You just never know with some of these storms. I believe most the “experts” were shocked when they saw the 28’ storm surge from Katrina (many in the area say 30’+). I know of several in the area that were totally shocked they had to get onto the roofs of their homes because of the surge.
Hurricane Ivan was going into New Orleans then Mobile then to Pensacola. We left and kept going east but it kept turning. Sometimes you cannot just go north because you cannot get hotels. We ended up in some of the worst of it. You just never know with some of these storms.
I agree... I think, with storm surge, the fact that Katrina WAS a CAT5, not that far off-shore, contributed. Once a storm builds up that wall of water, with a super low center pressure, it doesn’t all just go away when the pressure increases. It keeps moving, with the storm...
It’s a tough call... but, I think the “authorities” go too far in pushing everyone to evacuate. To where?
There is NO FREAKING WAY I’m staying in ANY building that has ANY chance of being in storm surge. I’ve seen storm surge. There is NO truly safe place to be in a surge. But, outside of that? Most houses are safer than cheaply built motel rooms. Unless I’m looking at 120+mph winds WHERE I’M AT? I’m staying put.
But, that’s just me. Everyone needs to make their own judgements based on their own tolerance levels, special needs, health factors, etc,etc, ect...
Which is why I don’t like very generalize, government “mandatory” evacuations.