emeraldislencguy wrote:live on emerald isle--what are the chances of us getting hurricane force winds out of this system--I know that may be difficult to answer but have a family member in his 90's and we need to begin thinking about his plans--any help or ideas from the pr mets about how strong it could get here would be appreciated.
Same standard reply as always.
Have all basic preparations out of the way at the season start, and keep your eyes on the system. When/if a system is forecast by NCH, etc in the 5 day cone- double check food stocks, evacuation routes, medications, etc and know your plan in advance. When/if your area enters the 3 day cone- consider the size of the expected storm and the local conditions and decide at what point (if any) you plan to evacuate. Pack a suitcase of clothes and critical papers and move your box of supplies within easy reach even if you do not plan on evacuating. then you wait and put plans into action when they become necessary.
It's almost never necessary to evacuate more than 4 days in advance unless you had plans taking you out of the area anyways.
We should tap on those debates!!! Probably Bush is hearing them with the Patriot Act!!! 
