properties already without trees, saw more minimal effects. The scene early today in front of the Provision Company.Early morning reports were that the water levels were up in Oriental but not anywhere as high as those in Irene or Isabel.
At 8:15a water extended past the Provision Company on Hodges. (Photo: Mike Beagle)From a distance all looks normal. But note that the breakwater – to the right of the four red trawlers at Point Pride – is barely visible.Calm dawn after the storm. Sunrise at Wiggins Point, 10/9/2016.As the morning wore on, and the wind clocked around to the north, the Oriental Wind TIde kicked in and water levels went up a few more inches.
Ripples on Hodges Street, Sunday morning.Accurate signage, Main Street between the upper and lower Duck Ponds, 9:15a Sunday.[page]
Some boats also went over. This one found ultimate instability in a Midyette Street yard. (Photo: Mike Beagle)Another view of tree down at Schoolhouse Condos. (Photo: Lucy Athey)Roots of cedar tree downed near Janiero Rd.Many trees that uprooted appeared to have shallow roots anchoring them. As was the case at Doug Sligh and Mary Ann Parham’s yard…….and home. (Photos: Doug Sligh)On Straight Road’s curve at Orchard Creek, a tall pine splintered. (Photo: Gary Mastrodonato)[page]
Pines weren’t the only trees to fall. A large deciduous tree fell near the Morgan contractor’s building on Hwy 55 just outside of Oriental. (Photo: Alexis Kisby)As seen on the other side. (Photo: Alexis Kisby)Not all fallen limbs made it to the ground. This precarious arrangement was on 306 in Grantsboro Sunday. (Photo: Ben Casey)On Kershaw Road near 55 a large tree came down, taking with it only a small patch of roots.Tree roots are not restrained by property ljnes. Two yards on High Street. (Photo: Joe Mattea)