Bonnie Hits; Florida Braces for Charley (380,000 ordered evacuated)

fox news ^ | 8/12/04

[PinnedAndRecessed]

APALACHICOLA, Fla. — A disorganized Tropical Storm Bonnie (search) came ashore near the central Florida Panhandle on Thursday afternoon, bringing with it lighter-than-expected wind and rain.

By noontime Apalachicola looked as if nothing happened. The sun was shining, the surf was calming with the Bonnie having bypassed the area, heading east.

Meanwhile, some 380,000 Tampa Bay area residents have been asked to evacuate from coastal or low-lying areas because of Bonnie's stronger brother, Hurricane Charley (search). It was the largest such evacuation in the history of Pinellas County, which includes St. Petersburg.

As a strengthening Charley neared southern Florida with 90 mph winds, Bonnie's disorganized center came ahore with winds near 50 mph. Bonnie was expected to bring the possibility of heavy rains and flooding to already-soaked areas of the Panhandle, which was under a tropical storm warning.

The bridge across Apalachicola Bay to the barrier island of St. George remained open. The island was mostly deserted of tourists, though some businesses and restaurants remained open. Owners of many oceanfront homes and businesses decided not to board up windows as the storm approached.

The prospect of the back-to-back storms — the first since 1906 — led Gov. Jeb Bush to declare a state of emergency for all of Florida. Schools and government offices also were closed, and Bush activated the Florida National Guard. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (search) regional operations center in Atlanta was also put into operation Thursday morning.

[Robert A Cook PE]

Pair of nice tips there ....

(Too bad they're so dangerous when aroused ...) 8<)

[devane617]

Looks like a million or more people have evac'd west Florida. Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsboro, Pinnelas, and Pasco counties are locked down. No traffic, no services.

According to the latest reports, the worse case is about to happen. A category "3" hurricane directly up Tampa Bay. Expecting 16 feet of storm surge.

MY neighbors, and I, have filled our hurricane rooms with water, food, radio, flashlight, and candles. WE expect lots of heavy rain and 100+mph winds. We live on a large lake that is directly in our backyards to the west. WE are hoping the storm drains can handle the heavy water we are expecting. We are about 4.5 miles from the Gulf, so we will not have Gulf storm surge to contend with.

The weather right now is great, warm humid, but no rain or wind. We expect the heavy weather to start about noon.

I will update again in a couple of hours.

[tutstar]

You got that right!
It's going to be a steamy one today!

[Old Sarge]

We lived in the Davenport/Claremont area, when we worked for The Rat. One of the manufactured home communities was where we hung our hats.

During Erin, we just hunkered down in the double-wide while it went through. It was a VERY well-anchored home, and didn't get but a piece of the carport hit by flying debris.

I had a good confidence in an anchored house; stood up to Cat 1 winds. But against a Cat 3??? I'd have been on the first wave out; at least the family would, I'd have been called up by then...

[devane617]

All mobile home residents are under mandatory evac in all local counties, no matter the location.

My home was built within the past four years and is reinforced concrete block, with hurricane tie-downs in the roof. WE are about to find out if the construction works.

[DollyCali]

Stay Safe.. Prayers to you & yours. I just called my 80 year old aunt (birthday today) in Pinellas Park . She is staying in her home.. cluster home. Is doing the normal, save water etc. prep.

[missyme]

Hey how are you all doing? it looks like the storm is getting really bad....

I just got off the phone with my Insurance Company
regarding my Hurricaine Insurance..

Looks like the weather channel says it's heading to Orlando....

[tutstar]

They're saying since it's track has changed, if it stays on present course, it will pass south of Jax probably thru St Augustine. All is wait and watch at this time. State of Emergency declared in Jax so the Exec branch of local gov't can have more authority to authorize any funds which may be needed because of storm impact.

[Smartass]

Thanks for your concern.
We spoke to her last night and she's upbeat and well prepared. Most info on shelters in the St. Petersburg/Penellias area are located on TBO.com. However, today it looks the hurricane will be hitting the Port Charlotte area, and sparing Tampa bay.

[Smartass]

Thanks for your concern.

We spoke with our daughter early this morning. She's very confident, well prepared and upbeat. As we find this morning, that thank God, the Tampa/St. Petersburg area has been spared the brunt of this storm. However, the poor people of Fort Meyers, Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte won't be that lucky. Our prayers go out to them.

Thanks again.

[missyme]

WOW! I can't believe it.The storm looks like it covers the entire state!
My house is located in Mandarin, off of the Old St Augustine Rd, in Julington Forest...I know the St Johns River is always subject to flooding...and that's always a bad deal for the homes in the surrounding areas....

Hopefully the storm will loose it's punch since it's on land..
Thanks for updating me!

Be Safe!

[tutstar]

np

They say that when the worst for us hits it will be low tide. Maybe it won't be too conducive for flooding.

[PinnedAndRecessed]

What does IIRC mean?

Thanx.

[Guillermo]

IIRC If I Recall Correctly.