One of my friends called me to tell me she heard on the news earlier that County officials are thinking of evacuating Orange County. I was going on vacation to Atlanta anyway but I'm still really worried. The storm is so severe that they want to evacuate people who are an hour inland. My roommate and I are going to spend this afternoon putting tarp up around the house and getting everything ready for the storm. Charley was a tiny little storm compared to this one.

The power company only did a temporary repair of the power lines and grids. If this hurricane comes through, it could really wipe out the whole power system for two weeks. We still have power companies from all over Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina here repairing stuff. The news was saying that the County has already called power companies in the Midwest to ask them to start driving down to Central Florida. :eek:

Lots of options being weighed by the city and county emergency operations centers right now, though final evacuation plans won't probably be finalized until maybe 72 hours before the storm hits. Even then, the evacuation will probably wind up being a Mongolian clusterf*ck.

Just rescheduled my Labor Day weekend trip to South Carolina, and Delta Airlines is $210 richer because of it. :mad: You'd think that they'd be happy that two fewer people will have connecting flights through Atlanta on Monday night.

They said that I might be able to get a refund if an official advisory is issued. *grumble*

Delta needs the money... they're about to go broke! :D

Me too!

We're leaving town tomorrow morning. I'm really afraid of what I'll find (or NOT find) when we return. . . :(

It does not look good for Florida. :(

Stay safe, everyone.

it is being said that this hurricane will cause WAY more damage than Andrew :(

i hate this!! hasn't Florida suffered enough?!

Isn't this a sign of the apocalypse? Only Buffy can save us now!

Be safe, Soror and all GCers who are in Frances' way.

I'm getting outta here. Eerything is going in the center of the apartment and I'm gone....stupid Frances......:mad: :mad:

Andrew 1992- Was supposed to hit North Broward County/South Palm Beach. Turned last minute and hit South Miami.

Floyd 1999- Was supposed to hit Central Florida. Turned last minute and hit the Carolinas.

Charley 2004- Was supposed to hit Tampa. Turned last minute and hit Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda.

I don't think the forecasters ever really know where these storms are going to go. I'm hoping (praying, crossing fingers, etc.) that this thing turns back out to sea and vanishes. I don't want to come back home Monday night to find everything gone.

actually new models are showing a possible turn toward North Carolina

seriously, people shouldn't travel this weekend toward the southeast.....it would be stupid. these storms maybe somewhat predictable but not 100%. This storm is following the path of Floyd which ripped NC a new one. plus, if we have to evacuate, i'll have to deal with the tourists on 40 trying to get into raleigh......a 7 hour car ride when it's only supposed to take 2 hours isn't my idea of fun

I hope everyone in the areas that may get hit stay safe and well.

I once seriously considered moving to FL in the near future, but I'm always reminded why I shouldn't during hurricane season.

I hope everyone's ok!

This one definitely looks scary. They were saying on the Weather channel that they won't be surprised if it's a category 5 by the time it reaches the US. Their exact paths are very unpredictable, but the model I saw today said that Orlando could very well be hit hard again (and harder than Charley hit them). I will keep all the Floridians in my thoughts and prayers. (and I have vowed not to complain about snow anymore.. I'll take snow over a hurricane any day)

Dee

Latest tracking update....with hurricane watches posted for east coast of Florida....damn, this thing is hitting sooner than before!!!

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ftp/graphics...IF/011008W.gif