Hope Dutch and TJ are safe as well as everybody in the danger areas. This could be the most costliest destructive storm. The eye hugging and just off the coast as it travels north along the coastal states is the worst possible scenario. That is the maximum possible winds and storm surge. The storm surge and flooding is what did some of the most damage from Katrina. This storm is predicted to hit hundreds of miles of coastal areas with similar conditions as Katrina. Some of the models have the storm making a loop and heading back into some of the areas hit on the way up.
I too hope the best for anyone involved. I believe Dutch will be safe and I'm central so I won't have the brunt that's expected on the coast. Chet I don't know your location but I hope you're well.
For those in the 40+ states that aren't in the path, it's strange for a new resident because the "path" is in flux. It changes constantly. Winds may be the biggest factor. 'Round here it is on the news a lot.
Rumors of price gouging on hotel rooms and airline rates. Some humanitarian approaches but the reactions are all over the scale.
Monday morning we are planning to visit my daughter in South Carolina. Out of one state and into another that are in Matthew's path.
I suppose if there is one positive out of this storm it is that the political campaigns of Trump and Clinton have been knocked off the cable news networks. Watching MSNBC, I see that FEMA and the state are taking extraordinary measures to accommodate people who undoubtedly will be displaced from their homes. President Obama has made a disaster declaration for the state of Florida in advance of the storm hitting.
Some coastal areas are under mandatory evacuations, but I wonder how many people will ignore that order and choose to ride it out. Nevertheless, not everyone can indeed evacuate without transportation. Hope they have something to accommodate those individuals.
Okay, my sympathies go out to all those who will be drastically affected. Despite all the preparations, the aid in some areas in the storm's aftermath will be slow in coming. I would hate to see any of those politicized, but I won't put it past Trump and Republicans at some point to blame Washington and the Obama administration for a failure in leadership. "The people of Florida deserve better, and under a Trump presidency those inept responses by Obama/Clinton to a natural disaster will not happen....We will take care of you. Believe me."
Maybe I'm wrong.
TJ Wrote: It is getting nasty. I believe the morning news will have some scary images. We'll see what follows. In central Florida I am expecting winds of 45 - 50 mph which is not good but also is not too bad. Those on the Atlantic coast may have a rough 10 - 18 hours ahead. Hopefully most can be fortunate. Death toll has been higher than expected. I hope all are as safe as possible.