Looks like it might go west of Tampa bay area?

[FireForEffect]

Now it seems the models are pushing Ivan west of Tampa Bay. I talked to some friends in Tampa and they are saying they might just head to the east coast of FL. It looks like that would be far enough away to avoid the brunt of the storm. Any thoughts?

[LadyStorm]

Provided Ivan doesn't change path. His path is still uncertain at this point. If he does do a cross over, they will not be out of harms way, however once Ivan hits land, his strength will decrease by the time he hits the east coast. Where on the east coast were they headed to?

Now it seems the models are pushing Ivan west of Tampa Bay. I talked to some friends in Tampa and they are saying they might just head to the east coast of FL. It looks like that would be far enough away to avoid the brunt of the storm. Any thoughts?

[Zadok]

they are saying they might just head to the east coast of FL

I wish them luck trying to find a hotel room over here.

[rbaker]

way to early to make plans for east coast, as residents in tampa found out with charley. This storm is moving now at 8 mph just like the tpc said it would decrease in speed. Just going to wait it out since im north of tpa about 75 miles. Too early to make a call.

[Zadok]

We still have people in shelters because there is no electric and hotels are full and there is still a lot of problems with gas. I live on an intersection with traffic lights and our power was restored on teusday but this is rare as a lot are still without power. Food products are available but somewhat limited. Some alcohol bans are still in affect.



News Source

[birdwomn]

I am actually considering the Orlando area as an evauation point.
I know, I know...even after Charley! I have folks over there who may need some company.

[Lebowsky]

If it stays on this western track I'll evacuate to Orlando.

[nickd]

Yep, I've already got my reservations. Even if it is west of us there will be a storm surge that this area hasen't seen in years.

[caneman]

If it stays on this western track I'll evacuate to Orlando.

That is my thinking waa gonna go to Georgia but why drive 8+ hours and have it ceom at you. Even if it comes right along the West coast at least Orlando is 90 miles inland. Rode out Charley in Kissimmee so know I can do it again. And by chance this will be a major I'd rather be there with 100 mile an hour winds than getting hammered by pottentailly 130 to 145 mph winds.

[hibiscushouse]

Our options are to go to Delray Beach to stay at my BIL's condo, which has no power still, even though everyone around him has their's. Or to my MIL's house in Naples. (Not appealing). It's going to be difficult to know when to make our decision to leave. I'll guess we'll know Monday some time???
But, I'm not staying here!
I have an Uncle who was 100 miles inland during Camille. Their winds were 120 mph still. That made quite an impression on me.

[Lebowsky]

Don't wait until you know where it is going to evacuate, by then it will be too late.

[hibiscushouse]

I don't want to wait. But I'm hearing everyone say to wait until it crosses Cuba to see where it is going. West, Central, or East Florida...??
And what's going on with the gas thing? I just heard Cantonis say that those without gas are the stations without power. And Jeb say yesterday, that's there's plenty of gas. But, real people reports are saying gas stations are out.
I filled up yesterday in Largo, mid day, and everything was fine. I've been home cooking since then. What is everyone's experience with the gas now?

[Lebowsky]

My local gas station is completely empty. I'm walking everywhere until I evac to save my full tank of gas.

[Josephine96]

A couple gas stations here are empty too

[donsutherland1]

FireForEffect,

It increasingly appears that Ivan could pass to the west of Tampa. This is not yet a certainty but a trend with some support (models and analogs):
http://www.storm2k.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=43934

Hopefully, it will hold.

[Josephine96]

West of Tampa.. North or South of Tampa.. somewhere it'll hit..

[Brent]

they are saying they might just head to the east coast of FL

I wish them luck trying to find a hotel room over here.

Yep... Good luck.

OK... IF IF IF IF IF the track holds and he stays a good ways offshore, the East Coast won't get much. Tampa will probably have some rough conditions, but not hurricane force winds. Remember: The entire Florida Peninsula would be on the worst side of the circulation with the tornado threat.

That's IF IF IF IF IF the track holds.

[ACM]

How far West would it need to be for us to avoid the storm surge?

[charleston_hugo_veteran]

they are saying they might just head to the east coast of FL

I wish them luck trying to find a hotel room over here.

Yep... Good luck.

OK... IF IF IF IF IF the track holds and he stays a good ways offshore, the East Coast won't get much. Tampa will probably have some rough conditions, but not hurricane force winds. Remember: The entire Florida Peninsula would be on the worst side of the circulation with the tornado threat.

That's IF IF IF IF IF the track holds.

Brent:

You mean the east coast of FLORIDA!

[inotherwords]

Don't forget, also, that E and SE Florida is full of people who evacuated from the Keys. I hear it's hard to find a hotel room. One thing a lot of people may not consider is renting a vacation home; it's the off-season and you may be able to negotiate a good rate for one week. It's something to look into. Just Google vacation home rental and then the city, and you should find a few sites that specialize in this. I have a few homes on the west coast advertised this way and in the past have taken in some hurricane refugees (Floyd).