Charley blowing its chance at legendary status

[Andrew92]

I wouldn't say it blew its chance of being legendary. Based on reports I've heard, it will be talked about for years to come, not to mention the first major hurricane strike in the 21st Century.

So far I'm hearing estimates of $10 billion or higher in damage....that's higher than the legendary Hugo, which was $7 billion on the mainland alone if I'm correct.

If a major hurricane threatens the U.S., it threatens to become legendary no matter where it strikes.

-Andrew92

[~SirCane]

Georges affected SO MANY people. It made several landfalls over several islands including the FL Keys and then Mississippi/Alabama. That's why it was retired. That's just a stupid comment as well as your whole post Tri-state!!!

[opera ghost]

Lets think about this...
Cat4 hurricane hits Florida- runs across the entire state... exits as a hurricane... looks to be going back out over warm water for restrengthening... and may hit up the east coast.

Yeah I think we've got a historical hurricane,

[cape_escape]

I just want to say to the original poster THANKS A LOT!!! I live in Cape Coral, 30 miles outside of Punta Gorda and believe me...they are devestated! People have died, lives ruined, it's just sick that you could even think of postng such a thing! I won't be able to go back to work until maybe Thursday, and when I do, I'll be looking for all the friends I usually see who live in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte! Again, Thanks a lot!

[caneman]

by missing Tampa -- one of the Big 3 (along with Miami, New Orleans). How many television programs have been made that speculate on the extent of destruction that a major hurricane would cause one of these 3 cities in this modern era? Charley appeared to be prepared to answer all questions...but now looks to disappoint inqusitive minds and weather goons everywhere. I'm sorry but Fort Myers will not cut it, Charley.

Yes Charley may still be retired some day -- after all, a pathetic hurricane like Georges was retired -- but its place alongside legends like Camille and Andrew is just about gone.

Look here fool. While Charley didn't affect Tampa directly but did some of its outlying areas, it did affect Orlando and there were hundreds of thousands of us who fled there for safe haven along with the great people of Orlando who went thru Cat. 2 conditions. Do you even know the cost alone just to evacuate? This storm will go down in History as having affected a tremendous amount of people. I know people in both SW Florida and Orlando who were affected. Heck, I know people in the Tampa area who stayed behind only to find out a Cat. 4 was coming their way. Trust me they were traumatized. you could hear the difference in their voices when Cat. 2 became Cat.4. Most at that point were looking at local shelters.