The water is an incredibly powerful force. Irene blew past without much damage to structures, and relatively little rain. We got the call that the ferry ceased running last evening, and assumed that it was windier out on the island than it was here in town, where the storm was pretty benign. Then I got a text from Toone this morning describing the beach as “unrecognizable.” Couldn’t miss that, so we headed over on the 10:00 boat. Captain Buddy mentioned that one of the reasons the ferry stopped early last night was the complete absence of landmarks. The tide was apparently so high that Captain Paul couldn’t see shell banks or islands along the way, and there was some fear that the Dewees fixed pier would be in the water. This morning was still breezy, but it was easy to see that the water was basically where it belonged. The docks on the IOP told another story, as they had wrack wedged on some of the top rails.
Toone’s assessment of the beach was correct– it was really disorienting. The storm surge that sent water behind the dunes altered some of the landscape of boardwalks and gazebos on the front beach. The sand fencing is all but gone. The fixed pipe that was part of the geological survey has been bent completely in half… that took some power! There is still standing salt water behind the remains of the primary dune. The water washed all the built-up sand from under Osprey walk and exposed the part of the boardwalk that has been under the sand. There is a deep cut where the water either entered the ocean from Lake Timicau or went the other way. Apparently, ocean water was deep over Pelican Flight Drive; there are places where it washed down the driveways on the inland side of the road. There is no trace of any of the three remaining turtle nests.
I came away with the sense of having been lucky– keeping those in the northern path of Irene in my thoughts. To see photos, click the collage below. It will take you to a smugmug gallery.
The whole experience made me realize how lucky we are that Dewees has such wide setbacks from the ocean.. as dramatic as it was, the damage was minimal compared to places that build right on the beach!
Wow! Thank you for the pictures and the update! Dewees has certainly been in our thoughts and prayers….as well as all of the areas in Irene’s path. The beaches remind me of what we saw after the tropical depression brushed by in 2008.
In Northern VA, we have power….but there are areas in our neighborhood who have major tree damage and won’t have power for days. Stay safe to all. Carey
Thanks for the photos. I have worried about the strong winds and rain at Dewees. A few years ago the salt water made way into the parcel front of our house (an alleyway was created), it has changed the trees and plant life on our lot. I am guessing Irene flooded that area with salt water once again. I am thankful that the eye of the storm chose not to land in SC. It was a powerful storm that has had a huge impact on many. Your photos are appreicated! THANKS.
Thanks for the interesting update.
We are going thru the same storm here in CT with heavy winds knocking down trees left and right. Most of the state is without power. All roads and highways are legally closed.
Happily we are ten miles from the coast and our house is 525 feet above sea level.
Keep the news about the island coming.
Jan Mashman
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