we were here for 2004 / 2005 hurricanes and we never lost power. Let's hope it turn to the east.

We are trying to decide whether it would be better to drive to TV or stay here in South Florida. We are near Ft. Lauderdale about 7 miles from the ocean. The latest maps from National Hurricane Center shows the hurricane is about the same distance from both locations. Ten years ago, when Wilma hit, we were without power for two weeks. I am wondering which location is most likely to have power and suffer less damage.

What are the local news stations saying about the storm?

Perhaps you can follow local information here:
Emergency Management | Sumter County, FL - Official Website
or here:
Sumter County Sheriff's Office-Florida | Facebook

Lake County:
facebook Sheriff's Office: Sumter County Sheriff's Office-Florida | Facebook

facebook Emergency Management: Sumter County Sheriff's Office-Florida | Facebook

Marion County:
facebook Sheriff's Office: Sumter County Sheriff's Office-Florida | Facebook

facebook Emergency Management: https://www.facebook.com/scsoflorida...y%20Management

Fill your bathtub with water, you can bucket it for the toilet. And wash up,!!!

Thank you for the websites that you posted!

Yes, believe in being prepared, after all easy to just empty the water out of the tub after the storm has gone through. But, I believe much of this mentality has been caused in the past by the media who get hyped up, frightening people, then the thing blows away.

On the other hand, remember Katrina, nobody took any notice of that and the result was disastrous.

Good Rules
 

Stay off the roads as much as possible so the ones leaving the beach are not blocked (been there and had that happen when getting off barrier island home). Batteries, water, everything inside, a little extra food and radio. It warns we may get 50+ mile an hour winds which would be annoying but not a big problem. Because of the extraordinary drainage in The Villages we should be fine. Also the great underground wires are terrific. Lucky the Developer was smart enough to make these a part of our life. If you want "drama" go to the shore and watch the real problems arise.:cold:

Cliche time-- hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

Water bottles or jugs, gas in cars and carts, non-perishable food stocked up, important papers put in safe spot like bank, debris on lawn removed, candles and flashlights + extra batteries, etc.

make sure you have green paper money for if the power goes out...


another south FLA trick.....keep all your important things in your dishwasher.

Last night's 6Z spectral model run suggested a slightly more westward track but other models suggested otherwise. The latest wind estimates have us at about a 50% chance of seeing sustained winds over 39 MPH. There is a 15% chance of seeing sustained winds over 58 MPH. The latest runs suggests 2-3 inches of rain. The latest forecast from the Hurricane Center has it tracking northwest off the FL coast and then tracking nearly straight east away from land once it reaches the latitude of SC. Todays 12Z runs, which put us within a 48 hour window, should help to solidify what will happen.

Does anybody know of an animal shelter that will take in small goats? I have a friend on Merritt Island who has to evacuate and needs a place for her 2 pet goats. Please PM me if anyone knows of such a place. Thank you.

FWIW.....Read this morning that WDW is relocating guests from Ft WIlderness area to other campus hotels!

Just passed a house that has to be owned by one of the most oblivious residents in the villages- with a storm looming, why would anyone install a massive hollowed display on their lawn-ropes & decorations strung from the roof, tombstones on the lawn

hope some of their stuff doesn't become a missile

Knock on his door and show him your wisdom.