Complacency is out of control

[Tampa Bay Hurricane]

I have been talking with people here- they all call me
an "obsessive, hysterical maniac" about thinking a storm is possible.
This is very dangerous for them- if TD24 develops and comes anywhere
near Tampa Bay there will be a huge number of complacent
people that would perish

This complacency is dangerous. Many think that these systems will
go to texas or louisiana.

[floridahurricaneguy]

Cant believe it. What dont they get, the NHC expects a major hurricane and climatology and even models hint it could make a hit directly affecting Tampa Area. I talked to my family in Tampa with me and they already said when I think its time to leave they will leave. They are already starting to prepare, when we get home we will also. ITs better to be safe then sorry.

Matt

[sunny]

I would have hoped people would have learned a lesson from Louisiana with Katrina. I had to literally fight my sisters to get out of here with Katrina - they did not want to leave. I was screaming. They asked me what I was going to do, that I couldn't just get in my car and drive. I told them, yeah, just watch me. Once they saw I was serious, they weren't far behind me.

[kevin]

I have been talking with people here- they all call me
an "obsessive, hysterical maniac" about thinking a storm is possible.
I am telling you right now if TD24 develops and comes anywhere
near Tampa Bay there will be a huge number of complacent
people that would perish

This complacency disgusts me. Everytime I talk to someone they
think it will go to texas or louisiana.

They're probably not complacent, they just think the attitude you approach it with is fatalistic, if I had to guess their minds.

[jlauderdal]

I have been talking with people here- they all call me
an "obsessive, hysterical maniac" about thinking a storm is possible.
I am telling you right now if TD24 develops and comes anywhere
near Tampa Bay there will be a huge number of complacent
people that would perish

This complacency disgusts me. Everytime I talk to someone they
think it will go to texas or louisiana.

well maybe if you were calm they would take you more seriousely. there is never a time to be a hysterical maniac, it is time to ensure you are prepared for a hurricane and thats what i would tell them.

[LAwxrgal]

Et tu, Sunny?

Yep, I had sister and parent problems. None of them wanted to leave for Katrina. I had to force them to leave when I was ready to get out. I would hope that people learned their lessons from what happened with Katrina. Many people perished who would be alive today if they had evacuated.

Again, see my avatar... if you see a hurricane coming your way... GET OUT.

[Droop12]

Maybe they know theres a depression out there, but its not supposed to be anywhere near the Gulf until Friday. Its way to early to panic and worry about all the doomsday scenarios. Just keep an eye on it the next few days and by Weds. or Thursday we'll have a better idea of where its going to go and who needs to panic.

[Trader Ron]

I think 95% of the people don't care, UNTIL it's headed towards them.

[MiamiensisWx]

They proably think it will weaken significantly before landfall like Katrina or Rita if it comes near or in the Tampa Bay area. The 1921 storm that hit the Tampa Bay area weakened from a Category Four to a Category Two before landfall, so they think it may be no big deal, coupled with the fact that the Tampa Bay area has been spared so long.

Sooner or later, a major hurricane that DOES NOT WEAKEN before landfall will happen... it just has to happen. Then people will understand.

I agree, Tampa Bay Hurricane... I am sick of such attitudes as well. Too many ignorant people who don't understand that even a Category One or Category Two hurricane or even a tropical storm can be dangerous.

[sunny]

They thought Katrina would turn, LAwxrgal. They said "they always turn".

[gatorcane]

great thread Tampa Bay Hurricane. There is SO much complancency in the Tampa Bay area. I mentioned this in my 1921, Charley thread.

You are not being fanatical. There is a dire situation unfolding for the W. Coast of FL (probably Tampa) and it's not going to be pretty.

It's not going to Texas or LA this time...to o late in the season.

[sunny]

great thread Tampa Bay Hurricane. There is SO much complancency in the Tampa Bay area. I mentioned this in my 1921, Charley thread.

You are not being fanatical. There is a dire situation unfolding for the W. Coast of FL (probably Tampa) and it's not going to be pretty.

It's not going to Texas or LA this time...to o late in the season.

boca, you need to check out Juan's track in 1985.

[Droop12]

Also, most of the general public dont view any models, I bet most dont even know what they are. Just because a few models suggest a landfall near Tampa doesnt mean everyone there has seen them and anlayzed them like we do here lol. And IMO, If I had to take a guess this storm wont be anywhere near as strong as Charley. JMO

[Tampa Bay Hurricane]

It should be noted that all I said was "According to the NHC, a
category 2 hurricane may enter the SE GOM and may possibly
threaten the west coast of florida". So I was clearly not being
hysterical thank you very much.

[artist]

no- there is no need for panic but plans need to be completed this week for a what if scenario. I don't understand why so many want to wait until it is upon them to then decide to make sure you have enough gas, food, water, etc. Oh! and those scrambling to get plywood if they dont have shutters. I can see it now - Thur or Fri those same people will be screaming because they can't find what they need to be prepared. Just nuts to me. Yes - there are those here that can wait as most I believe are prepared but for last minute decisions, but those that don't follow storm2k - most are not!

[MiamiensisWx]

I know this sounds mean, but, when I hear of such ignorance, I somewhow WANT a major storm that dosn't weaken before landfall, since people won't understand the easier way (without a storm). Hope everyone knows what I mean...

[floridahurricaneguy]

I am curious guys, with all the models shifting west, is that a sign? Could we spared or will the flip flop back?

Matt

[ladygatorslayer]

I never knew what a hurricane was until last year. Living in "Passover" County for 25 years, I vaguely remember Elena as I was a teen at the time. The biggest storm I can remember was the No Name and it wasn't even a hurricane.

Prior to last year I really thought I was in one of the safest area's of Florida cause they never hit here. All that changed when I left for Charlie because the thought of it scared the heck out of me. And I will do it again.

[gtalum]

I am curious guys, with all the models shifting west, is that a sign? Could we spared or will the flip flop back?

Matt

This is precisely why it's silly to freak out 5+ days in advance, and to expect everyone else to freak out too. Give it a couple of days. Everyone should be 90% prepared from May-November anyway. I need about 4 hours to make preparations before a storm. Those under the gun that aren't prpeared will just have to suffer lines, crowds, and shortages like usual.

Freaking out and "preparing" for every storm 5+ days in advance would cripple our economy.

[Tampa Bay Hurricane]

Yea...we should not freak out...I am certainly not...I am just
mentioning the possibility to a few friends...