A ' Derecho'

Egg Harbor City, New Jersey is a small community located in Atlantic County in the southern part of the State.  As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 4243.  The town has been under renovation for a number of years and many changes are presently taking place.  The tree lined streets on the most part have nicely manicured homes and yards and one senses there are many characteristics of a Norman Rockwell painting.  Unfortunately this community like many others in the area on June 30th 2012 experienced a thunderstorm system call a "derecho".  According to a meterorologist a derecho storm fuels itself, for it is a group of thunderstorms causing high winds, rain and hail.  Winds can gust more than 80 miles per hour lasting about 30 minutes. During this time a great amount of damage took place causing a massive clean-up effort needed.

This tree was in derecho's path. The family was  trying their best to get limbs away from their property and their neighbors.

We often are made aware of damage caused by severe storms as we watch TV.  This car and many others parked along the tree lined streets became victims to the storm.

Mother Nature had no mercy as it came through with a vengance.  The family was trying to clean-up the best they could, but it certainly was going to take heavy equipment to remove the large size tree trunk and limbs.

The City has a lovely park, called Lincoln Park.  It is a place where people can sit and relax under age old trees.  This one will never rise again and will be missed by many of the local residents.

Damaged homes also brought a feeling of sadness, knowing that no one should have to experience such devastation.

 

The root system indicates the massive size of the tree. As I observed the fallen trees they all appeared to be facing the same direction.  Rain, snow, wind or blow can not stop Mother Nature's choice of weather systems.  We must appreciate the gift of a clear blue sky, bright sunshine and lack of a 'derecho.'