Sound The Alarm...It's Hurricane Season by Kristin Wallace

Tis' the season for much alarm and hand wringing. At least in my part of the world as we're still firmly entrenched in Hurricane Season. It's been some time since we had a storm here. The last year of any activity was the year of Katrina...and Rita...and Wilma. We just had a big anniversary as Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida 23 years ago on August 24, 1992. And a couple weeks ago we had a slight scare as a storm named Erika threatened Florida. Actually, that storm (I don't think it ever made it to hurricane status) was impossible to predict as the "Cone of Uncertainty" swung from one direction to the other like a drunken college frat boy. No one knew where she was going and in the end, she just fizzled out.

Erika gave the news reporters a chance to practice the drill, though. This is a great time to be a weather person, you see. Our local new channels become absolutely giddy with excitement at the prospect of wall-to-wall news coverage and a chance to show the viewers how committed they are to "bringing you the story". I’m talking about the annual ritual sacrifice of the poor hapless reporter who gets to stand out in the storm and tell us how hard the wind is blowing. I’m not sure when this practice started, but the stations here have perfected the art of standing in the howling wind, rain coming down like sheets, and pretending that all that drama really helps anyone. 

Here are some awesome examples of stupidity...

Joe Scarborough of MSNBS doing his level best to get blown away. What makes this awesome is that it's shot by another camera, not his "on-camera" one so you can barely hear him. Although you can catch that the wind is blowing 108 mph, which should be his first clue to go inside.

Here's another one of reporter getting blown over during Hurricane Ike & is saved only by the quick action of a hearty shrub.

Even as I speak, there are no less than 5-6 storms churning out in the Atlantic. Thankfully, most seem like they won't threaten anyone. And surely the poor reporters will be spared the necessity to go out in the howling wind and tell us...that the wind is howling. (All joking aside...praying there won't be any storms this year. They're actually no joke.) 

Kristin Wallace is the USA Today Best Selling Author of inspirational and contemporary romance, and women’s fiction filled with “Love, Laughter and a Leap of Faith”. This holiday season you can find her newest release FINDING YOU AT CHRISTMAS as part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses 2 box set. 19 holiday romances by some fabulous authors. Pre-order it today! Visit her website at: Kristin Wallace Author