I'm 17 miles north of Key West on Sugarloaf Key. Charley supposed to slide north just west of Key West tomorrow. 105mph now and expecting category 3 of 130mph or so by the time it comes through here tomorrow morning.
Last time in 1998 when Georges was a direct hit here with 120mph and gusts to 145mph, it was a total mess. Don't want ot see a repeat of that.
Cleaned up the yard, trimmed the trees, got gas for the generator, closed the storm shutters and am hunkered down.
Winds are picking up now from 10-15mph this morning to 25-30mph now.
Will post a blow by blow account here as the storm makes it's way here, supposed to get a bit hairy by 4am tomorrow or so.
I wish you luck my friend. I will be without computer tonight and tomorrow until I get back over to here in Melbourne. It is really coming down up here right now from Bonnie.
You sound like you have done all you can do...just do what the ELO song says "Hold On Tight" and Charley will be out of there in 8 hrs.
In Islamorada it's sunny and breezy but extremely muggy and hotter than blue blazes. We have a few more things to do around here too. Hopefully we'll all come through fine. Crossing my fingers for you....
I'd be evacuating to Sloppy Joes.