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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.

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...

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.