Kevin,
We wish you well! You have done all you can and now its "hunker down" as they say. I noticed you have water containers for "commode flush". Man, that was a huge deal for us here - filling several 5 gal buckets and storing in the garage.
Sounds like in Florida you all listen to the authorities. Here in Texas, many ignore and do what they think best.
You are right, a fast moving storm is much preferred to a slow one. The winds are bad enough, but the water is the most destructive/dangerous.
I sure wish you well, and hopefully this will all be over with soon.
Take care!!!
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Top of the page, eh... Maybe the diner is closed for evakuation.
I brought in an animal. If push come to shove, we can eat this.
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
mobilman44Sounds like in Florida you all listen to the authorities. Here in Texas, many ignore and do what they think best.
I still have power!
We are seeing light winds now, probably 15-20 MPH gusts. It is going to get much worse over the next eight hours.
I still cannot believe they closed the roads 12 hours ago and ordered everyone to shelter in place. A lot of people could have evacuated. There are way too many people remaining here in the storm's path.
They are predicting a 12 foot storm surge in Cape Coral. That would put my house under 4 feet of water, and up to the roof eaves for most of the houses in my neghborhood. That would be tragic if it happens.
We are not seeing the National News down here now. Everything is local special broadcasts, so I have no idea what you are seeing.
With so few people being allowed to evacuate in front of a category 3-4 storm, this could be tragic. When Irma hit, nearly all of Collier County and Lee County were given evacuation orders well in advance.
Will keep on as long as power stays.
The cat is absolutely losing her mind.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
The rain and wind have been completely stopped for about five minutes now. It is very cold outside. There is a gray haze in the air that prevents much visibility. This is spooky.
I just dug through the freezer looking for something to eat, since it is all going to go bad anyway... Found some Toaster-Strudel! Score!
SeeYou190 mobilman44 Sounds like in Florida you all listen to the authorities. Here in Texas, many ignore and do what they think best. I still have power! We are seeing light winds now, probably 15-20 MPH gusts. It is going to get much worse over the next eight hours. I still cannot believe they closed the roads 12 hours ago and ordered everyone to shelter in place. A lot of people could have evacuated. There are way too many people remaining here in the storm's path. They are predicting a 12 foot storm surge in Cape Coral. That would put my house under 4 feet of water, and up to the roof eaves for most of the houses in my neghborhood. That would be tragic if it happens. We are not seeing the National News down here now. Everything is local special broadcasts, so I have no idea what you are seeing. With so few people being allowed to evacuate in front of a category 3-4 storm, this could be tragic. When Irma hit, nearly all of Collier County and Lee County were given evacuation orders well in advance. Will keep on as long as power stays. The cat is absolutely losing her mind. -Kevin
mobilman44 Sounds like in Florida you all listen to the authorities. Here in Texas, many ignore and do what they think best.
Kevin. Prayers for you.
I'm working from home and have the TV on all day. The Weather Channel tracks landfall to occur from the east side of Charlotte Harbor over to Englewood. Since the surge happens the worst on the east side, they are saying bad things are going to happen in Punta Gorda...at the moment. These things wobble. It seems that you might be far enough south to miss the very high forecasted water. 5 to 10 miles matters.
Things always seem to be dramatic and sensationalized. Nevertheless, CAT4 is CAT 4 and the Eye is an Eye
Hurricane status is expected to travel over land all the way to Orlando. You know Florida better than I do, but I can imagine the authorities did not want a lot of evacuation traffic stranded on the roads as the Cat 1 Hurricane passed through Florida on its way to the Atlantic. There doesn't seem to be anywhere to go by car that would not be in the path.
I'm assuming your Home Depot will sell those extra pallets of water quickly once the storm passes. Probably good to still have some at the store for people who may run out during recovery.
- Douglas
Stay safe, Kevin.
I feel like I'm there with you - as I'm sure many others here do!
From family / area experiences, may I make some suggestions - all of which you are likely very familiar with, but I won't assume......
- Prepare a "bug out" bag/suitcase of meds and important papers & pics. Ziploc bags are lifesavers for keeping things dry. Don't forget cat food!
- If you can, raise up at least one vehicle. Even 6-8 inches on concrete blocks could make a major difference. One of my sons will attest to this and of course that is in hindsight.
- I learned early on to keep cash on hand. When the electric goes out, cash is KING for sure!
- If possible, put valuable household goods (electronics, antiques) on top of tables, etc. It may make a huge difference.
- Also put basic clothes in plastic bags to keep dry. Dry clothes after a flood is a major help!
Hey, I'm sure all the above is second nature to you, but sometimes we just forget when a crisis is near.
Please take care, and know that a lot of folks are wishing you well, and you all are in a lot of prayers!
BE SAFE !!!
I have visitors this morning —
Bituminous by Edmund, on Flickr
Running the snow blower should be a lot easier this winter.
I hope your toaster strudel turns out better than your EGGO experience a few weeks back, Kevin
If we ever have to scrounge for something to eat we will start with the oldest and work our way down:
IMG_4718 by Edmund, on Flickr
Mc Nuggets for everyone
You're in my thoughts today, Kevin. I have friends in New Port Richey. Keeping them in mind, too.
Union Pacific Wheat by Edmund, on Flickr
Amber Waves...
Cheers, Ed
Good morning
The site is working well today for a change!
It looks like Ed is getting Tared and Feathered this morning...
Happy for ya! That ought to make for some easier snow removal this winter Ed. Nothing better than a nice clean skid of the blade
gmpullman Track fiddler My question to you Kevin? I have wondered through the years, what do they eventually do with all those warped boards that nobody's going to buy? At "my" Home Depot they get a splash of purple paint then tossed on the 80% off pile. Have you had your WHEATIES today? Zephyr Wheaties by Edmund, on Flickr
Track fiddler My question to you Kevin? I have wondered through the years, what do they eventually do with all those warped boards that nobody's going to buy?
At "my" Home Depot they get a splash of purple paint then tossed on the 80% off pile.
Have you had your WHEATIES today?
Zephyr Wheaties by Edmund, on Flickr
POST HOG!!!
Thanks Brent. I really enjoyed the building of the Lions Gate Bridge video
Me being afraid of heights wouldn't walk on those catwalks, let alone balancing on the main swag cable? .....NO THANKS...
Thanks John. I can just imagine the cruise You and the Misses were on was really fun and hold some great memories
I saw what I was talking about in the picture you provided but then again I knew what I was looking for. Found hundreds of pictures of the Lions Gate Bridge as you said would be on the internet.
Here's a poster that was for sale on a pop-up add on eBay where I saw the kink in the main swag cable. I don't know how eBay knows I like Bridges but for some reason they do...
Here's a closer view but still poor resolution.
You can imagine my confusion with all the load forces pulling on that cable, how they changed its direction and the stress it must have at the angle of transfer. Nowadays they run the main cable straight into where it's anchored.
Then I found this image and it summed everything up with the huge angle bracket and dual cables pulling against the alternate forces.
I bet they don't sell that kind of hardware at the Home Depot
Have a great hump day gentlemen
TF
Things are starting to deteriorate rapidly. I cannot believe the power is still on.
We are geeting wind gusts around 50 MPH now. The eyewall is expected in 2-3 hours. I have never been in the path of the eye before.
A pole transformer just exploded across the street.
mobilman44Hey, I'm sure all the above is second nature to you, but sometimes we just forget when a crisis is near.
Actually, it is not second nature. I have never been though (or prepared for) a flood.
I did a few of the things on your list. Thanks for all the tips.
It is too late to raise the truck up. I am not going out there! The cars are in the garage.
gmpullmanI hope your toaster strudel turns out better than your EGGO experience a few weeks back, Kevin
They were pretty tasty. Very sweet, but good. I did not check to see how old they were. I do not remember buying them.
SeeYou190 Things are starting to deteriorate rapidly. I cannot believe the power is still on. We are geeting wind gusts around 50 MPH now. The eyewall is expected in 2-3 hours. I have never been in the path of the eye before. A pole transformer just exploded across the street. gmpullman I hope your toaster strudel turns out better than your EGGO experience a few weeks back, Kevin They were pretty tasty. Very sweet, but good. I did not check to see how old they were. I do not remember buying them. -Kevin
gmpullman I hope your toaster strudel turns out better than your EGGO experience a few weeks back, Kevin
It seems that things are fairly timid for a long time...until they are not. Hopefully Ian speeds up and moves along.
The National Weather Service just issued an Extreme Wind Warning for all of Cape Coral. I have never heard this term before. They said we might see gusts of 175 MPH.
I think flying fence panels are going to be a big problem. Too many people have put up wooden privacy fences around here. The one across the street just had a lot of pieces fly off of it.
My windows and roof are only rated 150 MPH. The garage door is 175 MPH. I guess we will see...
They said the worst will be over in two hours.
Doughless Hopefully Ian speeds up and moves along.
Yes... That is what I am hoping for.
As the old folks say here, prep for the worst, hope for the best.
I've been thru 3 (plus 2 major tropical storms) and found the media is often on the worst case side of prediction - BUT NOT ALWAYS.
Hurricane Alicia traveled almost perfectly up I-45 towards Dallas. The eye was 1 1/2 to 2 miles from us. Before the eye hit, the winds were going in one direction. The eye wall hit and immediately an eerie calm came over everything. The ski was various shades of green. Soon the winds kicked up again only from the opposite direction. They figured wind speeds were "only" 65 mph by us.
Nothing compared to 75 mph plus, but enough to cause a fair amount of problems.
Oh, make sure your phone camera or other camera is ready for pics. The insurance folks will need them especially before you start cleaning up.
Please take care!
Hey, Hey Hey! We are back online! I was beginning to think Kalmbach was flooded or blown away.....
The last "hurricane" I was in was just the remnants of Agnes years ago. What was left did some major damage in the "Valley", Waverly, NY, Sayre, and Athens, PA. The week before it hit, I led music worship in the Presbyterian Church in Athens, PA. One week later there was 27' of water standing right where I was while singing! Not much wind but a couple foot of rain fell almost all at once.... The Susquhanna and the Chemung Rivers merge right where that church was. Total loss, and was torn down. We were living in a Trailer Park outside of Waverly that was on high ground, but it was several days before we could even drive into town. That was scarry enough, I can't imagine what some are going through right now!!!
I have a bunch of relatives (my oldest sisters family) that live in Florida (Lake Mary, Sanford, and Fort Myers). I am a bit worried for them as I don't know if they were able to get out!
Keeping all of you in harms way in my prayers!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Good afternoon from the beautiful West Coast.
Clicked on a live coverage YouTube sight to see Hurricane news and after a while realized it was a Fox station, so not sure how believable the reporting was. I clicked on a couple of these storm chaser guys that are out in it and thought they need a better hobby.
Our house is at 90m above sea level near the top of the hill to boot so staying high and dry has never been an issue.
Had to get up early and take the wife for a medical procedure near Vancouver airport, so I went and sat at the end of the runway to watch airplanes. It was a very quiet day at the airport.
My old stompin ground. I use to sit just the other side of that chain link fence on the grass and read if I had downtime. I would see the flight I was waiting for come right over and fire up the Batmobile.
They have this little park right at the end of the runway with this map thingie.
Long way to Bears' cave.
They just showed some houses in Cape Coral on YouTube, lots of damage.
My roof is supposed to be guaranteed for 250kmh, it has been 60 years since our last Typhoon and I remember the damage that was caused, we are overdue.
Time to get my 10km scoot in. It is a perfect temp right now so it will be nice in the trees.
All the best to all.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
If you do a YouTube search and type in Cape Coral, quite a few live feeds and videos by residents are posted.
Hellooooooo.
Not only do I have to pour my own coffee, I have to make it to boot.
Huh...Like that car of yours!
I'll have an afternoon coffee with ya.
Weird. I haven't been able to access the forum for two days in my Chrome browser. As an afterthought, I opened a Bing browser, and here I am.
Hope that all of our Florida friends are safe today. Not a fun experience, at all.
We had access to some scrapped maple gym floor (it is going into a dumpster today) and picked up a pickup full last night. Thought is that we would make some custom cornhole boxes out of the wood; maybe a table top shuffleboard game as well. We also spent a couple of hours pulling nails out; got only about 30 boards done (out of hundreds).
Track fiddlerI'll have an afternoon coffee with ya.
I'll pour.....Donut?
Oh Thanks
Ya, I'll have one of those custard filled long johns if you would.
Welcome Back!!
I got an email from Kevin. He has survived
Apparently there was some roof damage but from what I gathered they avoided any flooding. His power is out, as can be expected and there is considerable damage to the surrounding neighborhood.
He has enough repair supplies to patch up where needed.
Let's hope the site stays working for a while!
Regards, Ed
BATMANNot only do I have to pour my own coffee, I have to make it to boot.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
I'm glad to hear Kevin rode out the storm okay.
YIKES!
https://youtu.be/Y5xkE7pRiIo
Seen in this video, parts of Cape Coral look like they got hit pretty hard. Hope everyone fares well as can be expected in the aftermath.
Track fiddler ...I'll have one of those custard filled long johns...
Yeah! I'm able to get back into the forum. I felt kind of lost not being able to access the diner.
I don't think this was a browser issue. I tried on several different browsers, and nothing worked.
I saw a report on Florida that showed houses that have upgraded and those that haven't. The upgraded houses had very little damage unless water rose high enough to enter. The houses that have not upgraded to the new codes had a lot more damage.
I know that Kevin has told us how he has built up his house with the latest requirements, so I hope that helped him survive the storm.
I'll check back later to see how everyone is doing.
York1 John
I asked my doctor if I gave up delicious food and all alcohol, would I live longer? He said, "No, but it will seem longer."
I think you are right, York1; I am back in with Chrome, now.
Rorry Bear
https://youtu.be/umO0QJQoNOo
Tin Can IIWe had access to some scrapped maple gym floor
One of our friends bought an old school and gave the gym floor to our other friends and they refloored their entire house with it. I did not know what to expect, but they sanded it down and really darkened the colour and it looks absolutely stunning.