Irma Update

 

 

 

Our first hurricane watch has got me stressed! From what I can gather by watching all the forecasts, both national and local, it is quite unusual that the impact on pretty much the whole state is unknown at this point. I just want someone to tell me whether we should stay or go and the local weather reports from Tampa seem to be saying that the storm is turning east and the gulf side should be only getting tropical force winds. The national reports seem to be more about hedging their bets and creating panic.

We will be fine whatever we decide. Our cars are full of gas, we have plenty of food and water and the hurricane shutters are up. Our house has new construction, with all kinds of hurricane codes. Later today or in the morning we will bring in all the outdoor furniture. If we decide to leave and head to north Georgia, where I have a hotel reservation ( that I booked several days ago), we will leave in the early hours Friday. In some ways, that prospect seems even more nerve racking, because I 75 north is basically a parking lot and there are gas shortages to deal with.

And, for what it is worth, my daughter Melissa works in the airline fuel industry and has access to extensive and accurate weather reports. She passed on to me that her people feel the gulf side of Florida will be fine. At this point, I will take any kind of reasoned report not designed to create panic (I'm looking at you The Weather Channel).

Prayers for all of Florida are appreciated.