The Super-Mega-Biblical Typhoon

I have no idea why the weather excites me so much. It’s actually embarrassing.

And I think if a person is posting about the weather on a blog, it’s probably about time to call in the family and administer last rites.

Unless of course said person is blogging about a Super Typhoon.

The “Super” addition is official by the way, not my own embellishment (I could do better than “Super Typhoon”. Personally, I’m a fan of “Mega”. I think “Mega Typhoon” carries the weight they are looking for. Or perhaps “Biblical Typhoon”.)

In any case, Super-Mega-Biblical Typhoon Songda will be hitting Okinawa just in time for the weekend.

I once got into an argument with someone over the whole Typhoon vs. Hurricane vs. Cyclone thing. The argument revolved around which sounded more threatening. Cyclone was immediately ruled out. It sounds like something someone from Victorian England would say (coincidentally, the name is used in India).

The person settled with Hurricane. I couldn’t have disagreed more. When I think “Hurricane” I think of some local news reporter in a blindingly yellow rain coat with some beach grass blowing in the background. Or time lapses of some parking lot at night showing the rain falling through the light of the street lamps.

When I think of “Typhoon” I think of the storm from Jurassic Park that caused everything to go to shit. I think of that rain scene from Jumanji (though it was a monsoon…). Bottom line, “Typhoon” conjures up images both dangerous and exotic, exciting and Romantic. “Hurricane” doesn’t have nearly as many dimensions as “Typhoon”. That’s a fact.

And don’t get me started on “Super Typhoon”. It sounds like it should be the size of half of the Pacific, and swallow entire countries. (An exaggeration? Check this out) Compare that to “Major Hurricane”. Not even a contest. A “Major Hurricane” might blow over your beach umbrella. A “Super Typhoon” will send an oil tanker through your living room window.

As I write this (at work) it has already started to rain, and it is a little eerie to think that things will be deteriorating quite rapidly from here on out. I have a strong feeling Super Typhoon Songda may even blow the screens off of my balcony doors.

Probably because I broke them this week and intend to blame it on the typhoon when I tell my landlord on Monday.

A “Hurricane” could never be responsible for such damage.