This morning's Cat 1 may be this afternoon's Cat 3 or Cat 4. It happens. Look up the history of last years storms. The problem with waiting to see what happens is the traffic. The EOC has to make the call for mandatory evac, days in advance, since they know that evac time is somewhere around 30+hours. If you wait until traffic is on the road, and the storm grows more intense, there is a chance that the bridges may close before you are able to leave, since the winds may precede the actual storm. Remember that Walton County bridges close after wind speeds reach 35-40mph. Let's say you wanted to evac to Atlanta. To leave prior to mandatory evac, it will take you 5.5 hours travel time on average. If you wait until mandatory evac is announced, it will take you 5.5 hours to get to Freeport. It is much easier to just take off for a few days, and not have to be stuck in traffic, possibly with car problems or gas shortages. I will add that the fewer people who stay in SoWal when a big storm hits us directly, the easier it will be for rescue personal. The difference between staying or leaving in a timely fashion, may be the difference in your life or death, and of your friends and family. Hot and humid summer weather, no power for 10 days, no phone service, no grocery store open, no gas station open, roads flooded, downed trees, etc, -- why not be staying with a friend out of town, where you have all of the luxuries, including your life?
