I spent most of the last few days glued to my iMac, reading Twitter feeds, Facebook, Google+ and local news outlets for news about Irene. I went out for walks around my neighbourhood, photographing what had occurred on the roads and bridges in my area. I'm done. Time for some normalcy. Time for some photos of pretty flowers.
Month: August 2011
2011-08-29 16:53
Water from the Millstone River is still over the far section of the bridge, but it had receded from yesterday. I expect this bridge could be open tomorrow. Some people with SUVs are driving around the barricaded and crossing the bridge.
Hurricane Irene
The remnants of Hurricane Irene's rage are seen at Washington Street in Rocky Hill and along River Road between Montgomery and Princeton Township, New Jersey. An old tree, which once stood as a stately presence in front of a traditional white house, is now toppled across the lush lawn. Its broken trunk and scattered branches evidence the storm's force. On display are the jagged splinters of the fallen giant, a raw break from the main trunk, symbolising the sudden violence of nature.
On the now-flooded River Road, the water rises high enough to submerge the base of the sign welcoming travellers to Princeton Township. The flood waters reflect the trees and utility poles on its still surface. It's a surreal landscape where the road should be; now, a makeshift river mirrors the sky and foliage.
A lone cyclist, pausing at the water's edge, contemplates and photographs the submerged path ahead. A tree in the background lies across power lines, a stark reminder of the disruption to human lives and the power of natural forces. These images capture the unexpected transformation of the everyday landscapes, the silence after the storm, and the resilience of communities facing the aftermath of nature's fury.
