ahoyle wrote:Looking for some advice for those with more experience.
I live in Wesley Chapel about 10 miles north of Tampa and 20 miles from the water. Home built in 2008, 2 story home. No hurricane windows, standard mass built home. Flooding should be no issue here. At what point should the wind intensity make me evacuate? I figure I need to decide in next 5 hours or so.
Before I type this I feel like I should warn I’m a complete moron, and if I’m not at threat to flood I’d typically stay regardless of strength. But…
Do you have a family? If so, I would’ve gotten them out of there hours ago. If not, I’d be prepared for a horrifyingly wild ride,l with as much food, water and gas as I couple possibly find. then be prepared to leave when that runs out. Even a hurricane at 60mph weaker than this could have power out for weeks. The days after Katrina passed over were some of the most miserable I could remember after riding it out in Slidell. Likely we were eventually able to move over to Baton Rouge for a few weeks until the real clean up began.
All that being said, I’d listen to local officials. They’ll have more info on potential impacts. Take care of your kids, take care of your significant other, then take care of yourself.