If...

[Cagliostro]

[img]graemlins/rain.gif[/img]

Ivan the Terrible pays a visit to Tampa I have no idea when I will be on here again. A direct landfall in Tampa Bay could do damage so severe to this building it won't open again for weeks or months. And what it could do to my home I don't even want to discuss.

So...if you see it making landfall here don't expect to hear from me. (I'll try to call Sluggo or Gae but it depends on the outcome whether I can or not)

Cross your fingers that Ivan doesn't want to visit Florida. [img]eek.gif[/img]

[cincygreg]

I saw on the news yesterday that one of the bigest concerns about IVAN hitting Florida is the fact that the ground is so saturated allready from the last two hurricanes and the fact that all the loose debris that is scattered around will be thrown into the air causing even more damage.

I sincerely hope it dies down and goes elsewhere.
(not to wish a hurricane on anyone elses either, just saying I think the Sunshine state has had enough)

[Cagliostro]

That's pretty much what everyone here in Florida is hoping for too Greg. Not that we wish a storm like this on anyone, but it's someone else's turn. Florida doesn't need another one.

Right now it is still too early to say where it is going to go. 1/2 dozen models are out there for its track after Cuba. It's still over 1,000 miles from Florida. But all the news media here would have you think it is lashing against Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa already. People in my office are in a panic mode. We probably will not be open Monday regardless.

[Sluggo]

I think the "not knowing" is the worst thing. If you (speaking generally) knew where it was going to hit you could prepare. I will be praying that Ivan stays out at sea and blows itself out. My second choice would be that it hit land in an isolated area anywhere but Florida.

[Cagliostro]

Thanks Sluggo. We'll probably be closing down a little early today so I'm not going to be on here again today. Hope you all have a nice weekend and I hope Ivan prefers another destination for his outing other than here! Not sure when I'll be in touch again. Until then...

[LAKE]

I guess I've missed you, but good luck GL. [img]graemlins/rain.gif[/img]

[Cagliostro]

I had to wait 10 mins at lunch to get gas and I only needed 4 gallons to top off my tank. Better to do it now while we still have gas...by this evening most stations will be out. I blame the media for this state of panic. Caution is one thing, but people are acting like it's already here and even if it does come here it won't be until Monday or Tuesday. For the first time in my life I am looking forward to winter!

[cincygreg]

I hate to even think this GL, but it might even be worse if it just runs up the coast without going inland.

Looks like the Keys are gonna get hit either way.

[Cagliostro]

Depends how far west it goes into the Gulf. Further west the better obviously. A Gulf track may cause significant storm surge and flooding down on the beaches. I'm 8 miles from the Gulf where I live so that's some measure of protection from flooding. High winds are the biggest threat to me.

Going to the beach this evening. The pool is still closed from last weekend and won't be open at all this weekend.

[Lew]

Yeah, hang in there, GL. I'm not a particularly big fan of the Sunshine State, especially it's college football teams, but God almighty, three hurricanes back to back to back.....prayers for everyone down there...