Powerless against the surge of storm warnings

NASA Sees Hurricane Sandy as the “Bride of Frankenstorm” Threaten U.S. East Coast (Photo credit: NASA Goddard Photo and Video)

You ready for Frankenstorm?

As a rule, I like a little weather. A rainy day is good for the soul, and I’m not above wishing for a snow day, even this early in the year.

But all the hullaballoo over Hurricane Sandy has me smh (that’s shaking my head, for those without teenagers to translate).

When I was a kid, you listened the forecast, it was right about a third of the time, and you behaved accordingly.

Being plugged in sure brings a whole new side to storm-watching.

These days, forget the expected 80 mph winds, it’s the constant dire warnings that are whipping us into a frenzy.

Of course, we should take precautions, but consider that last night I got a robo-call from our First Selectman’s office warning me that a storm was coming in a few days and urging me to get my bottled water, batteries and canned goods.

I’ve gotten used to these calls the night before a storm and to update us in the midst of a weather event. They are actually helpful then, but FOUR DAYS before the storm is supposed to reach us? Really?

The news media has turned some of its attention away from binders and bayonets, and is working overtime to bring me every one of Sandy’s possible gyrations. There’s talk already of some school and event closings and cancellations for Monday and/or Tuesday. Some places are even considering cancelling or postponing Halloween on Wednesday.

Tonight, the supermarket was a madhouse, people already clearing the shelves of bread and milk, diapers and formula. It was a kind of social scene, with folks clogging the aisles to chat about the latest forecast or what they were doing to prepare.

I steered my cart around them, and gathered the barest of essentials, figuring if we lose power for a good chunk of time, I’ll only be tossing a lot of stuff.

Besides, if the lights go out, it’ll be a hardship, but I’ll force myself to get by on the enormous bag of chocolate Halloween candy we bought at Costco.