Our house is surrounded by a nice wooded area which protects the house pretty well during a Cat 1/weak Cat 2 type storm. During Georges, we could watch the tree tops getting blasted while standing in a strong "breeze" at ground level. If this puppy keeps up the speed, of travel, we will be OK (barring tornadoes) but some structure may take some extra damage.
Latest forecasts show us anywhere fro dead center to possible western edge of eye-wall as they coalesce into narrower expected tracks. Keeping our fingers crossed and praying nobody gets killed/ruined.
Didn't board up but secured all the loose stuff and have plenty of water/food/flashlights (basic hurricane kit) and plenty of propane for the grill if power is out for any significant amount of time - hoping to keep power or have it up quick if it drops - they have gotten really good in this area - only went w/o power for 4-1/2 days after Katrina which was freaking amazing.
Pretty calm now - just took a cruise along the beach in Ocean Springs and not much wind, wave action or water elevation - gonna change over the next 8-12 hours though.
Stayed with my sister in Grand bay after Katrina. We were without power for about 2 weeks. Some folks in rural areas of Jones County were without for nearly 2 months.
I lived just a block off the beach in Pass Christian at the time. Nothing left.