latest track has it going over the sunshine skyway bridge... 20'ish miles from me.
Looks like it will just graze me if it stays on track, but I have a lot of family in Lutz and St. Pete.
I been living in Florida for 72 years. Nobody can say for sure where a hurricane is going. it could turn or go in a circle. They are unpredictable.
i just looked at my fox tampa and the track has moved further south.
now looks to be a direct hit for me.
Same here and I agree 100%
In no way downplaying this. Not sure if this is your first or one of many hurricanes you experienced here in Florida. As mentioned previously, these storms wobble about, strengthen, weaken and so forth. Also, a direct hit versus being full duration of the storm surge side sometimes can be better.
Rather than be pounded with the surge side the entire duration, you get a break as the eye passes over. This gives you a few minutes to quickly verify all is secure for the storms aft side.
Also, as the winds shift, that may help recede some of the water slightly. No it is not fun, and can be stressful. Our worst was years ago and was not so much the hurricane force stuff, but rather having a tornado come down the nearby canal, down the street, and through several neighbors and our backyard. The hurricane spawned the tornado. To this day, the concrete street light poles remain tilted from the force.
Just be smart and careful. Yes, it will very probably be a mess outside after the storm passes. Be extra careful then. Especially helping neighbors and such. So many folks have no idea about running generators, or using chain saws and get seriously injured or killed after the storm. Please be careful.
You may already know this, so do not be offended as I am certainly not talking down to you. Merely sharing experiences.
i'm from boston, seen my share of wicked blizzards and a days with no power or heat in zero temps. ran chainsaws/trackhoes and wood chippers on my property in Maine so i have somewhat of a clue as to what i'm doing. as for hurricanes we sat out irma a few years back and i know this one is a monster compared to irma. if i did not own an overly aggressive dog i would have vacated sunday. my dog is good with people, other dogs NO. she is a rescued bait dog so every dog she sees as a threat. i just pray the good Lord will get me and my wife through this
i just looked at my fox tampa and the track has moved further south.
now looks to be a direct hit for me.
If you reside in Punta Gorda, pretty sure you are getting wet.
Two days ago, I called a friend that lives there, adjacent to a spur canal. Offered him and his wife a place here in West Palm if needed, or a safe haven for his motorcycles and use of a 6k generator I have for sale. He stated his father in law lives in Okeechobee. Hopefully they are safe and minimal issues with high water. This is their first hurricane since retiring to Punta Gorda, so they are a bit nervous.