Those not evacuating - and my experience

[underpants]

5. 2003 Isabel - I knew lots of people who rode it out

Tidewater including the peninsula. I grew up (high school) there so I knew a lot of people who rode it out. Isabel wiped out a lot of that area. My best friend was at his brother's house but the brick ranch house he lived in at the time, on the water, GONE. The foundation and a few bricks was all they found when they went back. My other friend's 100 year old two story wooden house also on the water completely disappeared. They found the hot water heater 200 yards away. Neighbors stayed and rode it out.

Why? They think they can save their property? They don't feel it will hit them?

Sounds like you all a great plan and a good neighborhood. I remember that even an hour from the water in Richmond whole blocks got to know each other. The power was out for weeks in the country but in the city everyone on some streets just brought out their girls an ALL the food. Great feasts with warm beer.