Rain Rain Go Away

At 3:30 am it started, thunder, lightning and deafening rain. We have been in tropical storms before but this was very odd because there was no wind. There was no need to shut the windows as the rain was coming straight down. The lightning was almost constant and the thunder shook the room. We lay in bed. Lightning…one …two… BOOM. Lightning … one… BOOM. The rhythms of the rain were mesmerizing. Outside the window at the head of the bed came the sound of a mad bongo player who seemed to be trying to make sense of all the other rhythms. We listened for hours. The thunder and lightning would pass and then start again, but the percussion of rain drops kept a freight train pace.
When it became light, the lightning and thunder stopped and the rain slowed only to speed up again. The forecast is for this to continue for two days. This is highly unusual. It does not rain here at this time of year. You might get the odd shower but not this!
At the apartment, the living area is flooded and a small stream flows down the stairs, across the bedroom and out the door. The kitchen area is damp but usable and the roof is leaking.

It is day 4 of the return of Joanne’s infection and she is starting to feel a little better and a little hungry. We decide to drive to the supermarket and ask the neighbours if they want anything. The living areas in the other apartments are wet with the exception of Bev & Pete’s. A game of dominoes is suggested and Joanne feels well enough. Bev, Karen, Joanne and I, dressed in green garbage bags, go to the supermarket.

The normally five minute journey takes twenty. There is a foot of water on the road and you try to drive slowly enough not to make a wake. I have to maneuver around stalled cars and hope that your car is going to make it.

Under the metal roof of the supermarket the rain pounds down loudly as the staff try to remove product from under the many leaks. The floor is slippery, people are wet and in some very inventive rain outfits. We make it back without incident, have a fun games day, and watch as the rain continues to make the pool overflow.
According to The Weather Network, the chance of heavy rain for tomorrow is 100%.