This storm is a challenge for forecasting...compounded by the potential for evacuations from the Keys and perhaps all FL Atlantic coastal areas. Interaction with land (or lack of it) from Puerto Rico to Hispaniola to the Florida Peninsula will have considerable impact on the storm’s intensity potential. SST in the Florida Straits > 85ºF.
We had a category 1 hug the shoreline..David....back in 1979.....it was scary enough.
We stayed even when many decided to leave....and the hurricane spawned a tornado just a few blocks from our home.
The problem with Irene....no one knows quite how strong or how close...
..the local reports are all about the schools and what to do..
...evacuations can't happen at the last minute...
..logistics would be horrendous, esp with our beachside residents..
..all those folks trying to get up I95...
..my dad is under hospice care in a nursing home--needs round the clock care..
..the home can only handle a Cat1...
..anything else and all the residents must be moved!
...Sure hope we get stonger indications of what Irene will do.