Prospect of a Category 5

[Josephine96]

The prospect of a Category 5 hurricane certainly excites me in some strange way, but it also shivers me because I am possibly living in part of it's ultimate direct path.

Isabel is going to be a very dangerous storm. She may make Andrew look like a younger brother, or she herself may look like the ex girlfriend you never wanna piss off lol..

But jokes aside.. Isabel is going to be quite dangerous if and when she decides to come this way..

I am up on the 3rd floor of an apartment building here and even though I am inland about 45-50 miles.. I still may go ask the complex manager about if they have any plans in the event of a hurricane.. Cause I may end up being asked to leave..

Opinions welcomed..

<<<awaiting whatever Isabel may bring me>>>

[Josephine96]

all the views and lack of replies lol j/k

[opera ghost]

To be honest- it terrifies me. If a cat5 goes through Florida- there's a very real possibility that it could barrel through and head into MY waters.... the GOM.

No thanks *Laughs a bit nervously* I'm still not sure I trust the models that are saying she'll go north.

[Lindaloo]

Something about the mere mention of a CAT 5 sends everybody running. lol. Seriously, that is an excellent idea to find out if you are indeed safe in an apartment complex. I hope you are safe if she decides to pay you a visit.

[Josephine96]

I'll probably go ask the apartment complex manager tomorrow sometime or wait till Friday cause I know I'll be busy tomorrow..

[mf_dolphin]

The very thought of a strong CAT4 or a CAT5 should send shivers down everyone's back! A CAT1 might be fun but a CAT4+ is downright scarey! This is one storm that I would be happy to see go fishing but it doesn't look like that's going to happen...

[AussieMark]

Yes you are right a category 5 is exceiting and terrifing at the same time but it is unique.

Only 3 hurricanes have been of category 5 intensity when striking the US.

1935 Florida Keys
1969 <B>"Camille"</B> Mississippi Delta
1992 <B>"Andrew"</B> Dade County

So if Isabel was category 5 when landfall is eventally made no-one would forget for a long time

<B>Characteristics of a category 5</B>

Winds greater than 155 mph .

Storm surge generally greater than 18 ft above normal.

Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. All shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Complete destructon of mobile homes. Severe and extensive window and door damage.

Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane.

Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 ft above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles (8-16 km) of the shoreline may be required.

[Anonymous]

John I would not stay on the 3rd story of an apartment building during a Cat 4-5 hurricane for anything in the world. Just think of how fast these apartment buildings go up and think of just how thin your walls are.
Just some food for thought.

[GalvestonDuck]

Do you have renter's insurance to cover your personal stuff? The apartment managers will have to deal with preparing the property (and I'm sure it's insured). But the contents of your apartment aren't unless you have insurance.

If you don't, it might be too late. Not sure though. I know here in TX, most companies won't issue a new policy if a storm is already in the Gulf. Costwise, it's about $20.00 per month per $10,000 of coverage. It's also good to have in case of theft, fire, or even terrorism. It also prevents you from trying to pack EVERYTHING and take it when you evacuate. Leave the winter clothes, furniture, TV, VCR, dishes, basic crap like that. Take only that stuff that abosolutely can NOT be replaced, including you!

And don't forget -- if you do plan on staying (which I hope you don't), other living things will seek higher ground also. So don't be surprised if you have critters swimming and crawling in to your place for safety.

[Floridacane]

Help with my scenario.
I live in Palm Bay, just south of Melbourne. I live in a house (5 years old) Who would stay and who would go?

[rlar798]

John

We're in the same area and I was pretty much wondering the same thing.... I'm wondering where to go myself if Isabel comes to Visit. We're trying to if there are any structures that could withstand a storm of that magnatude and would take pets! We're in a Manufactured Home and know we'll have to hit the road!

[Floridacane]

rlar
I would definitely leave a manufactured home. I lived in one when Bertha was coming, and we were under mandatory evacuation. (She never hit btw) But we left and went to a friends house.

I really don't know what I would do! If I go north, could the storm come north, definitely don't want to go south, that's a big no no. Which way do we go???

[bev1]

I have to stay as I am the director of nurses at a local hospital. Of course I will be at the hospital. The only problem I have is a 8 1/2 month preg daughter so if the barometric pressure drops--guess what! Could be exciting but we are really not ready for a baby quite yet. Oh well, if Isabel heads towards New Orleans I guess we will just have to rush preparations to completion-LOL. Cody might make an unexpected apperance.
Bev

[Scott_inVA]

Similar with tornado chasing. When you go, you really want one to chase. Everyone wants to be close...except to an F5. Those tornadoes are so rare and so frightening they are almost sacred (sounds weird, but true).

The people who wishcast a major hurricane or TOR to come their way have never experienced what little ones can do. When we were tracking the LaPlata, MD TOR up here last year, it was like Marti Gras excitement... until everyone realized it exploded into an F5. It's simply amazing how quickly your emotions swing when realizing this is the worst weather you could ever see. LaPlata was later downgraded to high F4 damage but when you hear on the Skywarn repeater: "urgent...urgent...stay away...repeat...stay away...F5 on the ground approaching homes and a school", this s*it suddenly ain't funny anymore.

Right now, this is like driving 90MPH on I-95 to a TOR warning...it is exciting and yes, thrilling to wacky people like us. But if it gets close, cooler heads must prevail b/c there's always loads of people who have no idea what really could be coming. If you're on the coast or risk inland flooding, this weekend should be a busy one :?

[BayouVenteux]

Yes you are right a category 5 is exceiting and terrifing at the same time but it is unique.

Only 3 hurricanes have been of category 5 intensity when striking the US.

1935 Florida Keys
1969 <B>"Camille"</B> Mississippi Delta
1992 <B>"Andrew"</B> Dade County

So if Isabel was category 5 when landfall is eventally made no-one would forget for a long time...

That's "only 3" in modern (20th century) times. North American landfalling category 5 storms might a be more common occurence over time than we realize, but without solid long-term historical data to go by, we can only assume based on those 3 that they're on average, a once in 25-30 year event.

[Lindaloo]

Help with my scenario.
I live in Palm Bay, just south of Melbourne. I live in a house (5 years old) Who would stay and who would go?

You need to contact your local civil defense on any info you may need. Sometimes common sense prevails in this type situation. Are you in a flood zone? How far are you above sea level? Was your home built to code? Those are questions you need to ask.