HURRICANE INFORMATION (AUGUST 15, 2004): All parks except TL are OPEN

[NotUrsula]

Just a positive note here: Even if Charley fails to slow at landfall, it *is* possible to come through it OK.

I grew up on the Gulf Coast, and lived 4 miles from the beach. In those days, before the interstate hwys were finished, it wasn't often possible to evacuate in the face of a hurricane. I sat in a bathtub with a mattress over my head and listened as Hurricane Camille, a cat 5 with winds of 200 mph, roared right over my house. It was scary, all right, but no one in my neighborhood was hurt, and none of the homes in my neighborhood, which were built in the early 60's, were destroyed. Damaged a bit, yes, but not destroyed.

Remember that most of Orlando is new. Buildings built since 1992 have been constructed under the strictest wind code in the US, and most of the older public structures have been retrofitted to withstand pretty strong winds. Storm shutters are a huge improvement over plywood. Much of the city should come through in pretty good shape, even if the worst happens.

 

[bjakmom]

My prayers are with you all !!! - we had to evacuate for hurricane Gloria - hubbie was working out of state and I was alone with 2 little ones - so overwhelming - and frightening to experience!!

My sister and her boys changed their 7 PM flight today and flew out at 7 AM - got into MCO with no incident and are currently checked into the airport hyatt - she said they are asking guests to use their cell phones in emergency only to keep the towers open - they were also told to expect loss of electricity when the storm hits - so glad someone posted about taking a flashlight - I slipped one into her bag before she left. Her father-in-law evacuated Fort Myers yesterday and is staying at a hotel further north -fearful, of course, for his lovely little mobile home retirement community .

My niece, her husband and their 2 year old are in Seminole and, now that they have upgraded Charley to 4, they are hopefully seeking shelter in the local elementary school.

Just hoping all remain safe !

Thanks to all you locals who are keeping us up to date on the local reports - it helps!!

 

[phamton]

Winds are 145 MPH approaching a category 4 hurricane. Orlando is in the eye. Hurricane eye is supposed to pass right down Interstate 4.

Wish us luck! It is 100 miles away--winds are now starting with heavy rains. Mandatory evacuation for low areas in Orlando. Weathermen are saying it is one of the top 50 storms of all times. Chief of police saying "this is a major threat to Orlando and this is not a drill. Stay inside and hunker down."

 

[Phrank40]

Just be careful even when inland. When Hugo hit Charleston on the coast it wound up over Charlotte over 100 miles inland and did a tremendous amount of damage. My parents live outside Charlotte and had 20 or so trees knocked down and had no power for 4 days. Hopefully Charley won't do that kind of damage in interior Florida, but make sure you've got some batteries, flashlights, food, etc., even if you live in the interior. You just never know.

Phrank

 

[JenKatt]

Things are eerie outside of Tampa. On RADP, they're reporting part of CBR are being closed for potential/ actual flooding

 

[hulabird]

This is going to be interesting to watch and see what happens. CBR is where, in addition to BWI we are headed next Saturday, hopefully.

 

[Miranda Danda]

OK, I live in Pensacola, Florida so all 21 years of my life have been pretty full of hurricanes. I am very used to them, but I live on the coast. I am going to WDW next week (Aug 18th and 19th). Do ya'll think Charley, which is currently a level 4 hurricane will wreck WDW? I only have two days there and I am just worried all the rides will be closed because of damage. I really hope not. I have spent ALL my money on this trip and I would HATE for it to be ruined. What do ya'll think?

 

[JenKatt]

They've already cleared out FW, and per hubby's cast portal, are sending CM's home and are baring down for the worst

 

[momxx5]

From the report on the TV a few minutes ago there were some very strong storm bands headed towards the Orlando area including the theme parks. Also there are tornado warnings issued for that area.

I would definately wait a few days before making firm plans to head to WDW.

 

[kar313]

I would suggest calling WDW on Sat/Sun after the storm has passed to see what they advise. Also check boards to see if anyone posts who is actually there (a CM maybe) to see what they are saying about the damage.

Hope things work out. Sending some pixie dust your way

 

[Amirah95]

What's going on with the airports?

 

[bratray]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...0,4775156.story?coll=orl-home-specialbreaking

this is the latest

i am worried for everyone in FL

i hope & pray that everyone will be safe

 

[trracers]

My sister is in Orlando (she lives there and just got a job at a VERY MAGICAL PLACE ), so as soon as the storm is over, I will try to remember to post and let you guys know how things are down there.

 

[laceemouse]

I just heard on the weather channel that many flights, ALL Delta flights, in and out of the state have been cancelled there this afternoon. I can't wait to hear from someone who is down there now!

 

[bridgettesmom]

Last night, I read a post and there was a family from Tennessee driving down and staying at a rental home. The poster was really worried about making it to the house in the AM and hoping for an early check-in. For some reason, I did not read about any concern regarding their safety during a hurricane.

I speak from experience, since, I live in the caribbean and have had my share of Hurricanes. Hurricanes are not to be taken lightly, some people think of hurricanes as just wind and rain. When in fact, hurricane winds are very destructive, tree limbs or any loose objects become missiles and can destroy everything in its path. The rain can cause flooding and severe damage. A rental home is not the best place to be during a hurricane, since, you are by yourself in an unknown place and would not know what to do in case a window breaks, power goes out or in case of flooding. I just can't get this family out of my mind and I hope that not only they reached Orlando safely, I really hope they were directed to the safety of a shelter. I truly hope Charley stays away from Orlando.

I have family in Clearwater that live a few blocks from the beach and they had to leave their home and move to a shelter.

Sorry to be so blunt, but, I'm really concerned about everyone's safety!!

 

[trracers]

I called my sister to see what the latest was and she said they just had their first storm roll through, but that it wasn't bad at all...(she LOVES storms what a weirdo, I know ). Anyway, she has her cell phone and I told her that for my neurotic-ness, she needs to put a mattress in the bathroom and be prepared to hang out in the tub . She doesn't listen very well (at THAT age, okay, no matter what age she is at, she is always like that ). Anyway, I told her to keep me informed, so I will update later.

 

[JT3000]

The eye will be right over Orlando. Of course, it just had to change course.

 

[kerry34]

My pregnant cousin and her 1/2 yr old daughter are in disney now with her inlaws. Needless to say I am feeling a bit nervous about this whole hurricane business. The worst she has been in is a cat 1 hurricane which is more like a tropical storm. Does anybody who is from that area know how Disney prepares for these type of storms? How do they handle guests that are staying at the resort?

 

[Miranda Danda]

Thank all of ya'll for the info! Keep me updated

 

[kerry34]

Also, prayers to all that are down there now. Stay safe.