goctican

Will Optimus Oscar replace SUPERSTORM SANDY as the only storm I have to listen endless about from NYC transplants? Real Qs here.

Central Pinellas this morning there was inland water rescues happening in none flood zones. I would guess from rain. Where I am, my downspout pointed out away from the house literally carved a 6in deep hole from how hard it came down. Couldn't believe it. I've got all my fence down and aluminum roof gone. Ripped my heavy gate clear away and destroyed it. South Pinellas into St Pete, family and friends reporting some catastrophic loss. Mostly from entire trees ripped out and thrown onto their houses. Most people I know that far south had evacuated though, although I haven't heard from those who stayed.

CB radio station reporting at least 1.6 million without power.

North and Central Pinellas. Non-evac zones, non-flood zones. Water is nearly entering the homes. South Pinellas, water entering in Evac C zone.

Clearwater Beach going fairly negative on water level. Reports from friends across Pinellas say flooding in some buildings, however.

It may be coming and going. Video never does reality justice. In Clearwater, it is healthy upper 20s with gusts at 50 right now. On video, it probably doesn't look too bad. But step outside.

Please snap a photo of your trophy on the mantel too so we can all enjoy the moment with you. Can't wait for the acceptance speech.

That right turn was incredible on the radar and track. I don't know the last time I saw a turn like that.

I get what he's saying, and it does provide more context so you understand how these things unfold. But it's like rolling up and saying "bro, the dinos had worse hurricanes! chill out!" or "have you ever seen the movie where the superstorm destroys everything?" Thanks for the biblical perspective and all that, but I'm living this right now in real time on the ground, my friend. Just trying to collect the possibilities from fellow weather nerds, both for safety and science.

Share a couple surge videos from Sanibel and Ian with them. People on second floors trying to escape water if I remember right. Might get them to go. But that window is rapidly closing.

What evac zone? I'm assuming A... which is going to be a very tragic decision if so, most likely. Not trying to doom out hype. They may still have an hour to go.

Try this... https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/weather/bay-news-9-cameras#St_Petersburg_Albert_Whitted_Airport-WX

Forgive me if this is very daft but 941? Your image says 917 and 923. Am I missing something here?

I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic but...a little of both? The community comes together like you wouldn't believe. Remember, many of us experience this our whole lives. I spent last week after Helene helping many families I didn't know to gut or repair their homes. I initially planned on doing it more this week. Putting together volunteer teams to do this can be very rewarding and teach you a lot about who you are. Our kids know firsthand what it means to give back on a local level.

I'm 45ft above sea level and 5 minutes from the highest point in the county at 100ft. There are 2 more evac zones below me, and I'm not even in one to begin with. Thanks though for piling onto all the BS comments I've gotten today on both sides. "You're going to die!" "It's nothingburger."

Not sure how gimmicky that is but I like it. Thank you. The article mentions how, 20 miles off shore, we'll probably know where the wobble finally lands. How do you find out how many miles the front face of Milton is really is, as a hurricane?

Adding, we're in a none evac, none flood zone in Pinellas. We've been pretty resolute on staying although we've had "the conversation" several times as the situation has developed. We had planned on leaving if it didn't de-intensify by tomorrow morning. But now, we're figuring we will stay because it is a royal pain to evac. We're very well prepared, but I'm still questioning my decision. We have kids too. I wish I could put more faith in govt officials and experts but... well, there it is. Point is you can go back and forth, trying not to listen to others who are panicking and going with whatever emotions flow with their group atm. And you also try to ignore the people who are staying in places like Evac A. It's a bitch. Forgive me if I'm venting a bit. Don't want to do it with the fam.

Coastline is somewhat relative. Can we please say, if local officials recommend or mandate it in your immediate area? Remember some of us are 50ft to 100ft above sea level in Clearwater. Edit: not pointing fingers, but it is very stressful to have others saying "get out!!!!!" My phone has been blowing up with texts from panickying people everywhere. Makes decision-making even harder, and we have family members we're responsible for.

Are you in Florida?

How does waves height compare to surge?

In Pinellas, many water plants are also located at sea level or near to it. They are finally working to move them but that's a longterm plan. Keep in mind, we do have other hospitals in the area.

Yes, please remember. Some of us are just regular everyday weather nerds in Clearwater with families, and we're lurking here for good info. Usually just out of interest, but in this case, to make the best decisions for our families as we ride this out. (None flood, none evacuation zone here)