The bottom line is this.....

[GulfBreezer]

Folks, I have read every post and I have been following the tropics for quite a few years myself. What needs to be repeated is that Isabel could possibly affect more than S FL, EC OR the GOM. This is a potential DEADLY storm and anyone (IMO) living anywhere in FL, on the EC and ALL Gulf Coast residents should keep at least one eye on this storm. We have all seen the storms that pass over the Fl Peninsula and into the GOM, we have seen them bombard the islands and head up the East coast and we have seen the turn into fish food. I think we can all agree that Isabel IS going to have an affect on land somewhere and NO-ONE should let their guard down until she is gone. The storm has the potential to kill many and leave many others homeless. I was there in the aftermath of Andrew and it broke my heart. Please, just everyone stay safe and sensible and there is nothing wrong with being prepared!!

Sandi

[Portastorm]

Well said Sandi! Well said.

Tolleris at WxRisk is like Bastardi @ Accuweather, both are experienced, talented mets who have a lot of great insight for those of us who don't do this for a living. But I wouldn't be boarding up my windows in one place or another just yet because Tolleris says something. He was WAY WRONG about Fabian...just like Bastardi had Henri turning into a hurricane off the NC coast.

Heck, I'd like to know what our own wxman57 has to say about Isabel!

[mf_dolphin]

AMEN! Sandi!

[southerngale]

I agree GB! Well said!

[WXBUFFJIM]

Preparation is key all season long in case a major hurricane affects your area. Isabel maybe one case and example in the days ahead. We can even see one example, which occurred in BERMUDA last week during fabian where preparation and good building codes made all the difference in the world. It could have been much worse if preparation and good building codes weren't implemented in Bermuda last Friday during Fabian.

Jim

[Colin]

Great explanation, Sandi, and you are 100% right...everyone should be preapared and NEVER let their guard down...I have to admit...this one has me nervous.

[Rainband]

(((HUGS))) good job Sandi..excellent take on the situation!!!

[N2Storms]

Like yourself, I remember Opal very well. Even though it was not a direct hit we still got walloped pretty good. I definitely have my eye on it, but at this point I'm not really too concerned about a Panhandle threat.

[PTrackerLA]

I read the Houston/Galv NWS discussion and as of right now they think the trough coming down Sunday will be enough to keep the GOM safe from Isabel...but they were also sure to state that this is still far away and things will likely change. I wouldn't count the GOM out yet but this could be an all EC event. I still think landfall will occur somewhere along the east coast of Florida and I hope that wherever she goes people are ready and prepared.