My folks are coming here to my house, leaving Fort Myers. We may actually have all of our family from down there come here. We are actually expecting the winds to come from the west as we are probably going to remain on the northern edge of the storm. So, storm surges are not an issue at this time, just the strong wind. We also have all of our supplies and my grill has gas just in case we will need it for cooking. We are about 40 minutes south of Tampa and kind of inland, so hopefully flooding will not be an issue. I am mostly worried about all of the trees around our house.

We are also preparing. Shutters are up and patio furniture will be brought in tonight. The cars both have gas and we have food, batteries, water, etc.

Mel, the plan is for the Boynton Beach family to drive down and spend the storm in Miami with us if it looks like it's headed your way. We will pack up the cat and drive up there if it comes our way. I do think the west coast will get the brunt of it. Remember that Katrina was only a Cat. 1 storm when it hit Miami and it did a ton of damage here before moving on the New Orleans. We will get lots of wind and rain as it crosses the state.

Hey Mel, are you ready to move yet? I sure am!

Stay safe!

Thanks to everyone! We are making preparations for the worst, hoping for the best. My dad has decided to still come, which I'm quite stressed about, as it's hard enough to take care of ourselves. He really doesn't understand the impact of one of these storms and nothing I could say could convince him otherwise. He is renting a car and if there are evacuations, he has a place to stay in Atlanta, so it will probably come to that. UGH.

Barbara - I hope you're safe. Let me know if your family up here needs anything. Some of the gas stations are already out of gas and the stores are looking a little bare...UGH.

Mel

Best to you all. Stay safe.

Keeping positive thoughts for all of you in the path of (and affected by) the storm.

Sending prayers that you are all safe.

I also am praying for all of you! I just can't even imagine!

We have a little bit of floor space and an air mattress if anyone wants to run this far north.

Thanks Bee!! We are right above Sarasota. My folks are in Fort Myers. I hope it weakens too. I just got done cancelling caterers and decorators. It was my dad's 85th Birthday surprise party on Saturday in Fort Myers and it looks like it won't be much fun with a hurricane upon us. I am really disappointed!! Pray for us all. The storm surge is really worse almost, than the strong winds.