Thoughts on early evacs from Central Florida? Where, timing?

[anjou]

What are the safest reasonable days/times to think about evacuating from Central Florida before roads get clogged... and where would you go, that doesn't include Atlanta?

Must of course factor in the possibility of mass evacuations from the Southeast as well... is a Wednesday a.m. leave from Central Florida, to north Florida that evening, proceeding up to someplace like Augusta, GA or more inland toward Chattanooga (but not that far up) workable... or do you think roads will be clogged by then?

Realizing of course that an early evac may mean an unnecessary evac - but better that than the alternative.

Thanks.

(By the way, what time is the first rain from the hurricane likely to make landfall, according to your best guesstimate?)

I think it would be better to leave the second leg of the evac route open, checking in to see where the hurricane is headed on Thursday a.m., and deciding direction from there.

[crazycajuncane]

I wonder when they plan to let schools out. Once they make that decision, I think people will be running out of there.

I know down here they call school early or at the last minute.

[sunflowerkist]

What are the safest reasonable days/times to think about evacuating from Central Florida before roads get clogged... and where would you go, that doesn't include Atlanta?

Must of course factor in the possibility of mass evacuations from the Southeast as well... is a Wednesday a.m. leave from Central Florida, to north Florida that evening, proceeding up to someplace like Augusta, GA or more inland toward Chattanooga (but not that far up) workable... or do you think roads will be clogged by then?

Realizing of course that an early evac may mean an unnecessary evac - but better that than the alternative.

Thanks.

(By the way, what time is the first rain from the hurricane likely to make landfall, according to your best guesstimate?)

I think it would be better to leave the second leg of the evac route open, checking in to see where the hurricane is headed on Thursday a.m., and deciding direction from there.

If you are seriously considering an evacuation, from Central Florida, I would plan on Tuesday night. As this hurricane gets more threatening to the south Florida area, you will have people on the roads driving up to be with family members from the Key West area and South Miami. With labor day traffic in the mix already, it will be crowded. If you want to escape the storm altogether I would head to west Alabama/Mississipi area. Anywhere east of the Florida Panhandle will be under the gun if the storm is as large as some of the hype. But this is only if you are seriously interested in leaving.

[Guest]

I'm in Central FL too and am considering Tennessee myself. As for timing, I'm thinking more like Wednesday night to know more likely if she's coming this way or not. Good luck to you whatever you decide to do.
...Jennifer...

[anjou]

Thanks both of you - and Jenn good luck to you too. (I'm not actually in Florida.. just playing remote-control with relatives!)

[TLHR]

Y'all may consider Fort Meyers. If possible, stay Southwest of the eye. That's the weakest quadrant.
Book hotel reservations now.

[soonertwister]

anjou, it isn't as much where you evacuate to as much as how safe is what you are evacuating to.

I'll try to give some general guidance, but there are no guarantees in a hurricane situation.

If the hurricane is projected to go straight as an arrow or curve toward the right (to the north), then you should evacuate at 90 degrees or more in the direction south of the projected path. But remember, you should only evacuatie to where you are assured to be safer than if you stay where you are. Whenever you are in transit, there are always unforeseen scenarios.

Remember to always trust your fellow mankind to not leave you in the lurch. If your transportation breaks down, it is better to seek alternate transportation than to expect a repair to your already disabled vehicle. People act in human ways when danger threatens.

Evacuate no farther than you need to to get to safe shelter. The longer you are out on the road, the more risk you bring into the equation. And do not wait until 24 hours before landfall to get out. It may not be too late, but in many cases it will be a futile dash to safety which is doomed to fail.

Good luck, and may God protect you.

[Windsong]

great advice Sooner. Thanks

[LaBreeze]

All are welcomed to come west to Louisiana - it's really not that far and you can enjoy some great food.

[yankeelmbb]

any suggestions for someone in Melbourne.....not on the coast...do we leave...stay?

[chris_fit]

lets wait it out a little more and see what happens

[yankeelmbb]

I have a bad feeling about this one.... when do they actually start evacuating the coastline here in Melbourne...72 hours?

[Windsong]

They usually begin evacuating after watches are posted. They will also take the special needs people out just prior to issuing the official order.

Once the official order is given, it's chaos. It is better to be proactive rather than reactive, so if it is in your mind to go, then make your plan and do it.

Read Soonertwisters post as well. Lots of good tips on insuring you are not putting yourself in harms way.

Windsong

[Florida_brit]

I wonder when they plan to let schools out. Once they make that decision, I think people will be running out of there.

I know down here they call school early or at the last minute.

"Palm Beach County School District administrators said no decision on closing schools would be made until the storm is 24 to 48 hours away.
source: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/weathe ... -hurricane

So if this is the case then the roads will jam packed with people trying tot evacuate....