There have, last I heard, 51 tornado warnings on the SE coast of FL
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Fascinating story about the ways the zoo and aquarium staff will be coping.
(no paywall for Wash Post article)
https://wapo.st/4gYrzFB
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Thank you very much! I have the worst pit in my stomach and there’s nothing I can do except sit here and watch the news.
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I asked my son the police officer about this yesterday. He said that reversing the direction would cause massive problems with getting emergency crews and supplies in. We traveled east on I-4 and they opened both shoulders for traffic. I have heard reports that there is a shortage of gas heading north on 75 so folks have been encouraged to go south to Miami area where there is less traffic and better gas availability. People from all over the state are evacuating and going all directions.
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If anyone hears about how this plays out, please let us know. Part of me thinks he’s a goner, but a little voice says he might just somehow manage to pull through. I hope so, even though I think he’s pretty reckless.
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That is absolutely terrifying. I live in Tornado Alley, and I’ve always had a huge fear of them. We survived one when I was about 4, huddling in our hallway while my Dad told us funny stories to keep us calm. The next day, I saw a house on our street was demolished, and ever since, especially as a child, I would get extremely anxious whenever there was a tornado watch in Texas, which is very often. A Cat 3 finally hit our neighborhood, just a few streets from our family home, but we had already sold it and moved elsewhere. The devastation in a neighborhood of very expensive and allegedly well built homes was extensive, and it kind of revived my fears of tornadoes.
I don’t think there is a place on planet Earth that is safe from some kind of weather or natural disaster threats, but it sure seems like Florida gets way more than its rightful share of them. Thinking of the people in FLA!
My D’s FIL is in a class D evacuation area, so I now understand why he stayed, though of course, that’s no guarantee against tornadoes.
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Lt Dan has relocated to a shelter.
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This is where my friends live and other friends have a beach house. It’s terrifying and they are all up here fortunately
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I have a friend in Naples. She sent me a message that she and her dog are sheltering at the middle school. She says it’s cinder block and the police are sheltering at the same place.
She said she’s there to help but she has a very undisciplined dog so I’m not sure how much help she can be.
Sigh
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I hope they have a 3rd or 4th floor with reinforced roofs 
I can’t say enough good things about the Swan Reserve Hotel at Epcot. It’s filled with evacuees and they have been so thoughtful and accommodating under a very stressful situation. They moved a plot of grass into the loading dock to use as a pet relief station so we don’t have to go outside into this horrible weather. And they set up an activity center for the kids with games and Mickey Mouse gifts for them.
So now we’ll sit in front of the TV and see what unfolds. It will be a miracle if we go back to an intact home. I’m pretty sure our son’s house will flood.
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My dear friend since kindergarten and her hubby are there with you. Plus their dog. 
Thinking of everyone displaced but grateful you’re in a safe location.
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Truly hoping for that miracle.
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Taylor Swift has donated $5 million for relief efforts for Helene and Milton.
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I am watching CNN. Those reporters do not look safe to me. You really have to draw a short straw to do storm reporting.
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Flooding is getting quite high here in Naples.
I’m a fourth generation Floridian and used to storms. However, the recent hurricane history just seems completely bonkers.
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I want tell Anderson Cooper to get away from the river. The waves are just pounding.
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Nah. This kind of story can make a career. AC has enough seniority that if he didn’t want to be there he wouldn’t have to be.
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Al Roker is safely in a studio but Lester Holt looks very soggy in the Tampa area.
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