Crazy Winds

I'm a little late to the party, but last week, we had some mighty winds. They actually kept me up awake. I think at around 3 in the morning, it sounded like a car had driven into a house. An hour later, it sounded like someone loaded up a gatling gun with pebbles and started shooting at the side of the house. Then the next day, Thursday, school was closed. Friday as well, so I enjoyed a nice 4 day weekend, though my Internet, Cable TV, and phone was out. Power was still on, but none of my services did. For those who lived close enough to feel these winds, how did it affect you?