Re: It looks like Kadena AFB will get slammed.
Posted by
AquaRN on 8/22/2012, 7:41 pm
Agree, still suffering jet lag from skipping 13 time zones from here to Okinawa.
It was amazing to see their very methodical preparations - even down to stretching ropes around large signs. Most houses and buildings - except those in the poorest areas are built like cement fortresses. Even on the 17th floor of the Beach Tower (very pretty), I could not feel the winds much although you could hear that eery sound.. The sliding glass doors were very thick glass and had special latches on them. In Okinawa itself, few stores/restaurants closed - even though the bases were locked securely down.
One down side is that the white boards posted in the lobby were all in Japanese...but I could tell they had a lot of instructions and maps on them as well as airport announcements and closings. I would have thought that at least a sign or two would have been in English considering how many Americans stay at that big hotel. Only one staff member knew a little...very little English. TV programs all in Japanese, websites too. My info came from you guys when I got access - which was sporatic during the storm (which later destroyed 4200 houses in China when it grew stronger).
The bases, and the naval hospital are just fortified cement structures. And, they have storm conditions that are enforced. The bases actually close to everyone...even ambulances are diverted. No one gets in or out once the storm watch is set. No one. You can even get into trouble if you are caught outside. Liquor stores are closed several hours before the storm too.
Interesting place to see preparations. You can tell they have done it a few times! |
39
In this thread:
Post A Reply
This thread has been archived and can no longer receive replies.