the storm surge is going to be what we don’t know. They’re predicting 8-12 feet where I am and 10-15 feet from Englewood to Tampa. Those areas are 90 minutes to 3 hours north of me.
Because it shifted slightly, instead of Tampa getting the eye, Sarasota and Bradenton will. Which is 90 minutes north of me. I have relatives there and they didn’t evacuate either. They have almost an entire community still there. People didn’t leave. Most have generators. They’ve been checking in to see who’s around. Like my community.
Yes, the interstate is bumper to bumper. I still don’t know if my neighbors made it to the east coast yesterday. He called at one point saying he was going about 5 miles an hour (literally a snails pace).
Most businesses are closed. Some are going to stay open as long as possible. There is still no gas in places but those stores who do, might have been replenished - news said last night that there was a gas station that got more gas but they weren’t opening until 5 this morning. I think it’s to give the workers time to get home and prep as well as everyone a fair share to get gas.
Fort Myers Beach is evacuated. There should be no one there. In regard to the video from Ian with what is expected in Tampa with this storm, that video still gives people PTSD. I think I know where that house was. I don’t know if we took
frogwoman that far down the main road when she was here.
Sanibel and Captiva should be evacuated. Anyone left on the islands will be arrested and charged with trespassing if they are caught outside. That’s how serious this storm is.
With all the barrier islands around here - whoever posted the thing about a magic marker and writing your info on your arm - it’s true. That was said after Helene too. Write your name, date of birth and social security number on your arm so your body can be claimed when this is all over because they are saying you will die in this.
It’s because of the storm surge. The water is going to get high.
We are still in our community and hope the water won’t be as bad as they say. We have been so blessed in the past with the damages we got. So hopefully the water doesn’t come up the driveways and in the houses.