Wind on ES of Va

[tazdevil]

Hi folks, still here on the Eastern Shore, in my mobile home.....
Can anyone give me an idea of what winds to expect in northern Accomac county? My home has made it through 86mph winds and my roof has a wind rating of 2. Whatever that means. Not sure what to do.

[wxman57]

You're in a MOBILE HOME? There's a good reason why they're called mobile homes - they blow away in hurricanes. Most mobile homes are not made to withstand even minimal hurricane-force winds. Did you actually measure 86 mph winds with a calibrated anemometer at your home before, or are you assuming that's what the winds were there?

You sould never ride out a storm in a mobile home. But it's probably too late to get out now.

[Portastorm]

I work closely with HUD in my job and mobile homes usually have two ratings:

Wind Zone 1
Wind Zone 2

The Wind Zone 2 manufactured homes are designed to withstand a Cat-1 storm and are usually found near coastal waters.

Earlier this year in Texas we had a Cat-1 hurricane hit the coast and the newer manufactured homes with Wind Zone 2 ratings held up ok. The older ones did not.

Still, you're taking a big chance. I concur with WxMan57 that you should consider finding safer shelter if your area will experience hurricane-force winds.

[Wolfman21]

i withstood fran in a mobil home....

[ncweatherwizard]

You could still get out by traveling north since they have shut down the Bridge-Tunnel. I would expect no more than strong tropical storm force winds there. You should be alright though. Beautiful day in the neighborhood.

[tazdevil]

I work at the local airport and have to take wind speed and direction for landing planes. This was sustained wind at 86mph. The roof on this home was supposed to be designed for coastal winds since I can see the ocean from my home. I am somewhat concerned, but I have a dense stand of woods and the west side of me for some protection, that is the storm side, but the wind seems to be coming from every direction. Is this a false sence of complaisance?

[tazdevil]

Portastorm, thanks for the info on the roof rating. It makes me feel a little better. I have everything packed for a quick exit. Flooding should not be a problem here, belive it or not. I live on a small hill and the flood table at a cat5 still has me on dry land. But all my exits may be closed. All hotels and motels booked up. I will stay as long as possiable. Power is flickering. I will let you know tomorrow how this works out. Thanks for everyones help. I do have 4wheel drive, so I can wait a little longer.