Seeing what happened with Andrew south of Miami, if I lived within 5-10 miles of the coast, then there’s no question: I’m outta there. Within a mile or so, the storm surge NE of the center will be incredible; beyond that, the winds will have little or nothing to get in their way... particularly if the wind field catches up to the pressure readings we’re now getting.
I’m about twenty miles inland from the GOM, but right on Galveston bay. I can handle a 12’ storm surge. Takes almost a direct hit by a cat 4 to generate a bigger surge then that.