I am 39 years old. I have lived in the Gulf Coast for pretty much my whole life (New Orleans, Miami, and Houston). I do not remember a hurricane season shaking me to my core as much as this one. The destruction from Harvey and Irma is just incomprehensible.
My thoughts are with everyone in Irma's path and those waiting to hear from loved ones.
Holy shit, @246baje . Those photos are breathtaking. How incredibly awful.
Can anyone in/near Tampa share their plans for this? I have a friend/coworker who recently moved to Tampa and she's never been through anything like this before. She's not sure what she and her husband plan to do at this point, but I can tell she's scared.
Really depends on what area of Tampa. We have friends in S. Tampa/Downtown/Bayshore Blvd who are going a little north because the area is prone to flooding. While those who are further north (Brandon, Wesley Chapel, etc) who are staying but ready with extra water.
If you're in St Pete/Clearwater then I would evacuate inland.
Is there somewhere online one can go and look for information on evacuation orders? H has family in Tampa (and Orlando) and we're not sure what's going on with them yet.
This is all so horrifying. The images from the islands are just heartbreaking.
I wonder if these two hurricanes plus the fires on the W. Coast will finally convince those GOP idiots that climate change is FUCKING REAL, but I'm sure they will just dismiss it as "god's will" or some shit.
Prayers to everyone who is affected, and/or has family/friends in these areas.
Holy shit, @246baje. Those photos are breathtaking. How incredibly awful.
Can anyone in/near Tampa share their plans for this? I have a friend/coworker who recently moved to Tampa and she's never been through anything like this before. She's not sure what she and her husband plan to do at this point, but I can tell she's scared.
At this point, it looks like the Tampa Bay Area will be getting tropical storm weather - this could mean loss of power, still potential flooding and whatnot but unless something drastically changes (which it could) we'll be on the weaker side of the storm. There are places in the area that flood with just a good rainstorm. What part of the area are they in?
ETA: just saw this has been addressed up thread. Carroll wood should be ok overall. Again, there's still chances of tornadoes, etc. As long as they stock up on basic supplies and button up the house, should be ok.
Really depends on what area of Tampa. We have friends in S. Tampa/Downtown/Bayshore Blvd who are going a little north because the area is prone to flooding. While those who are further north (Brandon, Wesley Chapel, etc) who are staying but ready with extra water.
If you're in St Pete/Clearwater then I would evacuate inland.
Is there somewhere online one can go and look for information on evacuation orders? H has family in Tampa (and Orlando) and we're not sure what's going on with them yet.
All the counties' web sites have this information. My county has an app even. The local media is blasting where to get this information on the regular.
Holy shit, @246baje. Those photos are breathtaking. How incredibly awful.
Can anyone in/near Tampa share their plans for this? I have a friend/coworker who recently moved to Tampa and she's never been through anything like this before. She's not sure what she and her husband plan to do at this point, but I can tell she's scared.
Really depends on what area of Tampa. We have friends in S. Tampa/Downtown/Bayshore Blvd who are going a little north because the area is prone to flooding. While those who are further north (Brandon, Wesley Chapel, etc) who are staying but ready with extra water.
If you're in St Pete/Clearwater then I would evacuate inland.
Y'all pay attention to the news, check your county web sites, know your evacuation zone. There are parts of Pinellas County that are higher than most of Hillsborough. Arm yourself with knowledge, be smart and prepared.
Ugh, Floyd. I remember that one and this feels so similar with it being so strong, hitting the islands, and still not knowing the track. I was in Florida at the time, in a flimsy ass condo.
I was a senior in college and ended up in the ER, because of what turned out to be gallstones. What a fun time that was.
Really depends on what area of Tampa. We have friends in S. Tampa/Downtown/Bayshore Blvd who are going a little north because the area is prone to flooding. While those who are further north (Brandon, Wesley Chapel, etc) who are staying but ready with extra water.
If you're in St Pete/Clearwater then I would evacuate inland.
Is there somewhere online one can go and look for information on evacuation orders? H has family in Tampa (and Orlando) and we're not sure what's going on with them yet.
I found this which I think is what you're looking for.
It looks like since its curving towards the east Orlando will get the brunt but it's so large it really is covering the entire state with hurricane force winds. It likely will die down a bit once it hits mainland but still strong winds.
So if they're not leaving they need to prepare if not done so already and listen to the local authorities as they'll be more up to date than websites.
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A friend in St Thomas is safe but their generator is out and they're expecting to be without power for at least a month.
Post by captainobvious on Sept 7, 2017 10:27:11 GMT -5
My in-laws in PR have checked in and are fine, but they're very worried about family in FL. My MIL wasn't sure if anyone was evacuating or not and didn't seem too concerned (she's in NJ.) I hope and pray that everyone's friends and families are okay. Sending out positivity to all of the islanders and Floridians.
Post by MeMyselfandI on Sept 7, 2017 10:38:35 GMT -5
My friend and her husband are on a cruise. They're supposed to come in to port in Florida today. We live in Indiana, but they drove down. I wonder what their chances are of getting out of Florida before it hits. My friends that live there are saying the highways are just packed.
I cross under the Florida Turnpike going to and from work (live west of Orlando), and that highway is SLOW. All of our south Florida evacuees are on all of the highways going north (95, 75, turnpike). There were a couple accidents on 95 this morning that caused a near stand-still. Just hoping everyone drives slowly and alertly (is that a word?). Also, friends on a Disney cruise returned 1 day early so people could clear out of the coastal area who shouldn't be here and crew can get the ship ready. Definitely a good decision for all of those on the cruise that haven't been able to start their hurricane prep. SO much stuff is sold out of the stores here! Water is a seriously hot commodity. And propane!
For those asking about travel to PR while it is definitely too soo. To be asking that I would suggest a wait and see approach. A LOT of people depend on the tourism industry so if conditions are favorable I would still travel to the island. If you decide to cancel please try to help the island in anyway you can be it by donating funds, etc or by rescheduling your trip for a later time.
If you go, see how you can help while you are there. You can go to WalMart( there is no Target in PR) and buy clothes, diapers, etc for those who need it. You can donate to schools, etc. I help Escuela Elemental Eugenio María de Hostos year round www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/3JVHAX3QV4POA
This is their wishlist from the beginning of the school year.
As they determine where help is needed most I can post links of organizations in PR that could use our help.
At this point, it looks like the Tampa Bay Area will be getting tropical storm weather - this could mean loss of power, still potential flooding and whatnot but unless something drastically changes (which it could) we'll be on the weaker side of the storm. There are places in the area that flood with just a good rainstorm. What part of the area are they in?
ETA: just saw this has been addressed up thread. Carroll wood should be ok overall. Again, there's still chances of tornadoes, etc. As long as they stock up on basic supplies and button up the house, should be ok.
Just saw people on FB posting about mandatory evacuations in Tampa/St. Pete area. Are you guys a part of that? Thinking of you.
Thank you! I am actually in a non-evacuation zone. To give a bit of perspective, in general, they are evacuating mobile homes, the beach and a few areas on the innercoastal of Tampa that are at or below sea level (yes that is truly a thing).
At this point, it looks like the Tampa Bay Area will be getting tropical storm weather - this could mean loss of power, still potential flooding and whatnot but unless something drastically changes (which it could) we'll be on the weaker side of the storm. There are places in the area that flood with just a good rainstorm. What part of the area are they in?
ETA: just saw this has been addressed up thread. Carroll wood should be ok overall. Again, there's still chances of tornadoes, etc. As long as they stock up on basic supplies and button up the house, should be ok.
Just saw people on FB posting about mandatory evacuations in Tampa/St. Pete area. Are you guys a part of that? Thinking of you.
I am mandatory evacuation zone A. We are flying out today anyway .
Made my last attempt to get Grandma to come up to NC from Palm Beach County and failed. My parents, understandably, won't go without her. Their place is built like a bunker and survived Andrew and Wilma, so I'm trying to find comfort.
I am checking in continuously with my parents to make sure they are as prepared as possible, since it's all I can do. I shared the baby wipes for sanitation tip, and my mom sent me a picture of Clorox wipes and said she was all set. I think I saved her from a painful realization at the very least.
Post by mysticmuffin on Sept 7, 2017 13:51:30 GMT -5
I'm walking the fine line with H between wanting to know when/if he's talked to his family and not worrying him more than he is on his own. I'm so stressed out after the worry for ourselves and friends with Harvey, and now Irma with family sprinkled from PR to Savannah all along the east coast of Florida.
Fifty percent of cell phone towers are down in PR so if you haven't heard from someone you know this may be why.
I'm still waiting on hearing if one of my uncles is ok.
I don't usually post here but I am following this thread now. I hope your uncle is ok.
I spoke to my mom in PR this morning (she is at my sister's) and they are safe. They said there was lots of rain but not significant wind where they are which is the region southwest of El Yunque towards Caguas. I hope this info brings comforts to anyone with family in that area.
I think I have now lost contact with my family due to cell service going down, though.
I shared the baby wipes for sanitation tip, and my mom sent me a picture of Clorox wipes and said she was all set. I think I saved her from a painful realization at the very least.
The new ensemble forecast looks very bad. I hope it is wrong! NHC will update its prediction at 5 and we'll see the official take on this. Hugs to everyone in the Southeast
Fifty percent of cell phone towers are down in PR so if you haven't heard from someone you know this may be why.
I'm still waiting on hearing if one of my uncles is ok.
I don't usually post here but I am following this thread now. I hope your uncle is ok.
I spoke to my mom in PR this morning (she is at my sister's) and they are safe. They said there was lots of rain but not significant wind where they are which is the region southwest of El Yunque towards Caguas. I hope this info brings comforts to anyone with family in that area.
I think I have now lost contact with my family due to cell service going down, though.
This makes me feel about > < this much better, but I'll take any bit of reassurance that I can get. Thanks.
The new ensemble forecast looks very bad. I hope it is wrong! NHC will update its prediction at 5 and we'll see the official take on this. Hugs to everyone in the Southeast
Holy shit
It doesnt look good for most of florida or georgia!! This is terrifying.
My fil is at "well it's hitting the east coast. Nbd" stage. He has a go bag and cat carrier.
He wouldn't listen to my advice, both from me and through h that he can prep small things like wrapping pictures and getting vet records. Stubborn old bastard + sigh
He's in zone a. I still have a few days to work on him at least.