[tevake]

I've lived in Hurricane zones most of my 70 years. Grew up in Eau Gallie Fl., spent a couple of childhood years in Puerto Rico, still remember staking down my coaster cart to keep it from blowing away in a hurricane there.
Then most of my adult years in Hawaii.

Mostly in past times the fringe of these storms were an opportunity for some extreme fun. Blowing down the flooded roads in Eau Gallie on a skim board, later searching the coast for sheltered enough places to get some storm surf.

In Hawaii storms mostly blow by making extra big surf and wild windsurfing conditions.
There are times nearer the center of these storms that hunkering down is the only thing left to do. Iniki was one of that kind for Kauai.

The dangerous section is usually quite narrow, 30 to 50 miles wide. Then those often deminsh quickly after landfall.
Experenceing the firinge of these storms is one thing.

But the close proximity to Michael last year brought a new reality to me.
Actually I was well clear of Michael when it came ashore, evacuated to central Ala.
Yet the extent of the damage inflicted is still unavoidable throughout the area here. The storm was still at catigory 3 as it crossed the stateline into Ala and Ga. 60 to 75 miles inland. And wreaking havoc I well into those states. Older structures blown to pieces, many newer ones lost their roofs, many had trees blown into them, causing major damage.

Not to belabor this risk. But I do urge all of you in the potential landfall areas to not take this too casually.
I've spoken to many long timers here that had for generations just hunkered down and rode these storms out, now saying that after what Michael put them thru, they will never stick round again.
Many along the coast have no option in the matter as their homes, and towns even are still far from being rebuilt.

Just wanted to share a heads up about my new perspective and concerns for those of you potientally in that cone of distruction. Take my 2 cents as you will.

Wishing all the best to those near the storms landfall.

Cheers Richard