They are reporting a 10' storm surge in Naples right now. That is south of where the eye is currently located, in Charolotte Harbor.
So far, damage is pretty bad. The reporter in Ft Meyers is saying it is worse than expected.
On the local front, at least for me. All trailers are being evacuated in Polk County. Now, I'm in a house. But still - that's a pretty drastic step. Please keep in mind, many of the people the evac'd Tampa and the coastal areas came HERE. So I4 is a mess. All the other interstates are gridlocked. It's starting to rain very heavily and we have the Big T warnings. I don't know how these people will be able to even reach the shelters.
Posted by Tammi at August 13, 2004 03:23 PMI'm surprised they didn't evacuate the trailers earlier. Trailers are notoriously dangerous to be in during bad weather. (witness the many miles of video footage of wrecked trailer parks after tornadaos go through).
When my son was at Ft. Eustis last year, and the hurricane hit up there - his group was moved out of their barracks and into cement buildings on base - the barracks are all just huge trailers... Luckily they didn't lose any. Lots of damage though - took more than a week to get electricity back. *sigh* This one is way meaner...
Posted by: Teresa at August 13, 2004 04:51 PM...be careful, Tammi... hang in there, and stay safe... I recommend hiding in your safe place with a bottle of Scotch till this thing blows over... after all, that's what I'd do...
Posted by: Eric at August 13, 2004 04:56 PMIt is coming down in strength, so it appears the Gulf Coast took the brunt. Still, it is dangerous where you are, so just keep you head about you.
My Dad had to evac out his squadron when he was CO and a hurricane was coming our way. The damn thing followed the squadron to where they evac'd, so they had to evac... again.
Posted by: Boudicca at August 13, 2004 07:13 PMGood luck, kiddo...stay safe.
Posted by: Chap at August 13, 2004 07:19 PM