Help! Anyone in W.Palm Beach or know someone there?

[luvwinnie]

We can't get in touch with my BIL and DH thinks he might have to drive down there to check on him and bring supplies. He read there won't be power for FOUR WEEKS? And that it's tough to gasoline. Any info would be helpful. Really don't want him driving down there.

 

[luvwinnie]

Even if you have info from TV that would be helpful. I don't have access here. I'll look for some articles online.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

They said due to the power outages across Florida that south florida can see portions without power for that long. Some will come on line rather quickly though.

Orlando news stations are reporting that those from south florida are coming to the Orlando area for gas.

From what I understand for those that traveled in Katrina areas--they carried gas with them.

 

[luvwinnie]

Thanks. If he would just invest in a cell phone, maybe this could be avoided!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Thanks. If he would just invest in a cell phone, maybe this could be avoided!

Maybe not. Cell coverage in that area is VERY SPOTTY at this time.

Godd info:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/

www.herald.com

 

[mtdevine615]

Talked to my Aunt and Uncle last night. They live in West Palm. They had some minor damage but were very lucky. Big oak tree in the front yard came down and just missed the house. Other than that they have some tiles off the roof missing and some damage to the screen room. They got power back just before I called, but said that they had a house full of other people that still didn't have power. Take care.

 

[luvwinnie]

I wish BIL would call SOMEHOW!!! I do not want DH driving there for nothing.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I think your husband should stay put. My parents are in Delray Beach and although it was quite treacherous - they are fine now. The phone lines are not too realiable, my parents can not make calls out, but can receive calls most of the time. Hopefully everytime you call BIL he is out and you are just missing each other. As someone else said, the cell phone would not have helped, usually those towers go down first. There is water, my parents just bought more today at Walmart. Just keep trying to reach him.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I believe the phone situation is even worse today than it was yesterday. I have a friend who lives down there that I hear from nearly every day. No phone call yet today, and I got a few calls yesterday.

I wouldn't go trecking down there. In fact I don't know if there are checkpoints set up and what not.

 

[luvwinnie]

We just had a big fight about it.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

We just had a big fight about it.

That sucks. I'm sorry. You know FPL is saying four weeks, but usually everything is completed sooner than what FPL says. It gives out the worst case scenerio and then everyone is happy when it gets fixed sooner. My friend has power, my boss' son got his power back last night, so the work is being done.

 

[minkydog]

I talked to my Dad's girlfriend in Boynton Beach yesterday. She said the storm was very scary and they don't have power, but she has a land-line and water, no cell phones working. Many of the gas stations cannot pump gas because of no electricity.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I am sorry to hear about your arguement. Tell your DH that there are strict curfews being enforced throughout the county. My parents had trouble getting back onto the island as they have Chicago ID and Illinois license plates. My mom was able to produce her Florida library card and the police let them over the bridge. Call the police down there - see if they have time they can check it out. Call FEMA - I don't think driving down there is the answer

 

[ChristmasElf]

I just came up from West Palm BEach last night and things are very bad there. There is NO phone service land or even cell phone service. NO water at all as the water plant has no electricity. And no electricity.

The turnpike is a disaster with people waiting in 2-3 mile long lines and some even pushing their cars to move up in place. At one point the gas tanker trucks that are going south on the turnpike are having trouble getting past exit #93 as people want gas there. Police have called for back up and at least 4 Emergency Command Center trucks are on the way there as some looting has been going on.
Publix can only sell non perishable items like bread and cookies. No milk, or eggs etc.
People are getting really upset as they cannot get gas as there is no power for the pumps to run.
Trees are everywhere in the roads, on cars, on roofs, and people are starting to head north as they figure they will not have power they may as well leave.
If you would like more specific info. please PM.
I saw people at Costco here in Orlando filling about 50 gas cans to take to people down there. Seems they had a couple of family members that have an autistic child that is having trouble with the situation. They were taking them gas for the generators. Others are hesitant to head down for fear they will not be able to re fuel down there.

Palm Beach airport is closed until further notice and the sherrifs will gladly let you know that if you drive on property! Can you tell we did this!! LOL

I would tell anyone that is thinking about it, to stay put!!

 

[ChristmasElf]

Sorry I wasn't more clear. The looting is happening at places around West Palm. Pawn shops and gun stores, etc.
They were giving out 1 jug of water and 1 bag of ice to people in lines that were stretching around buildings. When the water ran out after only 4 hours, it got really nasty.
Sorry to ramble but the state of Florida should have evacuated from Cocoa Beach south, and they didn't because the storm was mis forecast. She hit West Palm with 145 mph winds. That is a 4 NOT a 1 or a tropical storm. People could have been killed.

 

[luvwinnie]

Thanks everyone. I will see if I can find a number for FEMA to find out.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Sorry to ramble but the state of Florida should have evacuated from Cocoa Beach south, and they didn't because the storm was mis forecast. She hit West Palm with 145 mph winds. That is a 4 NOT a 1 or a tropical storm. People could have been killed.

You are absolutely right about the misforceast. My parents were caught almost completely off guard by Wilma - don't get me wrong, they had all their provisions, cash, water, bread etc, but the severeity of the storm is what shocked the heck out of them. My parents are very active people, I just can't imagine what the elderly went though.

 

[luvwinnie]

Well, DH booked a flight for tomorrow morning. I hope he is able to call us on his cell.

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

She deffinitely didnt hit West Palm as CAT 4 she didnt even hit West coast as that. It was not really a misforecast but Wilma was suppose to weaken from shear but she didnt let that stop her and actually streghthend prior to landfall.

Matt

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Sorry I wasn't more clear. The looting is happening at places around West Palm. Pawn shops and gun stores, etc.
They were giving out 1 jug of water and 1 bag of ice to people in lines that were stretching around buildings. When the water ran out after only 4 hours, it got really nasty.
Sorry to ramble but the state of Florida should have evacuated from Cocoa Beach south, and they didn't because the storm was mis forecast. She hit West Palm with 145 mph winds. That is a 4 NOT a 1 or a tropical storm. People could have been killed.

I live in Brevard.

It would have been foolish to evacuate us--where would we go--hotels will filled with people from south florida.

Additionally--watching live doppler...the heavy winds were in the southern portion of the hurricane.

it is quite possible the 145 was a gust--categories are measured via sustained winds.

edited to add--the highest sustained wind recorded was less than 100 mph. (I think less than 90mph even, but can't remember). This via--the live doppler/satellite on WKMG.