Not sure what to do, never felt this way before

[HollynLA]

I am now at my lower Livingston Parish home and I know I will never see my place in Dulac again (down in lower Terrebone). There will be nothing left there but a few pipes coming out the ground.

I've NEVER felt this way before a storm, my heart is racing, my thoughts are everywhere, let's face it, this is scary.

I'm not sure if I'm safe ever here in Livingston parish (near Frost). We really don't have to to worry about water, but the winds are my biggest fear in this location. I don't expect power for atleast a week. Do any of you pro mets have any idea about my location's safety, they're not saying much on the news except to expect winds over 100mph.

Anyway, not to sound too cheesy but, this is it, the big one, no matter how you look at it.

[coolwater]

There is still hope. God bless, Holly.

[oneness]

Good luck. I've been in the inner-core of a 925 millibar when I was six and I hope this latest update sucessfully scares the heck out of everyone there because that fear will save them and get them moving in time to save the most. Best wishes.

[Steve]

Cat 5 = maximum structural failure and destruction. Potential major loss of life (hopefully mitigated as much as possible).

This is beyond surreal, it's like a bad awake. If the track holds, most of us will have rubble heaps to come home to in a few days, weeks or months. I've never felt this way before either. 200 miles spread of hurricane force winds, 3-400 mile spread of tropical force winds. Massive storm surges. Forget landfall. This is Louisiana's, Mississippi's, Alabama's and Florida's storm. If I don't get a chance to get back on later before we blow out of town, here's wishing a speedy recovery and all the best to everyone affected. Peace



Steve

[BamaMan]

I am praying and hoping for the best for all of my neighbors here along the coast. Please just do the smart thing, whatever that is for your area, and have faith.Remember, and this is hard to do, but property can be replaced, but lives cannot. God Bless

[bvigal]

Holly, what you are feeling is normal: the racing heart, spinning thoughts, etc. Don't apologize for posting it here. I would be scared, too! I'm really sorry you and Steve and all the others have had to leave your homes to the outcome of a hurricane, that is really, really a tough thing to go through. We will pray for your strength, for comfort, and continue to hope for the best!

[zoeyann]

Holly, I am in Chauvin, no one is saying much about effects in Terrebonne, but it is soo close. They have it coming in just east of us. I am leaving.

[drudd1]

Please just do the smart thing, whatever that is for your area, and have faith.Remember, and this is hard to do, but property can be replaced, but lives cannot. God Bless

Very well said. As hard as it is for you to imagine, if the storm takes your home, you have not lost everything. Family and friends are your true wealth. I can still close my eyes and see the devastation Andrew caused, but that was okay, life went on, and that is what you have to remember, life goes on. The material things can be replaced. You be safe Holly, make sure your family is safe, and make sure you follow the evac orders for your area. If you do this, trust me, it's gonna work out just fine in the end.

For all of you in the storms path, God Bless, be safe, us folks here in Florida have you in our thoughts and prayers.

[baygirl_1]

Holly--
I know how you feel. I felt that way during Ivan and Dennis (before they turned). This monster is going to hit somewhere and do lots of damage. You did the absolute right thing getting out and hopefully all your loved ones are out. The real treasure is the people we love. In some ways, I'm writing this for myself as well as it becomes light and we start our last minute wrap-up before leaving. (Yes, decision to leave has been made!) It's always so tough and very emotional to leave our things, but we can survive with those things, if needed. Treasure your family and friends.
Take care, be safe, and God bless!

[Wacahootaman]

Holly, I dont want to give you false hope, but remember, many recent hurricanes in your area weakened substantially before landfall.

Ivan was a cat 5 at one time and when it hit shore it was a weak 3 in wind speed, although the flood surge was worse than a three.

Prepare if possible, for the worst, but hope and pray for the best.

[stormie]

For whatever comfort this can provide, please know that there is much help and support availlable now and after the storm. I hope anyone who needs such services can take advantage of them. They can be extremely helpful. Here's one example.

"Crisis Counseling. The purpose of the crisis counseling program is to help relieve any grieving, stress, or mental health problems caused or aggravated by the disaster or its aftermath. These short-term services, provided by FEMA as supplemental funds granted to State and local mental health agencies, are only available to eligible survivors of Presidentially-declared major disasters. Those who may require this confidential service should inquire about it while registering for disaster assistance. Or they may contact FEMA's toll-free Helpline number 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY 1-800-462-7585) to find out where these services can be obtained. Crisis counselors are often on-hand at Disaster Recovery Centers (when they are established). Eligible survivors may also learn more about where crisis counseling services are available via the media, and FEMA's Recovery Times newsletters. Crisis counseling services are also offered by the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, other voluntary agencies, as well as churches and synagogues. Additional mental health information may be found on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Mental Health Services' website, http://www.mentalhealth.org. "
--Quoted from FEMA's web site at http://www.fema.gov/rrr/inassist.shtm

[CharleySurvivor]

I so understand how you feel. I felt the same last year. You are in a much worst situation then I was here.

Just remember that your feelings will be worst then what you are feeling now AFTER she passes thru. Hopefully, you do ok where you are and it's not much devastation. Just stay positive and make your mind up that you will pull thru it and all be ok.

[azsnowman]

I am praying and hoping for the best for all of my neighbors here along the coast. Please just do the smart thing, whatever that is for your area, and have faith.Remember, and this is hard to do, but property can be replaced, but lives cannot. God Bless

VERY WELL said Bamaman.......being involved with Search and Rescue, I've seen ONE too many disasters, enough for a lifetime Holly, remember this, we're ALL brothers and sisters in the Lords eye, we are HERE to help you in ANYWAY possible, rest assured, you've got my prayers along with the prayers of a nation, God Bless and take care!

Dennis

[johngaltfla]

Holly, I am in Chauvin, no one is saying much about effects in Terrebonne, but it is soo close. They have it coming in just east of us. I am leaving.

You've got to leave. This storm is projected to be a Cat 1 still close to the TN/MS border by Tuesday.

Go to TX or AR. You can rebuild from there. I've never, in my lifetime, seen a monster like this one. Andrew was bad, but not as big and this one has room to intensify.

Good luck and our prayers are with you and your friends.

[seaswing]

Holly:

I know how you feel but this storm is unlike any other in our recent history. Ivan and Charley were devastating but not like this one is going to be. Gather up your most treasured possessions and important documents, get your animals (if you have any) and LEAVE. Go the opposite direction of the projected path for the next few days. Have faith, have hope, but be safe..... God Bless you and all in the path of this storm.

Seaswing

[Frank2]

On my way to Mass in a few minutes - I'll be praying for you all!!

Frank

[wsquared77]

We are praying for you all. We saw what this storm can do as a cat 1. I can't imagine what you must be feeling right now. My heart breaks for all you must be going through right now and in the future days. We are praying for you "without ceasing".

[jlauderdal]

I am now at my lower Livingston Parish home and I know I will never see my place in Dulac again (down in lower Terrebone). There will be nothing left there but a few pipes coming out the ground.

I've NEVER felt this way before a storm, my heart is racing, my thoughts are everywhere, let's face it, this is scary.

I'm not sure if I'm safe ever here in Livingston parish (near Frost). We really don't have to to worry about water, but the winds are my biggest fear in this location. I don't expect power for atleast a week. Do any of you pro mets have any idea about my location's safety, they're not saying much on the news except to expect winds over 100mph.

Anyway, not to sound too cheesy but, this is it, the big one, no matter how you look at it.

good luck, i just spent three nights with no power but i was at hotel all three nights and we had a 1. I hate to think how long power will be out with the poles getting knocked down.

[goodlife]

Holly...I, too, feel the same way.
We're here in mandeville and I think we're going to leave this afternoon. I'm beginning to get really concerned. I think I felt all along that this thing would turn east before it got to us like so many storms do.....but I don't think this one can turn enough east at this point to spare us.
We had a recorded phone call late last night from the parish president stressing that we are under a mandatory evacuation...
I am afraid that after this is over the map of the coastline of Louisiana will have to be redrawn....

[Roxy]

Holly...I, too, feel the same way.
We're here in mandeville and I think we're going to leave this afternoon. I'm beginning to get really concerned. I think I felt all along that this thing would turn east before it got to us like so many storms do.....but I don't think this one can turn enough east at this point to spare us.
We had a recorded phone call late last night from the parish president stressing that we are under a mandatory evacuation...
I am afraid that after this is over the map of the coastline of Louisiana will have to be redrawn....

Leigh, my prayers are with you guys, get the hell outta dodge and remember everything that you really need will be with you (family).

Holly, I can understand your anxiety, just try to get out of the way...that's all you can do.

I think it's safe to say the whole country is praying for everyone down there.

God Bless.