What Am I...a Hurricane Magnet?

**stevevan** · August 25, 2005

Gee...talk about deja-vu! Seems like just last year I was here in south florida going head-to-head against a hurricane. Oh wait...it WAS last year! But it's a minor storm, and I'm tucked safely into my hotel room with my water, munchies, and ham radio. So I'm all set.

Let's just hope that THIS September isn't like LAST year!

**Lisety** · August 25, 2005

When I lived in Guam I kind of enjoyed the typhoons (hurricanes) there. I've heard lots of rain and flooding to be expected. Here's hoping you have an easy hurrican this one around.

Lise

**TCH-Don** · August 26, 2005

Be safe Steve,

our thoughts are with you.

**TCH-Thomas** · August 26, 2005

Be safe Steve and everyone in the area.

**stevevan** · August 26, 2005

Quick update. For those who don't know, the hurricane made a sharp turn south just as it was about to come on shore in the Miami, FL area. I lost power in the hotel at 6:30 last night and was still out when I left at 7:00 this morning. I'm now home in Pensacola, preparing things just in case. While I don't wish a storm on anyone, it appears to be moving more west of us. I just hope it keeps going that way.

When I left the Ft. Lauderdale area, things were pretty much what you see on TV. Lots and lots of water and many trees down.

**Lisety** · August 26, 2005

Steve,

Thanks for updating us, I did wonder how you were doing. Now we just have to worry about Jim down in Key West. Of course, you may be one of those extremely lucky people who get to go through the same storm twice! I sure hope not.

Lise

**Deverill** · August 27, 2005

All is pretty much in one piece here. The power is out in about half of the keys but not at my island thankfully. There were many blown-down trees but I've not heard any reports of houses smashed or people killed.

The worst problem was the rain. It just fell and fell and fell... I had to go to work (in Key West proper - 17 miles from my house) and the fun started about 8:30 AM and by noon when I decided to try to go home the water was everywhere. By the way, my little car rocks! I have a 5 year old Toyota Echo and at one time I ended up in water that was over the hood for almost 50 feet and the poor little thing brought me through it! There were several times I know the engine was partially covered and it just kept going like a Timex watch. I love my little car!

Today there's a nice breeze and clouds so it's cool for those poor folks that have no power. It's a small thing but after the nasty heat/humidity of Hurricane Georges I can assure you it's a big thing when it happens to you. The heat just sucks your soul out when it's like that and there is no relief.

Steve, take care of your property but most importantly yourself! Stay safe and don't take anything for granted. The path looks like New Orleans (poor folks) but as we have seen already, it can do crazy things and hit totally careless, er, I mean, unsuspecting people.

**Lisety** · August 27, 2005

Jim,

Glad to hear that you weathered the storm well. I know what you mean about no power and hot and muggy. So glad there's a breeze for those folks without power. Is the Echo one of those hybrid cars? Sounds pretty incredible!

Lise

**Deverill** · August 27, 2005

Nah, it's a low-end Toyota offering starting, I think, with the 2000 model. Runs on gas and is an economy model so to speak.

It got a bit dicey at one point when the water was over the hood. I should have traveled about 50 feet in the time it took me to move 5 - I think the transmission was slipping but the thing worked great after it had a minute to dry out (while driving).

Folks, do not try this at home! I have a partially disabled mom at home I needed to check on or I would have never done this. People have lost their lives in places where the depth is unknown and they get down under the water and drown. In Key West there are no hills or valleys to trap water so it's very obvious how deep things are. Even in Miami last year they had people die because they thought they were turning onto a street and it ended up being a canal.

Thanks for the well wishes folks! Let's direct them Steve's way and hope he can avoid a second helping of hurricane Katrina.

**stevevan** · August 27, 2005

Well, I've got all my fans turned on pointing south. Hopefully it'll work! Needless to say, everyone here is keeping a wary (or rather a weary) eye on this thing!

**curtis** · August 27, 2005

Looks like it may be headed my way(New Orleans,Baton Rouge area). I'll wait untill tomorrow and see if I need to start nailing stuff down. Maybe it will just give up and die out in the gulf.

**Lisety** · August 27, 2005

Curtis, I'll keep my fingers crossed that it dies out in the Gulf.....I also have a bridge for sale, are you interested :lol:

Lise

**Deverill** · August 27, 2005

It's ok to hope for it but don't count on it. Make sure you are prepared and safe, Curtis.

**curtis** · August 27, 2005

Lise, It just so happens I am in need of a bridge. 35ft long and about 15ft high. Do you install it as well. :lol:

Jim, I've lived in S. La. most of my life and gone through numerous major hurricanes so I stay prepared year round. Well, as prepared as I can get, there's always the unexpected.

**stevevan** · August 27, 2005

People around here were nailing stuff down yesterday. (Of course, we're understandably a little jittery anyway!) Stay safe, Curtis!

**Lisety** · August 27, 2005

Curtis,

Of course I'll install the bridge...shall I do it Monday morning or will that be too late? :lol:

Lise

**curtis** · August 27, 2005

Lise, I'm afraid Katrina may interfere on Monday. Maybe Wed. would be better.

Oh, by the way, remember to bring your hip boots. The bridge is going in a swamp. :lol:

**Lisety** · August 27, 2005

Swamp? No problem :lol:

Lise

**TCH-Don** · August 27, 2005

Curtis my thoughts will be with you,

stay safe.

**TCH-Bruce** · August 27, 2005

Good luck everyone down there. Doesn't look like it's going to die out.

**Lisety** · August 28, 2005

I can't believe Katrina is now a 5. My thoughts going out to everyone in it's path. Curtis, I hope you've evacuated!

Everyone stay safe.

Lise

**curtis** · August 28, 2005

My dumb butt is still here.

I can't talk my 85 year old mother or either one of my kids into leaving so I guess I'll ride it out with them. I worked all morning securing everything around my daughter's

home and have all tied or nailed down around mine. I don't expect to lose power until tomorrow afternoon so I'll be checking in here occasionally.

I must admit though that 175mph winds scare the hell out of me.

**Lisety** · August 28, 2005

I've been in a typhoon with 155 mph winds and that was pretty scary, we didn't get any sleep that night! 175 mph winds is catastrophic. From what I'm hearing, there's a chance that the hurricane will die down a little to 160mph winds....still bad. Do they have a mandatory evacuation in Baton Rouge or is that only New Orleons? Also, what level is Baton Rouge at...I hope not 6 ft. under sea level like New Orleons.

Curtis, know that we'll all be thinking of you and please do post as much as possible so that we know you're safe!

Lise

**djk** · August 28, 2005

My dumb butt is still here.
I can't talk my 85 year old mother or either one of my kids into leaving so I guess I'll ride it out with them. I worked all morning securing everything around my daughter's

home and have all tied or nailed down around mine. I don't expect to lose power until tomorrow afternoon so I'll be checking in here occasionally.

I must admit though that 175mph winds scare the hell out of me.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

good luck, curtis. to you and your family. this one is not going to be easy. for at least a month to come if it hits near you. you might as well leave if you still can cause I doubt you'll be able to live in the area for a while, unless you are in survival living.

**TCH-Rick** · August 28, 2005

We talked to my sister this morning as she was headed to Houston to stay with my brother. She lives in NO and is in an area prone to flooding so she is wondering what she will come back to. We're just glad she is out of town.

**TCH-Don** · August 28, 2005

Curtis, don't take any chances

and keep your head tucked in like a turtle :thumbup1:

**TCH-Bruce** · August 28, 2005

Best of luck Curtis and everyone else in the path of this storm.

**TCH-Rob** · August 28, 2005

Curtis,

Stay safe. We used to live just out of New Orleans and I do remember those storms. I also remember no one wanting to leave as well. Interesting people there, just another excuse to throw a party. We had several hurricane parties while we were down there.

We will be thinking good thoughts for you.

**curtis** · August 28, 2005

Lise, BR doesn't have mandatory evacuation at this time but they are advising some evacuation. Thankfully we are not below sea-level like New Orleans, the highest point in BR is 25ft above.

Thanks everyone for the Good Lucks

**Lisety** · August 28, 2005

Curtis,

Just make sure you stay up to date on what's happening with the hurricane. You do have a battery operated radio or TV, right? About every couple of hours I go watch the latest update on CNN. Looks like this storm is going to have major impact inland as well because of its size. They're talking about Ohio getting some impacts from this storm....that is BIG!!!!

Keep safe,

Lise

**stevevan** · August 28, 2005

After being nailed with Ivan and Dennis, my thoughts and prayers go out to you, curtis. What we got during Ivan was bad enough...and we were about 60-80 miles away from the center! Speaking from experience, things are going to be very difficult in the months to come. Stay low and safe and keep your family up to date as long as you can.

The situation here is a little easier, but everyone is still keeping an eye on things. After what I saw and went through Thursday night in Ft. Lauderdale, I'm not gonna stop worrying until the storm is inland.

**djk** · August 28, 2005

Lise, BR doesn't have mandatory evacuation at this time but they are advising some evacuation. Thankfully we are not below sea-level like New Orleans, the highest point in BR is 25ft above.

Thanks everyone for the Good Lucks

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I went through 2 last year and they were only 1/3 the size of what you are facing and both were just a lot of trouble, for WEEKS after they hit. Forget about what your mom and kids want to do and just pack it all in and just everyone leave. I'm sure your messages today and early tomorrow will be the last for a while, as your ability

to do anything in that area will be very diminished. This thing has the potential to level most everthing in your area. Katrina is huge, man. You need to respect the fact that mother nature is about to alter the course of your families life. Leave.

**Samrc** · August 28, 2005

Though I went through several hurricanes last year and I've been through others in South Carolina, the idea of a cat 5 is just mind numbing! :thumbup1:

Curtis, my best thoughts an wishes for you and your family. Please take care and check in as soon as you can.

**curtis** · August 28, 2005

Thanks Sam,

I've gone thru several cat 4's but this will be my first cat 5. My son and his grilfriend showed up here about an hour ago, said my house is safer than his.

I now have 3 BIG packs of Oreo's and a gal. of chocolate milk, if that's not prepared I don't know what is.

**Lisety** · August 28, 2005

3 packs of Oreos and how many people? It's a good thing to keep your sense of humor, I have a feeling you're going to need it! The coast is starting to get some wind already (25mph) and it's still about 12 hours from landfall. This gal is big!

Stay safe,

Lise

**djk** · August 29, 2005

Thanks Sam,
I've gone thru several cat 4's but this will be my first cat 5. My son and his grilfriend showed up here about an hour ago, said my house is safer than his.

I now have 3 BIG packs of Oreo's and a gal. of chocolate milk, if that's not prepared I don't know what is.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

godspeed curtis.

pardon the expression but,

you have huge gonzos, ( rough translation:balls)

keep a diary

personally, I think the big easy and surrounding area will become a large toxic pond of death.

but, hey what is a chance for adventure for.

enjoy

**Samrc** · August 29, 2005

Nver thought of Oreos for hurricane survival food, but whatever works for you!

Best thoughts and prayers heading your way. Towels to follow.

**Lisety** · August 29, 2005

The good news is that Miles O'Brien of CNN has a blog and he's decided to head to Baton Rouge for safety (versus New Orleons), so I think that bodes well for you Curtis.

Keep safe,

Lise

**stevevan** · August 29, 2005

Nver thought of Oreos for hurricane survival food, but whatever works for you!

Whatever will work.

We're just starting to get some of the outer bands here in Pensacola. Tornado warnings already for areas around Mobile, AL. The fun is about to start!

**TCH-Dick** · August 29, 2005

On behalf of TCH to all of our familes, friends, and customers.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Stay safe and dry.

Fortunately for TotalChoice none of our datacenters are in this area.

Unfortunately we all have friends and family in the affected area. Most of my crew is in the Baton Rouge area and should be ok.

**curtis** · August 29, 2005

We started getting rain about 5pm. By my little backyard weather center we've had about 2in of rain and wind gust of 25-28mph as of 9pm.

I have some zzzzzz's hiding around here somewhere and I'm going to see if I can find them.

Thanks for the good thoughts everyone. I'll post again tomorrow.

Good Night all

**Lisety** · August 29, 2005

Curtis and Steve,

Thanks for keeping us updated. My thoughts are with you.

Stay safe,

Lise

**stevevan** · August 29, 2005

Hopefully curtis will be able to post tomorrow. Katrina made landfall in Louisianna about 0530 CDT. We're getting a lot of wind and some rain, but for the most part we're doing good here in Pensacola. I can only imagine what's going on west of here.

**curtis** · August 29, 2005

Katrina is now down to a cat 4 and moving more to the east than expected. I don't know how I still have power because I am hearing transformers blowing all around. Winds are fairly powerful and lots of rain. I can see a large oak tree down on a house half a block from me.

I'll try to check in later but as of now, 7:25am, we are doing ok.

**TCH-Bruce** · August 29, 2005

Hope you remain safe Curtis.

**cajunman4life** · August 29, 2005

Good luck Curtis, and all who are in the area. I have family/friends in St. Martinville, as well as Baton Rouge. Stay safe. You all are in my prayers.

**TCH-Don** · August 29, 2005

Thanks for the update Curtis, been worried about you.

And the rest of our family down there.

**curtis** · August 30, 2005

I lost power about 9am and just got a generator setup. My electric supplier said it could take them 2 to 3 days or a couple of weeks to get everyones power back on depending... What kind of answer is that? Is it days or weeks?

Anyway my family and I are all safe and sound. I lost my patio cover, my workshop(a tree fell on it) and about half the shingles on my house. I feel very lucky that's all I lost.

Thanks to all of you for your concern for me.

**stevevan** · August 30, 2005

Considering the preliminary video I've been able to see (we lost cable), you are VERY lucky! Power will be a while. Just run the generator when you have to in order to stretch the gas as long as possible. Check in from time to time as things start to get back to normal!

Great to hear you and your family are all safe!

**cajunman4life** · August 30, 2005

Glad to hear you're ok Curtis. Phone circuits are busy so we haven't been able to get ahold of our family yet, but we're fairly confident they are ok.

**Samrc** · August 30, 2005

So thankful you are ok Curtis!

:tchrocks: :dance:

**TCH-Bruce** · August 30, 2005

Glad you weathered the storm Curtis and that you and your family are ok!

**TCH-Don** · August 30, 2005

Glad you and family are ok.

Sorry for the loss, but as least you are safe.

**TCH-Thomas** · August 30, 2005

I am glad that you are ok Curtis. :xmas:

I just hope that everyone else in the area are too.

**Deverill** · August 30, 2005

Glad you're safe, Curtis!

For those who have never been "behind" a hurricane, it's going to be very uncomfortable for awhile and with the intensity and size of Katrina it may be a long while. Imagine no power, drinkable tap water, a/c, the fridge is full of melting food, no electric stoves or lights or motor cars, not a single luxury.... no wait, that's on tv. It's worse in real life cuz we don't have coconut radios and bicycle generators. Then there's the bugs and critters running from the waters, smells you never had before, and on and on and on.

Curtis, I hope only the best for you and that you will have as easy a time of it as possible. Let us know how you are from time to time as you can.

**djk** · August 30, 2005

I lost power about 9am and just got a generator setup. My electric supplier said it could take them 2 to 3 days or a couple of weeks to get everyones power back on depending... What kind of answer is that? Is it days or weeks?

Anyway my family and I are all safe and sound. I lost my patio cover, my workshop(a tree fell on it) and about half the shingles on my house. I feel very lucky that's all I lost.

Thanks to all of you for your concern for me.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I read Katrina took a 15 mile jog to the right just before NO, Your mom must have

significant prayer power, nothing else comes to mind on what saved BR, but I'm happy that you and yours did make out OK. As far as the power goes, my experience is, it comes back on when it does. The estimates or projections mean nothing to your specific households. Enjoy the experience. If it is anything like the 2 that hit Cocoa last year around this time it is a real learning experience. Good luck.

And God Bless NO, that is really sad.

**Bunni** · August 30, 2005

So glad to hear you and family are ok, Curtis! :xmas:

**TCH-Rick** · August 31, 2005

I spoke with my sister this afternoon. She left her house east of NO at 2 am Sunday and drove to Houston to stay with my brother. She had spoken with the landlady and the house she moved into last month is flooded with water up to the roofline. She's pretty shaken up having lost basically everything including the new appliances and such but is safe.

**stevevan** · August 31, 2005

I finally have gotten a report on a coworker (and close friend) from the Ocean Springs, MS area (next to Biloxi). He and his family are fine, house has minor damage and a tree leaning on it. He had water in his garage, but none in the house...came within 2" of coming in!

From experience, it's hard to put into words what you've just been through. I can only imagine how much worse it is for Mobile, AL west to New Orleans. My heart goes out to those people.

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