How far inland

[jes]

Most mandatory evacuations are for coastal areas. How many miles inland do you think you would need to be to be "safe enough" if a cat 4 or 5 hit. I am about 50 miles inland. I do not live in an area that floods, my house is brick, does have a couple Oak trees, but I am probably ready for a new roof. When the roof is old is it more likely to fly off. This house withstood Fredrick, but that was a strong cat 3. I'll have my elderly parents with me and it is very hard to move them since my dad is in a wheelchair and very heavy. Also, what direction should I go if it is not safe to stay. I was thinking Lucedale, Ms -- that very far inland, but then there is the chance of lots of tornado's if the storm goes into N.O or Miss at the last minute and then turns right. I just don't know what to do. This whole thing is making me somewhat sick to my stomach because the correct decisions must be made.

[alicia-w]

if you go to this website:


http://floridadisaster.org/hurricane_aware/english/wind/risk_areas.shtml

and select the part of the coast where you live, it will give you a very rough idea of what the winds should be at varying distances based on the category of storm and its approaching speed.

[gpickett00]

inland you should be fine. as long as you arent on the coast, you arent going to actually get the category 5 winds.

[alicia-w]

that isnt necessarily true. if you look at the graphics on the page i mentioned, it's entirely possible that hurricane force winds can be felt quite a ways inland. Someone referred to winds in excess of 100 mph at Charlotte NC and that's QUITE a ways inland.

[tronbunny]

For Charley, Kissimmee had 95-105mph winds.
We're a good 70+ miles from Tampa coast and another 40+ from Melbourne.
But, the good news is that most well constructed homes should do OK in that situation.
From now on, I'll always board up for any East coast tropical storm and definitely any west coast hurricane.

[dennis1x1]

well of course you are going to get hurricane winds inland......but not cat 5...big difference....you dont need to evacuate just because of hurricane winds....

[birdwomn]

I think the original poster is not giving enough information for anyone to make an analysis and recommendation.

You need to evauluate your home structure (which you have done here to some degree), your property, flooding potential, your family situation, etc. and decide what your family game plan will be. I recall driving thru Lucedale after Fredrick and seeing all the pine trees leaning to one side, among other things.

No, you are not likely to get cat 4 or 5 winds 50 miles inland, but you could lose power for days or weeks, have extensive flooding, lose trees, a roof, etc. Or you could be fine. You just need to take your emotions out of hte situation, decide waht is the best emergency plan for your family and then work your plan.

Trust me I know this well, especially lately. I live 4 miles from the Gulf and have family right on the water in several different areas of Floirda as well as in Orlando. I can only be thankful that we have all done ok, so far. Others have not been so fortunate and my heart and prayers go out to them.