Floods!

As of this evening, NH Governor Lynch has ordered 50 National Guard troops to Hooksett. Part of my road is closed and I was threatened arrest by a Hooksett police officer (I just wanted to get home). I didn't cause a scene, I just drove through an intersection from which traffic cones were moved aside to allow emergency vehicles through. I called the police station before I left my mom's place to ask if I could get home, and the cop said they were allowing residents through, so WTF.

Anyway, I drove north, crossed the river at a passable area and made it home safely.

The photo above is of the shopping center up the street from where I live. I guess the water rose so quickly that people had to be rescued from their vehicles. I laughed when I saw someone on a paramedic's stretcher. I mean, please. You got wet. Maybe banged yourself against the car when getting out. Do you really need an ambulance?

Now, I'm warm and safe and dry. But Hooksett town selectmen passed an emergency ordinance giving local officials the legal authority to order mandatory evacuations. Those who refuse can be arrested. Again with the arrests! Okay, if it's really for my physical safety, I can go along with it. It just seems very weird to see this happening in Hooksett, NH.

I'll update (hopefully with my own photos) as I can.

* First update 12:01 am: Three National Guard vehicles just drove by. I live on a normally very busy road and I hadn't heard a car or truck drive by in a while. I wonder how bad the flooding is at the end of my road?

* Update #2: Some pics

Driving home last night (before I was threatened with handcuffs)


The raging Merrimack River at 3:30 this afternoon


That's a lot of agua


Water rushing behind and between very old mill buildings


People like me, checking it out


I run a trail around this pond, which about a mile. I've never seen it this high.


Guess I'd have to turn around and run back the other way!


There was a gas leak today, literally across the street from where I live. The National Guard had a checkpoint at the road I need to take to get home. By the time I got there, there was only an orange cone, so again today, I escape arrest!