Sarasota County EMA Official Says $ Figure similar to Andrew

[Guest]

Just heard on Channel 10 Tampa (internet feed) that a county official of Sarasota County says it is possible that Charlie may produce similar DOLLAR amounts as Andrew did.

[wx247]

I heard this, too, according to the AP, but this he said was a worst case scenario. Still sounds bad!

[DCA]

Not even close- educated guess from Charley... 12 billion max. Impressive (second worst ever?), but not even nearing 30

[PTPatrick]

Okay, think about it...Andrew was a cat 4/5 and managed to hit far enough to south to spare the highest damage it could had it hit miami. It then hit a relatively low population area of louisiana.

Now you have got Charley which could be a strong cat 3, at landfall, and if it skirts the coast just right, could spread MAJOR damage along the HEAVILY populated area from Ft. Meyers to Clearwater, and cause never before seen damage to Tampa/St. Pete area if landfall occurs in Pinellas...then you add the speed of movement which could bring hurricane force winds as far as J'ville, and larger areal coverage to spread tornados, flooding, etc...then enhance flooding all the way up the east coast to new England.

Now I am not saying that would surpass 30 billion...but to say that it couldn't, I would have to say is QUITE an understatement.

[Three Blind Mice]

careful here....we don't have a clue yet!

Just how much damage would there be if the track was east of projections after Tampa and then rode the east coast as a Cat 1 cane.

[DCA]

Fair point PT if we include the entire US. I was speaking of the FL landfall only