As far as I can tell, the storm center came through southern Polk County somewhere between the cities of Bartow and Lake Wales. There were two good things about it - it seems that the core of really damaging wind was very compact, and the storm moved through the area very fast. When I left my house around 5:30 yesterday, the winds were going about 15-20 mph or so, and by the time I arrived at my grandma's 20 minutes later they were already up to the 40-50 mph range (best guess). The power went out at her place about 6:15 or so when a transformer blew, and the really wild winds began about 7:00 PM But by 9:00 or so, it was pretty much all over. And thank God for that, because even in that short period of time it laid a lot of damage on this area. I don't even want to imagine what would have happened if it had lingered.
Lakeland may be the only part of Polk County that has electrical power. It's out just about everywhere else I've been, traffic signals are down, and a drive which normally takes me 45 minutes or so took an hour and a half. The tree damage is just indescibable. We have a lot of very old oaks throughout the area, and lots of them have just been devastated, uprooted and/or blown to pieces. And the pieces are laying in the roads, on the power lines, on homes and cars.
Even with all that, the damage this area took is nothing compared to what happened down in Charlotte County, where Punta Gorda is located. It will take years for that area to recover from Charley. The people down there are the ones who really need our support and our prayers. But the good news is that the help is pouring in - I've seen steady streams of electrical workers, tree surgeons and emergency response personnel from all over the state, and from all over the country. I am so proud to be an American, part of the greatest, most caring and most giving nation the world has ever seen.
I've lived in Florida for 31 years, and watched a series of minor hurricanes barely graze my part of the state, watched major storms turn away at the last moment, and watched Andrew rip into South Florida in '92. But until now I had never lived through a major storm making a direct hit on where I live. And if I never have to live through it again it will be too soon. I won't be posting too much in the coming days as I clean up and wait for the lights to come back on, but please do know that I deeply appreciate all your thoughts and prayers. Freepers are the greatest!
Steve
I'm so glad you and your grandmother are okay, Steve. Thanks for checking in with us and letting us know; it's been a worrying time for everyone.
It is always so amazing to see people help the way they do..it really makes us realize how lucky we are to live in America.
I, we, all of us, are so glad to hear from you. Imagine what it's like going about your daily business saying to yourself "I wonder how [string of consonants] is." Not everyone understands this. Kidding aside, it is a great relief to know you are ok. Waiting to hear from musicman whose house was "breathing" the last we heard.
That's great - so glad you could check in.
I was very lucky - I spent all my summers in Sarasota in the 70's and early 80s and never encountered a hurricane until Gloria, when I was living in Delaware.
The folks in Charlotte County are definitely in our prayers, as we are only facing it as a tropical storm this evening.
Looks like the storm has stayed way East of Wake County - so we are aok. Thank you dear Lord!
And good to hear from Freepers in FL being okay. Jerry_M's aunt and uncle have not checked in with him and he is requesting prayer.......
Much prayer tonight for the victims, for thanksgiving there were not more, and for those helping the ones who have no homes to sleep in tonight......God be with them and provide for them through the generous spirits of so many who will come alongside to help now.
Time to scope out the sources of help and make a donation....and some will even go down there to help with the cleanup and provisions......I can't do that - but can give. We can all give something to help.
Im glad youare okay...my sister is heading to her home on Sanibel Island tomorrow to check their damage.