[SilentServiceCPOWife]

I've lived in the Chesapeake/Virginia Beach area for the past 20 years and I've never experienced a storm like Isabel before. In fact, I didn't prepare for it like I should have because I didn't take it seriously. I can only imagine what it was like on the Outer Banks.

[duckman]

"I can only imagine what it was like on the Outer Banks."

We have a relatively new home, 3 floors, in Southern Shores 2 blocks from the ocean. The house was built to code with 2X6 outside beams and hurricane straps. I had my hurricane shutters up and took all pre-cautions. When Isabel hit my third floor shook like turbulence in an airplane.

[Brytani]

I lived in Virginia Beach for 10 years prior to moving to Homestead Florida. Went through Bonnie there but spent most of my time at hurricane parties when weather picked up.

Nobody took hurricanes seriously in the area. After last summer, I'm sure there will a bit more seriousness about the weather.