Hurricane Irma headed this way....

[astrochex]

Originally Posted by Baz

A little bit, yeah....to be expected. We are lucky the storm moved westward....for us on the central east coast this is just going to be a wind and rain event with very little to be concerned about regarding structural or human injury.

I am very thankful too to see the tracks narrowing and getting farther from the east.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by manbridge 74

I don't blame you. The chances are astronomical that one would be directly injured or killed. Why leave? Just makes it possible for more looting.

I've always asked....why are first responders and law enforcement not leaving, if this is so life-threatening?

On some news coverage last night they showed a brief glimpse into one of the local schools which are serving as evacuation shelters. They tape off an area on the floor for you to stay. Ugh....fine for some but at this stage in my life...no thanks. I much prefer the comforts & privacy of home.

Along the lines though of your comment...if you stay on your property you have a better opportunity to maintain it on several levels than if you are gone.

I don't even believe in shutters or boarding up...especially if you stay. It reduces you to a "shut in" with little visible connection to the outside and what is going on.

I have a ton of palm trees and other tropical foliage and even in stormy conditions it's wonderful to see all the greenery when you are indoors.

Ultimately, I think people should do what they feel is necessary. Even if it's only a psychological benefit.

[manbridge 74]

I see. Fires here are the same way. They put the fear of God into you to try and force you to leave. But I've been in a big fire event before and KNOW I can walk out to the green open space and be fine. Fire can only suck out so much oxygen with a limited fuel source.

I feel sorry for the guy who evacuated his ailing mom to Tampa from Miami....

Best prayers sent to those in the path....

[Baz]

Prayers to anyone in her path....those are some high winds.....

[URY914]

I have very tall pine trees surrounding my house.

[astrochex]

^Oh man, Paul, I hope the winds drop before they reach you.

[Soren Lorenson]

Originally Posted by Sarc

My pops is hunkered down in Punta Gorda, which looks to be getting pounded at the moment. Haven't heard from him since 3am....very concerned right now.

It's not bad yet here so Punta Gorda should be ok.
DM me later if you need me to check on him sometime

Powers not out yet. I'm watching
NFL network. That'll change in two hours or so...

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by URY914

I have very tall pine trees surrounding my house.

DUDE! Stay safe.

[CurtEgerer]

Seems to still be tracking ever so slightly west. Tampa still looks like a direct hit.

[astrochex]

[dad911]

Anyone know how to read this? 3' surge gives me hope our friends are ok and house is still there.....

https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/waterlevels.html?id=8724580&units=standard&bdate=20170909&edate=20170910&timezone=GMT&datum=MLLW&interval=6&action=

[pwd72s]

Am I mean enough? My buddy in Sarasota decided to ride it out. He has one of the newer homes with all the anti hurricane goodies. Metal shutters, roof straps, ect.

Every winter, when Oregon in a deep freeze, he calls me, asking how the weather is here, then says he's enjoying a drink poolside.

Yeah. I've been thinking of making a call, asking him how the weather there is.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Am I mean enough? My buddy in Sarasota decided to ride it out. He has one of the newer homes with all the anti hurricane goodies. Metal shutters, roof straps, ect.

Every winter, when Oregon in a deep freeze, he calls me, asking how the weather is here, then says he's enjoying a drink poolside.

Yeah. I've been thinking of making a call, asking him how the weather there is.

[Baz]

24 more hours and it'll all be over in our location.......

[carreradpt]

Here in Melbourne, minor event so far, but gusts are getting stronger from the east. Worst is "scheduled" for 3am with 70-80mph gusts when Irma is over Tampa and adjacent to us. Then hopefully it continues to the north and doesn't pull any funny business crazy turns.

[Racerbvd]

[Baz]

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

CNN's Chris Cuomo interviewed someone by phone. He said he would be okay. He was in a concrete building, had lots of food, water and hooch. Chris goes, "Hooch, as in alcohol?" The guy replied, "Yep."

lol

[URY914]

Cat 2 at the present time. Been raining all day here in Jax.

[pwd72s]

Fox news reporting reduced to Cat. 2...that's good news, I think.