During the ice storm of 2002, an icy branch obliterated our deck furniture. Tonight a gust of wind offed another set of deck furniture.
I was brushing Hallie’s teeth when I heard an awful clattering outside. I knew right away what had happened. When Kelly and I ventured out later, we found the umbrella and patio table had been completely lifted off the deck and flung upside-down into the yard. The glass tabletop had shattered into thousands of pieces.
The weather station clocked the gust at 11 miles per hour, though at the umbrella probably got more of it. Anyone know of any patio furniture sales? Or sails, for that matter?
Shouldn’t you close the umbrella when you aren’t using it, to prevent this sort of thing from happening? Also, an umbrella base filled with sand or cement would be a good idea.
This umbrella has an “escape valve” at the top, which usually allows air to flow through it. Also, it does have a base. The gust lifted the support pole right out of it.
I’ve grown so cynical when there’s any rain in the forecast that I’ve stopped taking it down. Looks like I was wrong this time around!