General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: TO FLORIDA DU'ERS AND FRIENDS: Friday is too late. TOO LATE. Head by THURSDAY to high ground. [View all]Tommy_Carcetti
(43,164 posts)I'm in southeastern FL, I have family in the Gainesville area, but the problem is some of the models have Irma bisecting the state right up the middle and near Gainesville. And if it hits that way and it's a 4 or a 5, it could very well likely still be a 1 or 2 by the time it reaches Gainesville. And Gainesville has a) a lot of trees and b) structures that aren't built up to hurricane codes like they are on the coasts. So we're talking about possible power outages and even structural damage up there as well if it takes that bisect route.
Believe me, if this was simply an east to west path across South Florida, I'd be packing for Gainesville already. But literally at this point the entire state of Florida is at risk and we don't know where it will hit and what path it will take. If you are leaving, I'd plan on stopping no shorter than middle to northern Georgia. Otherwise, you have to assess how strong your house is (post-Andrew cement block constructions have the best chance) and if it's near the coast or a flood zone.