Realized I should check in when someone PM'd me to see how we are faring. We decided to evacuate from Sarasota, FL Friday when the models suddenly shifted west. We live in a townhouse - first floor is concrete block but upstairs is wood frame. Built to the latest code - but - we don't have shutters nor a way to get boards up that high. Our elevation is good in terms of surge, but the ability to handle hurricane force winds was very sketchy, IMO.
It's been a whirlwind of driving frantically and trying to find hotel rooms. People sleeping in their cars in hotel lots, no vacany signs everywhere, no gas many places and long lines for stations with gas. 3 lanes of I-75 north turned into 5 when both berms were converted into lanes. Mass exodus. Quite an experience. Stayed Friday night in Valdosta, GA (extremely lucky to book it while driving north Friday afternoon), then had to leave Sat a.m.. Started driving north with no idea where to stay. Finally found a place in Columbus, GA. Got it for 2 nights, then realized we'd have to leave the day the storm is slated to come through here - Monday ....it's like Irma is literally chasing us.
Got on a wait list for another night here Monday - and they called to say someone gave up their reservation for evacuees who might need it - like us. So thankful for that generosity.
So we are all safe and sound here through Tuesday morning. Not sure of what we will be going back to, and when. Right now the eye looks like it will literally be going straight over our house in Sarasota. We'll see.
Yep, have insurance - reg and flood.
Thinking of all of those who were unable to evacuate. There was little time to act after it shifted west and a frightening prospect - wondering if you'd run out of gas and be stranded in your car somewhere. Evacuation is not easy, and one does not always have much notice.