I was 13 when Hurricane Betsy hit New Orleans. I don't remember there being any trouble with drinking water( you drank tap water then, no choice) but there was no power for 2 weeks and ICE was the thing everyone needed. Food spoiled and it was stifling hot. My father, like many others, stood in line at stores or ice houses or relief trucks, to buy ice.
Really, the media is sensationalizing nothing storms like Bonnie. We've all seen stronger winds and rains in thunderstorms. Just because it's 'named' it's news.
Anything 100mph and under I would sit on my carport and enjoy the breeze.
Weather people want camera time, so they play every storm up. One day they're going to be sorry they used exaggerated language for the minor storms- people won't believe them when there is a serious storm like Betsy or Camille.
Couldn't agree with you more! Bonnie was crap and I knew it all along. However, Charlie has the makings to be a real solid punch in the chest to Florida. Especially if it crosses the coast and gulfstream at 125-130 mph.