Bush declares state of emergency in Fla

[HDGator]

HDGator ...
It seems clear to me that this thread has invovled a discussion of a theoretical estimate of the amount of time it would take to do a complete evacuation of the Tampa Bay Metro.

There is nothing theoretical about the governor declaring a state of emergency--- which is the title of this thread.

The second and third post of the thread question the need to declare the emergency. This doesn't help send a clear message when some are being asked to evacuate based on the hurricane watch that has been issued. This is especially true when those first being asked to evacuate are visitors and tourists.

[Rieyeuxs]

Sorry to be a person of disagreement here, but it is still too early. Any wobble to the west takes this offshore and to the panhandle. If this was a Cat 3 or higher, I could see the early warnings; but at a TS going over land, Ernie has a bigger chance of crying Wolf IMHO. I'm not -removed- this anywhere. I just suspect that if this fails to intensify, then the "it wasn't that big of a deal" mindset occurs. Especially if the Govenor is out on center stage wringing his hands.

Do you not think the panhandle is part of Fl also? Or am I missing something here?

Sorry but some of these people crack me up.

I didn't think I needed to clarify the Florida penisula, so I apologize if I was misunderstood. However, I believe my point still stands that declaring a state of emergency for a South Florida hit (and yes I know the panhandle is included). This storm hasn't regained hurricane status, it's track is still uncertain, and intensity 3-5 days out is nearly impossible to predict, especially with land interaction. I'm not saying people shouldn't keep updated and aware; ready to act. But to create a media hysteria is also unreasonable at this time.

I realize this view is unpopular, but overeaction can be just as bad as underreaction.

[Loring]

Sorry to be a person of disagreement here, but it is still too early. Any wobble to the west takes this offshore and to the panhandle. If this was a Cat 3 or higher, I could see the early warnings; but at a TS going over land, Ernie has a bigger chance of crying Wolf IMHO. I'm not -removed- this anywhere. I just suspect that if this fails to intensify, then the "it wasn't that big of a deal" mindset occurs. Especially if the Govenor is out on center stage wringing his hands.

I didn't think I needed to clarify the Florida penisula, so I apologize if I was misunderstood. However, I believe my point still stands that declaring a state of emergency for a South Florida hit (and yes I know the panhandle is included). This storm hasn't regained hurricane status, it's track is still uncertain, and intensity 3-5 days out is nearly impossible to predict, especially with land interaction. I'm not saying people shouldn't keep updated and aware; ready to act. But to create a media hysteria is also unreasonable at this time.

I realize this view is unpopular, but overeaction can be just as bad as underreaction.

lol. a wobble to the west not only would take it into the panhandle, but following the western portion of the cone would allow it to 'scrape the coast' while staying over water. the entire west coast of FL would see the highest intensity portion of the cane.

fact is, ANYWHERE in the cone will affect florida.

edit: also, overreaction would be evacuating the entire state right now. declaring state of emergency is taking a necessary step in preparedness, and is hardly creating hysteria.