Ivan questions

[louise_l]

Due to preparations for Ivan and time spent evacuating and returning, I was not online for some time and missed some of the facts about Ivan.

Since I returned, I have seen news footage of some pretty terrible devastation at Gulf Shores and Pensacola, which naturally has consumed most media coverage of Ivan. So, I still have questions. Sorry to take your time by asking such simple questions and thank you in advance for any answers you may provide.

1. Exactly where did Ivan make landfall?

2. How many miles in diameter was the eye of Ivan at landfall?

3. How strong were the steady winds at landfall, and how strong were the strongest gusts?

4. How high was the storm surge? Is the devastation in Gulf Shores (for example) or elsewhere attributed mainly to wind damage, or mainly to storm surge? I am in awe of the magnitude of destruction, some even at higher floors of multi-story condos. Surely waves could not have got that high, or did they? (shudder)

5. Is it true that some houses were apparently washed away and disappeared?

Thank you again, so much!!!