So it starts....

Well, we are about one week into the hurricane season and we are already getting the people around here freaked out. The AFB is already one stage under mandatory evacuations! The storm "Arlene" has winds of about 40mph and some rain.....guess we will see what happens.

Everyone was talking about how beautiful Florida was.....figures, we move here and the weather catastrophes just keep on coming.

[DCJenn]

You know, you guys were the first people I thought about. So, how's it going? when exactly do you find out about evacs? My parents just bought a place on Kent Island in the Chesapeake Bay and they are SOOOO overdue for a hurricane up the bay...

Jenn

Well, hopefully Arlene takes a sharp left (?) into the ocean and leaves you alone. How long is hurricane season?

[Michele]

Hurricane season lasts until November.

I know everyone's said the same thing, but really, Florida hadn't seen a season like last year's in a really, really long time. So maybe it's a bad trend starting, or maybe last year was a fluke.

40mph winds? Maybe we'd stay inside....

Darn hurricanes/tropical storms had better stay away until we sell this house!

We had a 5000+ year record flood from TS Gaston last summer, so I believe it when I hear last year was a weird season.

Well as of right now....we have had fairly steady rain since about 3a, the wind just picked up around 30mph, but it appears to be slacking off some. We are still getting some heavy rain, as we are in the "northeast quadrant", we will get some of the worst of it....even though it is hitting about 45 miles from here.

This morning it was pouring rain and the boys were out playing in the puddles, one with the rain boots and no coat, the other with the coat and flip flops!! Great pictures and video!

[Flynn]

Ahhhh it's amazing how a few puddles can be instant fun for a minimum of an hour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep the positive attitude and keep us informed!

We are currently under mandatory evacuation orders from the Air Force. I am at my BIL in Huntsville, AL.
We had to leave on Friday evening. We went 141 miles(to Montgomery, AL) in five hours !!! It was the craziest thing that I have ever seen. No gasoline for literally miles, car and trucks packed full-as is ours-and just crowded. We made a four hour trip in 8.5 hours.

Today, our home is being drilled with rain and wind already up to and over 50 mph. The eye is expected to hit roughly the same area Ivan did, only this could be stonger at landfall.

It sucks not being at home to at least see or hear what is happening... not that I really want to be there through another hurricane, but the unknown is scary....just thought I would update to let you all know that we aren't lost at sea....yet.

[Sheherezade]

I'm glad you checked in. I was worried about you! Maybe the storm will stay on the "smaller" side? I was glad to hear it went down to a catagory 2 after Cuba. My whole family lives in Florida (I'm from there originally). I don't think they are looking forward to a repeat of last year. Hope you guys stay safe and don't get too much damage.

[Meenah]

I'm glad you are safe. Keep us updated.
Luanne

Good to hear that you all are safe and I hope you get to return home soon -- to an intact house.

category 2? The news is reporting a category 3 with winds upwards of 135mph.
And it's not stopping at Florida and Alabama. They report record rains for the next several days as far up as Tennessee....
Hope all of you affected by this are doing ok. I am wishing I could send you some of our 80degree sunny california weather right now!

[PrincessFiona]

Really? I just heard category 4

Matt, keep safe! We'll all be thinking about you.

Kris

Really? I just heard category 4

Matt, keep safe! We'll all be thinking about you.

Kris

SCARY! I think it's simply getting worse as it hits land. And hitting areas that have already been weakened by Ivan means it's impact will be all the more severe.

[fluffhead]

holy cow...I hope you guys get home soon, and it's all ok.
check out this picture of the first bands coming ashore:
http://image.weather.com/interact/photo ... 953991.jpg