I think it will rival Andrew in costs when all is said and done. It was a monster, period.
I would be surprised if less than 20-30 people were killed. Damage estimates are already 15-20 billion and they will undoubtedly go higher.
Thank God this thing missed Tampa. As bad as it is, this story could have been TONS worse.
If it strengthens and forms into a cat 1 or 2 and hits near Cape Hatteras, NC or anywhere on the outer banks, it will cause a LOT more damage.
Virginia and NC will flood like crazy. I'm already battening down, because I live 2 miles from the James River /Chesapeake Bay area. Flood surges are a big concern.