olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

We've been through several monster hurricanes in the last 2 years here in Florida (and many others) 2 CAT 4 storms in my area alone, wife and I are 48 year veterans of Hurricanes - get ready!!!! You need FOOD, GAS, POTABLE WATER, CASH, battery back-up, medicines, pet supplies, a reliable vehicle, and somewhere safe to go to.

BE VERY AWARE OF THE ELEVATION AND HIGH WATER/FLOWING WATER WHERE YOU RIDE IT OUT - most deaths in hurricanes are drownings.

Once it is on you, you are in for the duration, and once the winds reach 45-60 MPH - first responders WILL NOT COME FOR YOU!. Food that can be eaten from the can or package is very important - you don't know when you will be able to cook.

You could be without basic services for up to several weeks, stores may be sold out, trucks can't deliver, power may be off - believe me, running a generator for two weeks is a chore, if you can even get gas (I know, been there).

There is extreme possibility of severe flooding for all the eastern seaboard, possibly all the way to Canada.

For those who have never been through one - your life and the lives of your loved ones are in your own hands - Weigh your decisions carefully.

Pay attention to the Weather Channel, Mike's Weather Page (www.Spaghettimodels.com) and local resources.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES!!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I worked Hurricane Floyd, the last hurricane to hit NC and the devastation was very widespread. I also worked Hurricanes Charlie, Jean, Francis, and Ivan in Florida. The first hurricane I worked was Andrew in Florida so I have first hand knowledge of MANY of these storms. When warned to evacuate, then EVACUATE! Its not worth your life to stay and try to protect your home against an insurmountable force!

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

You've mentioned many of my (sic) favorites...they were all tough in their own rite. I was fortunate to only have minor damage to my home, Charlie took down so many power lines we were on the generator for two weeks. We had a 14 year break till Mathew, then not even a year later Irma, I'm still cutting up timber from Irma, many of my trees (Oak, Maple, Elm came down) big pines did well, not as big a wind load. I just hope folks heed the warnings. Danger danger!!!

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Words don't mean squat; but having experienced Hurricanes, I wish the absolute best for those affected--during and after this storm.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

They are never fun. Last one I worked was Katrina, I quit the service over that one. Miss working with the people suffering damages as it was very gratifying work to help out.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

My son-in-law is a heavy crane operator (the great big multi-tractor trailer jobs) and he will probably be shuttled from current assignment on Amelia Island to wherever they need him (and crew) the most. Luckily they only live a couple miles from me, so I can go help when my daughter/grandkids need assistance while he's on the road.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'm amazed at people who refuse to evacuate, and then authorities either find their bodies, or their bodies are lost forever. Is this a bragging rights kind of thing or just stupidity?

wrangler5 Loc: Missouri

Our daughter is on the helicopter rescue team of the Missouri Task Force and expects to be activated once the storm has passed. Their limitation is the weather, which can keep their helicopters on the ground when trucks can drive through and get there. Even though she won't be working "in" a hurricane we still worry.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Looks like they will get a break on the wind part, 105mph now, that means fewer mini-tornados, those did the most wind damage here in the last two Cat 4 canes we had. But the rain potential and storm surge could still put one underwater....hope they stay safe! Funny thing, we evacuated locally to a much bigger stronger house, and that house ended up with more damage than our house (our house had superficial damage - they had actual roof damage, lost a pump house, etc.).

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Looks like coastal NC/SC will be trashed pretty severely. Inland SC is likely to be flooded for days, as far North as Upstate (Greenville-Spartanburg). Coastal areas could see up to two feet of rain, in addition to dangerous storm surge.

Here in the Piedmont Triad of Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point, NC, we’re expecting 4 to 7 inches of rain and 35 to 50 MPH winds, with gusts to 60.

I lived through Hugo as it came through Charlotte in 1989. 250,000 of us lost power for 10 days to two weeks. Not fun!

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Watch out for that water. We flatlanders don't have to deal with fast flow rates, our water just rises and rises, then it takes forever to run-off!!

Daryl New Loc: Wellington,New Zealand

Definitly good luck....

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

I’m about 800 feet above sea level and 215 miles from landfall. It’s supposed to track from around Wilmington, NC, across SC through Columbia, then Northwest through the mountains. Most of the rain is South and East of us, but we’re not entirely out of the danger zone.

LoisCroft Loc: Jonesborough, Tennessee

I lived in Florida for many years, then moved to Tennessee. I think we feel that we are far enough inland not to have to worry, but I see Florence is pretty much on a direct path to my house. You have some good points there. Thanks for the reminder!

one shot Loc: Pisgah Forest NC

My camping equipment has come in really handy when we've been out of power. High winds and flooding takes its toll here with so many trees. I have family down east and they chose to stay.