FYI Another Hurricane Brewing

[Texas Clodhopper]

@GlampDaddy since you seem to be a hurricane attractor, do us Texans a favor and don't come here until well after hurricane season and I mean well after. Thank you.

 

[BGMAC]

Clermont is quite a distance from the west coast where there will be massive damage. Yea, hearing the constant repeated news on it gets tiring but despite that and the mandatory evacuation from where we are up and above Tampa folks will stay and add to the post storm difficulty. We will be playing in traffic I’m sure heading east. Going to try staying on 41 if it looks clearer than 75.

Be safe everyone who’s affected and please don’t stay put. As they say “Hide from wind and run from water”

52 miles as the crow flies.

 

[Chargerman]

The storm is now predicted to enter the Atlantic as a Category 1 so she will still be affected somewhat so she shouldn’t ignore it. Better to do some prep and end up not needing it than to do nothing and wish you
did. Be safe everyone!

 

[AbdRahim]

It might be time to head out. The winds before the storm will be tough to drive in.

Leaving first thing in the morning.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Roads are filling up with evacuees

 

[Joe Hogan]

According to GasBuddy fuel availability App feature, there is fuel available. Checked in the area of Tampa and Ocala, no problems.

 

[BGMAC]

When the hurricane gets closer the may turn the interstate to one way only. I’ve see it done a few times.

 

[FL-JOE]

Roomer has it, before next month arrives florida faces a forced evacuation for several counties!!!

My nightly downloads confirm that roomer.

What a time to head west for the season. Just remember you can vote early, and hand your ballot in directly to the authorities as one of your preparations!!!

That would be a great plan, except early in person voting hasn't started yet in Florida.

 

[FL-JOE]

It is easy to "Monday morning quarterback" what folks in different parts of Florida should or shouldn't do with the approaching storm.

Each Florida county has updated their evac notices and are on top of local issues. The worse place for anyone living in Florida to get weather related news is the Weather Channel IMHO. The more they can sensationize the situation the more viewers they can collect.

We have lived down here for over 10 years. Prior to that my Mother lived in Florida for 30 years. We understand that when these major hurricanes are coming you have to not only prepare your homes but you have to finalize more than one plan. As we continue to monitor the storms path we have two different evacuation plans ready depending on landfall 100 miles south of Tampa or 100 miles north of Tampa. None of those evacuation plans involve sitting on I-75 in traffic.

Neighbors of ours (Canadian snowbirds) left this morning to drive their pickup down close to Miami to stay a few days while Milton passes. They are experienced 5th wheel RVers. He won't make the run down there on I-75 but instead use State Routes and county roads. Between his truck's tank and an extra fuel container he can go to his destination and back to our area without fueling. You have to be smart about when you evacuate and how you evacuate.

 

[DennisT]

Well, stations as far north as Cordele GA on 75 are having to shutdown fuel pumps due to storage tank level.

They came around to let even know just in case we needed fuel.

They said that drivers are having to bypass Tifton Loves due to them having to shutdown as well.

I’d stay as topped off as you can when you can if traveling in the storm path.

Continuing to be interesting even before it gets here.

 

[RKins]

Well, we finally have a X on our county (Sarasota) for landfall. It's a scary looking storm. We are shuttered up, the coach is beside the house, the boats are pulled into the "L" made by our house/garage junction. We are armored up. We've been in this house since we built it in '98, thru many hurricanes, just not this strong of one. We are 10 miles from water so no worry of storm surge. I'm feeling safe but prayers welcome.

 

[AbdRahim]

I am praying for all of us.

Btw, even outside of Fl getting gas or diesel can be touch and go. My wife reminded me that it is not only those escaping FL, but all of the relief workers, volunteers, power company trucks and supply trucks going to the disaster areas. So if you see it top off because you may have to sit at the next place waiting for a shipment.

 

[FL-JOE]

Well, we finally have a X on our county (Sarasota) for landfall. It's a scary looking storm. We are shuttered up, the coach is beside the house, the boats are pulled into the "L" made by our house/garage junction. We are armored up. We've been in this house since we built it in '98, thru many hurricanes, just not this strong of one. We are 10 miles from water so no worry of storm surge. I'm feeling safe but prayers welcome.

I was discouraged by the last update. We are waiting to see the 11pm update. According to the local news they will adjust the landfall location again possibly then. As it slips further south it takes away some of our plans.

Rkins, hoping for the best. In reality the landfall location could change several times before tomorrow evening. Stay safe.

 

[FL-JOE]

The RV Resort we used as a winter base for several years was located outside of Frostproof Florida (Rainbow RV Resort). They have about 500 sites divided between park models and RVs. It is probably 70% RV sites.

I would estimate that up to 100 RVs are left year around on sites there. They vary in sizes and type, from 40' coaches to 28' travel trailers. The management has never required these RVs to be tied down or secured in any way.

With the current track of Milton cutting across the State, as of this morning it will make almost a direct hit on Rainbow RV Resort as a strong storm. With sustained winds predicted over 80mph and gusts over 100mph I suspect some of these RVs could topple over.

 

[DennisT]

Nice local people in the Cordele GA area near the Loves RV stop.

Couple from a local church just came through knocking on doors with spaghetti dinners for anyone that needed them.

The random acts of kindness like that are always nice to see during times like these.

They opened the local raceway as well for dry camping for those looking for somewhere to go.

 

[Joe Hogan]

We are not in Florida at the time but reports are that our home town Vero Beach got hit by several tornados. Town center has suffered significant damage..
Town center is cordon off for the time being until utility work and cleanup crews finish their work.

 

[DennisT]

Hope it turns out ok for you.

The park we stay at around Bradenton has a bunch of fifth wheels and trailers on their sides, some moved on the site into trees, etc.

It did make a mess.

Just guesstimates at this point as to when we can get back.

 

[J&JD]

We are not in Florida at the time but reports are that our home town Vero Beach got hit by several tornados. Town center has suffered significant damage..
Town center is cordon off for the time being until utility work and cleanup crews finish their work.

Hope all is ok when you get home, and also hope all affected by the hurricane on the forum will report in. What a disaster. Judy D

 

[Chargerman]

We returned home from the east coast yesterday. Thankfully all is well at our place. Thoughts and prayers to all of those affected north of us

 

[RKins]

Hope it turns out ok for you.

The park we stay at around Bradenton has a bunch of fifth wheels and trailers on their sides, some moved on the site into trees, etc.

It did make a mess.

Just guesstimates at this point as to when we can get back.

Was that Winter Qtrs?