Posted on 08/13/2004 7:24:06 AM PDT by STARWISE
ALL FLORIDIANS, PLEASE COMMENT ON CONDITIONS, ESPECIALLY THOSE ON SOUTHERN WEST COAST
I'm inland from Tampa Bay about 25 miles. Dear God, I'm scared. I lost it all in Andrew in '92 and left South Florida after a year and a half to come to this area.
Please keep me and all those going through this storm in your prayers. I'm alone here, and this storm's probably going to be very damaging and destructive. I'm picking up branches, objects lying about. I've filled the tub with water, I'll bringing in my dog and my birds, I haven't taped the windows as I've heard that can cause worse problems when the windows are broken. I pulled the car right up close to the house on the south side. I've draped the windows with fabric to stop debris or glass .. but in high winds, it probably won't be much help.
I've got old, tall oak trees overhead .. and I don't know how the roof or house or I will fare. There is no inner room without a window, so my location will probably be my shower stall on the south side of the house. It has one typical bathroom window. There is no other place where my dog and I could at least be surrounded with some strengthened walls.
I'm not in an evacuation area, and I wouldn't be able to take my pets in anyway.
Even if I have to get offline because I need to move the computer, there may be some insight and help offered until then and many thousands of us in this area may be helped by some tip.
PLEASE pray Charley away from here .. please pray for my and our safety on the West Central Florida coast. God Bless Us All.
I agree. But she's 25 miles inland. If a storm surge is a problem that far inland, then I would say my prayers.
Agreed.
I've been through many hurricanes while growing up in Louisiana and I can say firsthand that there's something strangely inviting about having a hurricane come through. It's awesome to behold and experience. In fact, since moving to California, my family and I have missed having to go through hurricane season.
Have fun and post some of the photos on FR when you're through.
Would you be so kind as to put this in a side column - activism or breaking -- so people can see it and report? Many thanks, Star
I lived in the Disney area until four years past. My Demented Sister and her brood live outside Tampa, in the Brandon area. She's been emailing me, since the DSL is still up.
She went dark an hour ago, though. Just until the worst is past.
Judging from where yur area is, you'll be in better shape. just stay tuned, and stay informed. There are a lot of FReepers holding out for you!
Starwise,
I'm in Homestead and believe me, the thoughts and prayers of the people here is with you all today.
I know what you are going thru. In 8-83 I went through a force 3 hurricane called Alicia in Houston. I was even in the eye. it is no fun but this is nowhere as bad as Andrew. Good luck. God Bless.
Thanks! I will post if anything more interesting than blown over trees occurs.
Please ping your Florida list, The bridges in Jacksonville will close at 4PM, due to fears of high winds. Cubicle bound Freepers in Jax need to know this.
You will be ok. I know it's frightening, but put your trust and faith...........you know............
If you can, keep us updated on the computer. That will give you something else to think about. Unless the power threatens your PC.
Keep your chin up and your head down!!!!
No basements in Florida. No rain run off. The basements would be the first to fill with water. I wouldn't recommend it.
I went through Alicia in Houston too. I was 12. A while later, I was living in Charlotte, NC with my Dad and Step-Mom when Hugo hit. My Step-Mom thought I was going crazy--bringing the lawn furniture, taping the windows, filling the bathtub, and stocking up. Turns out we were the only house in the neighborhood that didn't have broken windows. I guess I wasn't so crazy after all!
Living in the Raleigh area during Hurricane Fran (Sept. '96) we had a huge week-long barbecue after the storm. The power was out in our neighborhood for 8 days. We put up a tent, built a campfire and put out a few grills by the cul-de-sac and everyone started emptying out their freezers before the meat went bad. Man-o-man, we ate like kings all week!
I remember standing in a long line at Kroger's surrounded by people with multiple carts filled with bread, milk, toilet paper, bottled water, batteries and candles and here I was with a couple of cases of Corona, a couple of limes and six bottles of bone-suckin' sauce!
The bridges in Jacksonville will close at 4PM, due to fears of high winds. Cubicle bound Freepers in Jax need to know this.
BTW, Where did you hear this??
SheLion
I have a friend who lives in Tampa...on Richmond Place. I have been unable to reach her. Do you know this area and how close she may be to the action?
and here I was with a couple of cases of Corona, a couple of limes and six bottles of bone-suckin' sauce
*** Good to see you had your priorities in order hehehehehe
11 AM EDT Advisory -- still 110 MPH winds but Central Pressure down to 965 MB ... looks like the Radar NE move was just a wobble, still moving due north at 18. Looks like a Direct hit on Tamp Bay area if it continues on this track.
Thanks, DG. I'll alert my friends up there. Stay dry!
I have lived in the panhandle for three years and vacationed in southern Florida many times.
Perhaps they lost power or are just sitting in a more secure place. Do they have a cell phone?
Maybe they went to a shelter? I hope you say yes to a cell phone. That would make it a good way to call them. Let me know.
The Weather just said that Charly is over the Keys. I am not sure if the winds would be reaching the Tampa yet.
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