Evacuation route to the Keys ?

[TheShrimper]

This may seem strange, but it could be a viable choice. Hypothetically, if Frances is starting a poleward motion trackwise as it eclipses 75-77W, taken for granted it is still south of 24N, a run to the keys would not be a bad choice to make. I have been over to the east coast enough to know the traffic situation on a 'normal' day.I cannot fathom the thought of the hysteria that would ensue during a crisis. Across 41 or Alligator Alley will solve nothing as it will add to the problem with the west coast departures. Inland to Sebring, Lake Wales ect., may be in the path and Ocala Gainsville Lake City will all be booked I am sure from past experiances with the Andrew and Georges scares. This is taking into consideration that Monroe County doesn't issue evacuations, which they seem to be very liberal about doing. They are the first to blow the whistle, so they essentially hold the cards.

[mf_dolphin]

The problem I see with the Keys is that if it looks like a S. Florida hit the Keys will be evacuated and they won't let anyone head that way.

[WeatherEmperor]

Yeah it would be very problematic.

<RICKY>

[Anonymous]

...head west young man, head west!

Actually, NW, would be your best bet, toward Talahassee.

[frankthetank]

Couldn't a person just jump in his/her boat and go hunker down in the Tortugas/Cuba? Ok...stupid idea, but there are a lot of boat owners down there, right? And traffic is going to be a HUGE mess ( iwould think) a sailboat/cabin cruiser might be your best getaway/hideaway....02cents

[TheShrimper]

I-75 is no bargain either, and it haunts me to think of the travel nightmare that might ensue debris-wise to try to get back home, if indeed the storm comes inland and runs up the state.

[Anonymous]

I thought the same exact thing, frank, but you would need to be 100% sure your boat is in tip top shape and would be able to make it to a port safely, if the storm was to suddenly change course.

I think if you were to leave, say from the opposite side of Florida, Ft. Myers, and head up the coast toward Panama City, you would be in good shape. I would NOT take the chance and head out over the open GOM though, toward Alabama, or Mississippi. It would be too far and way too risky from a standpoint of possible mechanical breakdown.

[btsgmdad]

Better off heading to Mid-Georgia, or if you like the water, Michigan is nice this
time of year.

[KeyLargoDave]

Interesting discussion, exactly what I've had to think about living in Fort Lauderdale and Key Largo.

I currently have a reservation at a hotel near Joe Robie, I mean Pro Player Stadium. That's for if it looks like the storm only gets to 24 and is going west or is very close and going northwest. Then I have to get out of the Keys.

On the other hand, there are times when I would evacuate southwest. Key West could put me 100 miles from the storm center if it's tracking north.

The thing about the Keys is, it gets restricted before and after a storm. I live here and I'm not sure when I could come or go before or after a storm. If the FHP cars pull out and blockade Card Sound Road and US 1 at Florida City, it's closed.

I want to be here, if I can, if it hits, becuase otherwise it's hard to get back. anyone from outside the Keys who might be thinking about a southward evactuation should be sure to have confirmed reservations or friends.

[frankthetank]

If new GFS is right, then maybe stay put....in south florida