Yea, FL doesn't do much to weaken hurricanes...because of the flat topography...especially if they are moving quickly like Charlie. Looks like Orlando took their worst hit since Donna in 1960. Will have to see what the damage looks like in the morning in Orange Co. and surrounding areas.
Became very worried tonight about inland areas when I saw this report on the NWS wire...
0600 PM TSTM WND DMG WAUCHULA 27.55N 81.81W
08/13/2004 HARDEE FL EMERGENCY MNGR
CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE OVER COUNTY...UNNUMBERED INJURIES. HOSPITAL OUT OF SERVICE.
0600 PM TSTM WND DMG ZOLFO SPRINGS 27.49N 81.79W
08/13/2004 HARDEE FL AMATEUR RADIO
EXTENSIVE TREE DAMAGE. POWER LINES DOWN. MAJOR ROADS BLOCKED. CANNOT GET INTO ZOLFO SPRINGS. MOBILE HOME PARKS DESTROYED. ROOF DESTROYED AND COMMS TOWER DOWN AT HOSPITAL.
My brother is a maintenance man (sub-stations) for Tampa Electric. I think he will be getting a lot of overtime in the next couple of weeks.
I'm pretty concerned about Orlando as well. One sister lives in Windermere, and the parents and other family live in Clermont. I spoke with the parents yesterday afternoon, and they were prepared as far as food and water are concerned. Home is recent construction, with Florida's stricter hurricane-resistant building codes. Should be OK, but I'm going to contact them in the daylight hours to be sure.