Hurricanes - What would you do?

[centrop67]

I live in a neighborhood that was leveled by Hurricane Andrew, and thanks to Hurricane Irma, it looks like I have a tough choice this week.

Do I hunker-down or run like the wind?

Of course, my first thought is my dogs. If we get on the road, I don't really have a destination and any housing arrangements are sure to bring on a challenge. I am considering a truck-bed tent and just going North until Irma passes.

We've been through several hurricanes since Andrew, and we've pulled through nicely. But, this one looks like a monster.

Anyone care to share your experiences?

[Steve Gossmeyer]

I got the hell out of town when Sandy hit Long Island i stayed in a hotel in the pocono mountains in Pennsylvania lol Irene wasn't so bad and I hunkered down but sandy messed nyc up

[Dutchringgirl]

I would get out. Luckily i have a friend in Maine I coul always go to. But I also have a truck blow up mattrss too. I am inland enough that sandy and Irene did damage but I didnt have to leave. but if I wwere you. I woulde high tail it out of there and just go, find some rest stops far away and sleep there.

Sorry about the typos, I still have a bandaged fingar.

[TimL_168]

GTFO. If you end up as far north as Baltimore, you can post up in my yard!
We've been really lucky here, and live on a hill. House has been here since the fifties...
I'm not used to things getting so bad this far inland. I guess the question really is "what good would staying do".

[centrop67]

Thanks Tim - I don't think I'll make it that far North, but I appreciate the gesture.

I am heavily leaning towards leaving. My truck-bed tent arrives today (hopefully), and I'll likely be on the road tomorrow. Evacuation of the Keys is already happening, and the major Northbound roads are probably going to be a mess by the time I can get out. My next door neighbor is headed out today. Gas stations are either out of gas right now, or they've got long lines blocking major intersections. Took me an hour this morning to get to work when it's normally a 20-minute drive. If I am not online, I am probably driving.

Again, the strength of the storm is my biggest concern. We joke about hurricane parties, and yes we have them, but this one feels different. My house, my boat, and my other possessions are not worth my wife's, my dogs', or my own life.

I know there's a couple of other members from South Florida here on the forum, and hopefully they're thinking the same way I am.

[TimL_168]

I wish you all the best.

[Steve Gossmeyer]

That shit is tearing Puerto Rico up!!! Get the f**k out

[Steve Gossmeyer]

I can't say f**k on here booooo

[Joxgirl]

Michael, praying for your safety. Keep us posted. Wishing you the best.

[Dutchringgirl]

you have my email if you need me. Not sure what I can do from Ct but IM here for you. Be safe !

[centrop67]

Thank you everyone - I've got a place in Homasassa, FL, then I can see if I need to head North from there.

Latest advisory has this thing going up the East Coast.

[Steve Gossmeyer]

Thank you everyone - I've got a place in Homasassa, FL, then I can see if I need to head North from there.

Latest advisory has this thing going up the East Coast.

I'll have to keep an eye on it!

[centrop67]

The county just issued mandatory evacuation for where I live. Headed out shortly.

Wish me plenty of gas to get where I am going, because it is scarce throughout Florida.

[TimL_168]

Take care man!

[Joxgirl]

Wishing you lots of gas... for the truck.

[racingiron1]

I'm late to see this thread, but if you make it as far north as Chattanooga, I've got a spare bedroom and large fenced back yard for doggie playtime! The current prediction for Irma is to follow a path straight here, but she'll be just a relatively minor storm when this far inland. I'm told hotels and campgrounds here have already filled up, and the nearest availability (as of yesterday) was Knoxville/Nashville.

[centrop67]

Thanks Eric - I have a good friend in Knoxville and it's been a consideration.

Nothing is good about this storm. If it hits the tip of Florida dead center as the current models say, then it will weaken quickly as it heads North. That's good news for everyone, but bad news for my home.

If the eye stays over water on either on the West Coast or East Coast it will cause a lot more damage, but my home will probably be okay.

We're waiting to see what it does when it finally turns.

[centrop67]

Already back at home - once I saw it was coming up the West Coast, I high-tailed it home last night.

Radar and Leela are finally calm now that we're back.

[Joxgirl]

Michael, I am glad you and the dogs are safe and at home.

[centrop67]

I'm safe. Finally got the generator running so i could access the internet.

No power since 2am last night. No cellular service all day.

The dogs were good. Now I've got cabin fever.