So now it’s “only” a cat 4 storm.
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That’s because it skirted the Yucatán peninsula, I heard this morning that it’s predicted to increase to a cat 5 later today again.
So worried about this hurricane. Thinking about all of those in Florida
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Yep. Apparently it’s eye is reforming and in the warm waters it will re-energize 
Water has been intentionally shut off in parts of Pinellas County. (Where St Pete and St Pete Beach are).
The county also runs free shuttles to shelters for people who don’t have cars.
No idea how Tampa (Hillsborough Co) is doing with Helene debris pickup, but Pinellas Co made great strides in picking it up the last three days.
Regardless, I fear it’s going to be bad. Where it hits determines a lot. Surge is worse to the South, rainfall worse to the North.
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Not sure if we are allowed to post this, but watch this. It’s scary.
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It’s back up to a cat 5. News said it underwent “an eye wall replacement cycle” and in the warm water is back to a 5.
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A former coworker and friend lives in Apollo Beach. Fortunately, she’s not on the waterways, but is surrounded by them. She and her H left Monday to beat the crowds. Believe they went to Charleston, where her S arranged for a hotel.
Another friend is eight houses from the ocean in Sarasota. They have left as well; had planned a trip overseas, so changed their flights to leave Monday instead.
Dad is doing well at my sister’s in KY. He went to the pool today and felt much better. The water helps his back and knees. No word yet on what’s happening with the house in Augusta. Assume noone’s come to assess the damage yet.
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We all know of family and friends who are living down in Florida. So many of us are holding our breath hoping they will be ok.
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And not to forget the Helene folks… My 75 y.o. aunt is still without power and water. She said she is tired of camping. Looks like Duke energy has about 60K still left to go. And my FIL’s hometown county, while a very rural county… roughly 2/3 are still without power.
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I’m wishing and hoping the west side of Florida doesn’t get demolished. The debris from last hurricane is still on the streets, which will become projectiles.
I did my prep over the weekend. When I opened garage door to take out the garbage yesterday, the door wouldn’t close, I called the company to send a repairman. That was most of the day. My tip to the repairman was supplies, like peanut butter, jam, canned fruit, he has kids, but clearly was not ready or knowledgeable
Our big fear is that the damm in Okeechobee doesn’t break. Just as in Nashville, that will cause major flooding and road damage.
Personally, I dread the loss of power
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Hope you stay safe! We are sending lots of prayers for everyone in harm’s way.
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@GRITS80, hugs and best wishes for the most positive outcome.
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You are still welcome to come here!
I’m watching in horror right now as about 15 tornado warnings are happening in southern Florida. They seem to be everywhere in the southern portions, it’s just terrifying to look at. Hoping against hope that this weakens quickly.
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We know a bunch of families there. Most have evacuated…and did so Sunday or Monday. One claims they won’t have any issues, but are in a mandatory evacuation area and are not evacuating. Another thinks going to a higher spot means going up a few floors in their buildings.
Those in mandatory evacuation areas don’t seem to understand that they will not be receiving assistance…because they simply aren’t supposed to still be there. The mayors of several cities have stated this.
I hope all those we know remain safe…I suspect this will be a storm that leaves the areas with huge issues for quite some time.
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We also know people in mandatory evacuation zones who are staying. Nerve wracking worrying for them.
Also watching the beach cam near where our family has homes and I’m dumbfounded by the people who are bringing their small children and those actually going in the water. So reckless.
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I’m not here to criticize Florida’s emergency management—just genuinely curious. I saw numerous photos and videos showing massive traffic jams heading north during evacuations. Why not open the southbound lanes for evacuating traffic as well?
A guy who calls himself “lieutenant Dan” has chosen to stay in his sailboat anchored on the edge of Tampa Bay. Sadly he probably will not survive.
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My understanding is they didn’t open southbound lanes because they were needing access for emergency crews who were coming into the area to stage supplies and moving utility workers so they could hit the ground running after the storm passes.
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