Photography forum meets hurricane tragedy: So much anxiety and anticipation of the trauma coming from the hurricane. My heart goes out to those leaving homes not knowing what they will...

DirkWill Loc: Albuquerque, New Mexico

So much anxiety and anticipation of the trauma coming from the hurricane. My heart goes out to those leaving homes not knowing what they will come home to. Prayers for each and every person for whom this event will occupy their lives for a very long time coming. Lives altered, security terminated, most likely even loss of life. And I also must add, not because I'm advocating for its equivalent, but Florida has been a destination I've dreamed of for years as the ultimate for bird photography. Sadly, those magnificent bird populations are going to take a huge hit too...
Just a voice for open heartedness for all of life.

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

I agree, we were just in Florida last Thursday at Treasure Island. Beautiful places, beaches and birds. While there we wondered how many of the places we saw could survive a hurricane with so many low lying areas (some of Treasure Island is man-made). Many of the structures in that area are not hurricane proof. What ever happens...the Florida we love will be a very changed place.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

We will most likely see photos taken by uhh members who live in Florida and survived the Hurricane. Wildlife will certainly be disturbed. Alligators will be displaced to areas where they are not welcome. A friend told me, who visited Florida a few years ago, claims there are giant pythons that have multiplied out of control, and have disturbed the existing wetlands environment. Recovery from a hurricane is agonizing to say the least. I have only visited Pensacola and Jacksonville Florida. I have never ventured to the southern parts of Florida.

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

James56 wrote:

I agree, we were just in Florida last Thursday at Treasure Island. Beautiful places, beaches and birds. While there we wondered how many of the places we saw could survive a hurricane with so many low lying areas (some of Treasure Island is man-made). Many of the structures in that area are not hurricane proof. What ever happens...the Florida we love will be a very changed place.

From what I understand, eventually, the rains are going to head your way along with some strong winds.

nanaval Loc: Cornwall

I feel for every one who is or has been hit by the hurricane and pray for them...

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

I am in Tampa and we are supposed to get hit with cat 3 Irma tonight! Earlier in the week it was forecast to go up the east coast of the Florida peninsular but now it's going up the west coast. Too late now to try and go anywhere else so we're hunkered down and all batteries charged. I'm not near the water or in any evacuation zone, so the high wind is my only concern.

Coolcameragirl Loc: Bradenton, FL

nimbushopper wrote:

I am in Tampa and we are supposed to get hit with cat 3 Irma tonight! Earlier in the week it was forecast to go up the east coast of the Florida peninsular but now it's going up the west coast. Too late now to try and go anywhere else so we're hunkered down and all batteries charged. I'm not near the water or in any evacuation zone, so the high wind is my only concern.

I am in Sarasota and have to admit I am pretty scared. In new construction with hurricane shutters but 125 mph winds?.....

roxiemarty Loc: Florida

nimbushopper wrote:

I am in Tampa and we are supposed to get hit with cat 3 Irma tonight! Earlier in the week it was forecast to go up the east coast of the Florida peninsular but now it's going up the west coast. Too late now to try and go anywhere else so we're hunkered down and all batteries charged. I'm not near the water or in any evacuation zone, so the high wind is my only concern.

I pray you and yours are going to be alright. My son is in Tampa, We are over in N.E.Florida. I'm worried for us all. Best of luck to you and yours.

Coolcameragirl Loc: Bradenton, FL

roxiemarty wrote:

I pray you and yours are going to be alright. My son is in Tampa, We are over in N.E.Florida. I'm worried for us all. Best of luck to you and yours.

Thank you, you also.

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

Amen

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

The newer building codes keep most of us alive, thank goodness, although the high winds can do a lot of roof damage, which means rain coming in and destroying a lot of property. Another reason for off-site backing up of our photos! Those living in RVs, mobile homes, and modular homes, are at greatest risk. Especially those without the sense to get out of the way of such a powerful storm! One news report discussed people living on their boats who refuse to leave! We hope for the best while we prepare for the worst. For most of us we will have to endure the inconvenience of eating canned food without lights and air-conditioning for a few days to a week or so. Others will lose much of what they have. The long-term problem that we saw after hurricanes Jean and Francis is that it is a long time before you can get any supplies for repair or rebuilding. Plywood, shingles, windows, 2x4's, drywall, etc., will be in very short supply for many months to come - especially after what Houston has just gone through! We will survive and persevere...

nanaval Loc: Cornwall

sb wrote:

The newer building codes keep most of us alive, th... (show quote)

I wish you and your family all the best Steve in what is happening....

Blake2 Loc: East Texas

From Texas, We send Prayers to all in Irma's path.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Coolcameragirl wrote:

I am in Sarasota and have to admit I am pretty scared. In new construction with hurricane shutters but 125 mph winds?.....

Susan, I think you'll be fine. Newer construction codes require homes to be able to withstand 150mph. If you've got shutters over the windows that's great. By the way, you have great pictures on your flickr account!

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Strict building codes should be mandatory for new constructions in hurricane areas in Florida. Especially coastal cities. California has them for earthquakes. When this hurricane is over, rest assure these codes will be further enforced. Insurance Companies will demand them.