Hurricane Ian

[Pappy!]

Patrick.....one comment.
In your original post you mentioned being packed up for a quick get away. From your area there is no such thing. In the future you need to make your plans well in advance and then execute.
You have obviously missed the bad weather out of this one and Tampa has really not been hit directly in 101 years believe it or not but had you been in the direct path you would have possibly made the wrong choice in waiting until the last minute. This comment is coming from a 5th generation Florida boy who has been through more of these than I care to remember.

[Robert]

Ugh, hate it when ya'll make me defend him, but he actually had a point in this case...

This is not a defense since the fact is he said the pandemic is over.

 "60 Minutes" Sunday night, President Biden said the COVID-19 pandemic is "over" in the United States.

[baldo]

Ugh, hate it when ya'll make me defend him, but he actually had a point in this case...

This is not a defense since the fact is he said the pandemic is over.

 "60 Minutes" Sunday night, President Biden said the COVID-19 pandemic is "over" in the United States.

Could you give it a fing rest for once. This is serious crap, and you and others can't stop yourselves from your bullshit political horseshit.

[crow]

Could you give it a fing rest for once. This is serious crap, and you and others can't stop yourselves from your bullshit political horseshit.                                                                         


They can't.. it's a disease like alcholism or drug addiction. Actually it's worse, it's like cancer

                                       

[G-Man]

Speaking of hurricanes:  I wonder if the pilots of those hurricane hunter planes have trouble sitting comfortably due to the size and metallic composition of their testicles.

One pilot said this was the worst one he has flown through.

Sometimes I don't know where you're headed, but the end of road is usually very funny ! ! !   

[Serk]

Sheriff of Lee County, Florida has said "We have fatalities in the hundreds"

 

(Update - afterwards when reached for confirmation, he's now said he can't confirm the fatalities, so we'll see. Let's hope that initial off the cuff response by the sheriff was way too high.)

[Patrick]

Its good to hear you made it thru OK, and, I hope everyone else in the Fort Meyers area are OK.  This was a nasty ass storm !

Ian missed us. We got some wind and rain, but, not what was forecast. JoAnn left me and went with friends inland for the night. So I sat on the rear patio until midnite drinking beer. It was so peaceful.

I've got everything put back and am heading out to see if I can be of some help elsewhere.

[henry 008]

my daughter in New Port Richey said the same thing, just windy and rain. praying for all the folks who have lost so much because of the wind and rain. 

[carolinarider09]

I have been getting "Tropical Storm Warnings" on my cell phone all day.   Nothing yet on the NOAA weather radio. 

Just looked at the track again and it would seem that landfall is now expected to be just north of Charleston, SC.  It is now a Hurricane again, Category 1. (good ole Gulf Stream). 

They had Congressman Ralph Norman on Newsmax a few minutes ago.  Congressman Norman is my representative.  The lady asked him about the fact that the Hurricane was now headed for landfall in SC and SC had sent linemen to Florida to help out.  Her point sort of was "does that not hurt SC?".  Congressman Norman's answer was spot on.  "Florida has been very hard hit.  They need the extra help.  We in SC will handle it."  (no that is not an exact quote but I quoted it for identification).

We shall see what happens in the next 36 hours.  Maximum wind gusts on my weather station only shows 17MPH but it is sort of shielded by trees in its location in the front yard. 

[Serk]

I have been getting "Tropical Storm Warnings" on my cell phone all day.   Nothing yet on the NOAA weather radio. 

Looks like you're under a tropical storm warning... (My mother in law in Whitmire sent me this link. Her power's been out a few hours already just from the wind!)

https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=75263866

[carolinarider09]

Yes, same image I saw in my "weather app" from WLTX.  Also forgot about your MIL in Whitmire.  If she needs anything,,,, just let us know, we will see what we can do.

[Rams]

The price of lumber and fuel going back up, prepare yourselves.
Additionally, expect to see a bunch of FL autos being shipped and sold up north.   Happens every time events like this happen.   Caveat Emptor.

There are several things I've never been able to own that I'd still like to have, beach front property is not one of them. 

Rams

[Serk]

Yes, same image I saw in my "weather app" from WLTX.  Also forgot about your MIL in Whitmire.  If she needs anything,,,, just let us know, we will see what we can do.

Her power came back on last night, says she's good but really appreciates your offer, thank you!

[Willow]

Curious question on my part.  I've seen several reports indicating this is the worst storm in recent history to hit Florida.  Why?  The hurricane actually reduced winds to the level of tropical storm after landfall.  There have been recent hurricanes with stronger winds.  Is it just the amount of water it dropped?  What makes it the worst?

[Serk]

Curious question on my part.  I've seen several reports indicating this is the worst storm in recent history to hit Florida.  Why?  The hurricane actually reduced winds to the level of tropical storm after landfall.  There have been recent hurricanes with stronger winds.  Is it just the amount of water it dropped?  What makes it the worst?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Florida_hurricanes#Strongest_and_most_intense

Speculation on my part because I'm too lazy to research beyond this, but I think that Ian hit a very populated area also brings him up on the Nasty-Meter....

[Wizzard]

Couple of folks that I work with have older relatives that retired to the flood prone area of Ft Myers and they said that flood insurance was not required since they paid cash and had no mortgage and if it was offered was outrageous so since history said it had been since the 1920's since any flood there that they just rolled the dice. Now they literally lost everything. I will never buy a place without insurance EVER.

[G-Man]

Curious question on my part.  I've seen several reports indicating this is the worst storm in recent history to hit Florida.  Why?  The hurricane actually reduced winds to the level of tropical storm after landfall.  There have been recent hurricanes with stronger winds.  Is it just the amount of water it dropped?  What makes it the worst?

There is no measurement used.  EVERY storm is gonna be the worst one yet as long as there remains a climate agenda.

[Jess from VA]

I know it was a bad one, but the TV weather people again seem to be using it for ratings and shock.

I watched one guy stand in the strong wind until it blew him over.  Then, he did it several more times. 

At some point, it morphs from actual news to.... something else.     

[carolinarider09]

Looks like it came ashore at Georgetown (according to the local news) as a Category 1 storm.  Been having rain here with some gusty winds. 

Looks like the Eastern/North Eastern part has the most rain (at least on radar).

[Valkorado]

Curious question on my part.  I've seen several reports indicating this is the worst storm in recent history to hit Florida.  Why?  The hurricane actually reduced winds to the level of tropical storm after landfall.  There have been recent hurricanes with stronger winds.  Is it just the amount of water it dropped?  What makes it the worst?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Florida_hurricanes#Strongest_and_most_intense

Speculation on my part because I'm too lazy to research beyond this, but I think that Ian hit a very populated area also brings him up on the Nasty-Meter....

I also heard the severe flooding in inland areas like Orlando was very unusual, as that's where many people under hurricane threat from coasts on either side of Florida have run to in years past.  It hit some inland areas still near hurricane strength, plus it was a slow mover and dumped tons of rain.  DeSantis said it was a 500-year flood event.

https://www.wesh.com/article/ian-tropical-storm-flooding/41437849

[carolinarider09]

Tropical Storm Warning for Newberry County (SC) has been cancelled.   Just a lot of rain and some wind gusts. 

Weather thing says its raining cats and dogs.. 

[carolinarider09]

Just saw this on Newsmax.  Did not get the name of the expert nor could I find information on the web about what he said. 

It has to do with electronic devices.  What he basically said is that some of the fires in homes in areas hit by the hurricane were caused by electronic devices left behind when the home was evacuated.  The electronic devices contain lithium batteries.  The device gets wet (not from home being flooded but due to roof leaks and other "boundary" area breaks.

The lithium batteries do not like water so they get hot and cause fires.   

Now, if you try and rationalize this with why would the battery be able to get hot enough to cause flammable material to ignite and there is also roofing leaks and rain, I cannot provide the answer. 

However, the gentlemen was very adamant that this is a real thing and happens. 

Moral/rule never ever leave your battery powered device behind.   Especially if it has a lithium battery.

[Jersey mike]

Just saw this on Newsmax.  Did not get the name of the expert nor could I find information on the web about what he said. 

It has to do with electronic devices.  What he basically said is that some of the fires in homes in areas hit by the hurricane were caused by electronic devices left behind when the home was evacuated.  The electronic devices contain lithium batteries.  The device gets wet (not from home being flooded but due to roof leaks and other "boundary" area breaks.

The lithium batteries do not like water so they get hot and cause fires.   

Now, if you try and rationalize this with why would the battery be able to get hot enough to cause flammable material to ignite and there is also roofing leaks and rain, I cannot provide the answer. 

However, the gentlemen was very adamant that this is a real thing and happens. 

Moral/rule never ever leave your battery powered device behind.   Especially if it has a lithium battery.

Unless you’re looking for the fire insurance money when you don’t have flood or hurricane insurance.

[Patrick]

They are saying this was the worst due to its size, slow movement and duration. 155 mph winds, just 1 mph from a cat5. But this storm was a monster and extended into the Carolinas. Down here the reports I've seen are 20+ dead.

[Jersey mike]

They are saying this was the worst due to its size, slow movement and duration. 155 mph winds, just 1 mph from a cat5. But this storm was a monster and extended into the Carolinas. Down here the reports I've seen are 20+ dead.

I can remember the destruction from Andrew around 1990.  This is on an entirely different scope and level. Andrew initiated new construction codes in Florida, I’ll bet Ian will have similar results as well.

Superstorm Sandy from 2012 cause a ton of damage in our seashore area, homes and communities wiped out and new standards for homes in flood zones. So many homes now elevated including older homes which were raised (10’ minimum I believe) which is good I guess, except some builders need to be a bit more creative with the main entrance staircase.

[Robert]

They are saying this was the worst due to its size, slow movement and duration. 155 mph winds, just 1 mph from a cat5. But this storm was a monster and extended into the Carolinas. Down here the reports I've seen are 20+ dead.

I can remember the destruction from Andrew around 1990.  This is on an entirely different scope and level. Andrew initiated new construction codes in Florida, I’ll bet Ian will have similar results as well.

Superstorm Sandy from 2012 cause a ton of damage in our seashore area, homes and communities wiped out and new standards for homes in flood zones. So many homes now elevated including older homes which were raised (10’ minimum I believe) which is good I guess, except some builders need to be a bit more creative with the main entrance staircase.

Exactly, that is certainly part of the equation but there is another.

That area was low and old and has a big natural shelf built in from the coast. The west coast of Florida has more of a shelf going out into and under the water than the east, where a good portion of hurricanes hit. You have to walk far out into the water to get into deep water. Perfect conditions for a surge of water to destroy the town. Not to mention the elevation is only about 3 to 5 feet above sea level. Hard to believe Florida has some decent elevations but my home is actually about 30 feet above sea level. The surge was the cause of much of the houses washed away along with flooding.

Some areas of the panhandle of Florida ran into some of the same problems and was pretty much wiped out also.

You can own your home but if you are in lower elevations then dont ever cancel your flood insurance.
Regular, expensive house insurance does not cover flooding in most cases. In order to even get house insurance you have to retrofit your house up to current codes at a major cost and this may include yearly inspections to keep insurance. Older houses have no one except one provider that will insure older homes. New homes have been built to current wind codes but older home have to be retrofitted.


One thing that made me wonder, the major route the Florida Turnpike was closed due to flooding. I wonder what would happen in a major catastrophe.

Here is a news station that has some good pics of the water that was sucked out and the real depth of the water. Notice how shallow and far out the land goes under where the water was. That is a major problem.

NWS: 'Reverse storm surge' drains at least 7 feet of water in Tampa Bay

https://www.wfaa.com/article/weather/hurricane/why-is-tampa-bay-water-gone/67-71e43b74-0fb8-47be-b825-d7481710b5bf

There are many of the pictures of flooding and some that show the speed and pressure of the water was due to storm surge and the perfect conditions to make this happen. The actual force of the water coming back in not the wind did the major damage. As witnessed big boats washed hundreds of feet into the land.

[Patrick]

Patrick.....one comment.
In your original post you mentioned being packed up for a quick get away. From your area there is no such thing. In the future you need to make your plans well in advance and then execute.
You have obviously missed the bad weather out of this one and Tampa has really not been hit directly in 101 years believe it or not but had you been in the direct path you would have possibly made the wrong choice in waiting until the last minute. This comment is coming from a 5th generation Florida boy who has been through more of these than I care to remember.

Thx, I have no doubt at all that you're right. Its crowed here and the traffic is nuts. I guess I should have said, try for a quick getaway.  . If I left I was planning on heading southeast, but, the storm changed its mind and direction.
I've been using a weather forecast site for 40+ years of flying and have always found them to be correct and they said from the get-go what was going to happen as it actually happened.  We were lucky and feel for those that were in its path. This storm was a monster.

[Pappy!]

Curious question on my part.  I've seen several reports indicating this is the worst storm in recent history to hit Florida.  Why?  The hurricane actually reduced winds to the level of tropical storm after landfall.  There have been recent hurricanes with stronger winds.  Is it just the amount of water it dropped?  What makes it the worst?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Florida_hurricanes#Strongest_and_most_intense



Speculation on my part because I'm too lazy to research beyond this, but I think that Ian hit a very populated area also brings him up on the Nasty-Meter....

Ian was bad because the width of hurricane force winds was around 90 miles or so. It hit a major metro area as well.
Serk - Hurricane Donna hit the keys on Sept. 10 1960, There are wind gusts on record in Tavernier (keys) of 185mph! We lived in Islamorada at the time. Our next door neighbor was swept out of her house and drowned. She was found 3 weeks later, 10 miles North and several feet up off the water tangled in Mangrove trees. Look up that storm and see photos of the destruction. It literally broke the spirit of many of the long time keys settlers there. Many sold out and moved up to North Carolina.

[_Sheffjs_]

Curious question on my part.  I've seen several reports indicating this is the worst storm in recent history to hit Florida.  Why?  The hurricane actually reduced winds to the level of tropical storm after landfall.  There have been recent hurricanes with stronger winds.  Is it just the amount of water it dropped?  What makes it the worst?

The size of this one compared to H-Carley is what I noticed. We were hunkered down on the east side of Parrish FL at my sisters newer built house with storm shutters (and Honda Gen) the winds took a roof off a house about a mile away, yes it was an older build. I don’t know the actual winds there but it was quite powerful. The only hurricane I feel that was more powerful than this was H-Elena 1985 and it is not even on the chart shown above, that is the one that baffles me. Elena had winds that penetrated new windows on the rental we had back then to the point of sounding like demons the entire night. So like Pappy that has seen a few of these I feel the PART answer is size. I call H-Charley a large tornado that tore up everything in its path even in Orlando but was barely felt by us, H-Ian was huge. One thing is for certain, the population has grown to a dangerous level. Getting out must be done early.   The damage in Venice, the town to our south is staggering.

[_Sheffjs_]

Ian was bad because the width of hurricane force winds was around 90 miles or so. It hit a major metro area as well.
Serk - Hurricane Donna hit the keys on Sept. 10 1960, There are wind gusts on record in Tavernier (keys) of 185mph! We lived in Islamorada at the time. Our next door neighbor was swept out of her house and drowned. She was found 3 weeks later, 10 miles North and several feet up off the water tangled in Mangrove trees. Look up that storm and see photos of the destruction. It literally broke the spirit of many of the long time keys settlers there. Many sold out and moved up to North Carolina.

 Pappy, i’m assuming you stayed during this? If so you must have book to write!

[..]

Surprise!

https://www.foxnews.com/us/arrested-looters-lee-county-were-us-illegally-says-sheriff-not-tolerating-it

[Serk]

Deadliest hurricane to hit Florida since 1935, 106 confirmed US deaths, 101 in Florida.... And likely to go up...   :'(

https://www.accuweather.com/en/hurricane/florida-faces-grim-reality-hurricane-ian-is-deadliest-storm-in-state-since-1935/1257775

[Jersey mike]

Curious question on my part.  I've seen several reports indicating this is the worst storm in recent history to hit Florida.  Why?  The hurricane actually reduced winds to the level of tropical storm after landfall.  There have been recent hurricanes with stronger winds.  Is it just the amount of water it dropped?  What makes it the worst?

The size of this one compared to H-Carley is what I noticed. We were hunkered down on the east side of Parrish FL at my sisters newer built house with storm shutters (and Honda Gen) the winds took a roof off a house about a mile away, yes it was an older build. I don’t know the actual winds there but it was quite powerful. The only hurricane I feel that was more powerful than this was H-Elena 1985 and it is not even on the chart shown above, that is the one that baffles me. Elena had winds that penetrated new windows on the rental we had back then to the point of sounding like demons the entire night. So like Pappy that has seen a few of these I feel the PART answer is size. I call H-Charley a large tornado that tore up everything in its path even in Orlando but was barely felt by us, H-Ian was huge. One thing is for certain, the population has grown to a dangerous level. Getting out must be done early.   The damage in Venice, the town to our south is staggering.

The storm surge from Ian was intense. At one point during the storm and watching reports there was an forecast of 18 feet of storm surge. Whether that happened I don’t know, but I do know there were reports of 10 feet of surge. That’s a lot of water and a lot of damage and not just flooding.

[Patrick]

The Sheriffs and Governor have been saying looting will not be tolerated and that Florida is a big 2nd amendment state. 
One would think looters would know what that means.