Brendan O’Carroll has opened up about being in Florida during the terrifying hurricane Irma which devastated millions of people and their homes.
The natural disaster which is said to be one of the strongest since hurricane Katrina in 2005, results in over 70 lives being lost.
Brendan, who spends his time between Dublin and Florida, has described the distressing ordeal.
The Mrs Brown’s Boys creator admitted that he thought he knew what bad weather was when living in Dublin.
“I’ve had many a stormy night in Finglas with high winds and the rain hopping off the windows. But Irma battered us for nearly 15 hours.”
The actor added that by the time he realised how dangerous the weather in Florida was, he could no longer leave.
“At one point it got so bad I went looking for my red shoes to join Dorothy in Oz,” he told the Sun.
“My family wanted us to leave but we initially thought the hurricane was going up the east coast about 100 miles from us.
“But by the time it changed course to the west and inland, all the airports were closed.”
He added that his only choice was to wait it out, and explained how concerning it was.
“Roads going north had a 50-mile gridlock so the only thing to do was sit tight and hope for the best.”
“The best description was like hearing a huge train coming at your house, it’s getting closer and closer and louder, and by the time it reaches the house, the roar is so loud that’s it’s now a 747 jet.
“We were terrified. One of those times that just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse it did.
“Like getting punched continuously and just when you think it’s stopped you realise they’re just changing fists.”
“The weird thing is the way the hurricane just hangs there, roaring for hours. It’s so loud, even normal conversation is impossible. You’re looking out the window at trees bent over, their tops touching the ground. And it’s really nerve wracking because it’s so dark.”
The Dubliner added that he is in a much better position than many others affected.
“We were very lucky considering we had the eye hit us directly and when you see how some unfortunate families lost everything.
“We feel blessed. Damage-wise, the garden is cleared of trees and plants, but otherwise no significant damage other than a few roof tiles lost.”
