Hurricane Katrina - III

[sunshine]

Good morning,
Western Lake is slowly rising, nothing of the magnitude from Dennis. So far, I haven't seen any docks, walkovers or boardwalks floating by. We still have a ways to go on that one, but perhaps there won't be as much damage there. (Of course, there aren't as many around this time either).

I set my alarm for 2:00 AM to check the weather and, if necessary, pack up the boys and leave. Weather Channel had just announced that Katrina was downgraded to a Cat 4 storm, still headed for NOLA. Dire and unsettling predictions for our neighbors to the west.

Today, we're having gusty wind with occasional strong showers. I'm no expert on guessing wind speed, but it's probably in the 20 - 30 mph range. Last night, when I was not sleeping, it sounded a lot worse.

Yesterday, I looked at many of our beaches. By 9 AM, much of the new sand pushed up to Grayton had been washed away. Mid-afternoon, the same report for Dune Allen, Santa Rosa (Ed Walline Park), Old Florida and Blue Mountain access points.

I'll report more later after I've gotten out.

 

[Landlocked]

CNN is reporting that part of the roof on the Super Dome has opened up. Not good news for the folks in there

 

[JB]

Here is another webcam in Destin that is still active - for now.

http://www.remaxsouthern.com/cam.htm

 

[Landlocked]

The Weather Channel is saying that the levee in N.O. has broken sending 3 to 8 feet of water into town.

http://www.weather.com/newscenter/tropical/?from=wxcenter_news

 

[Malissa]

We are in our gulf front Condo (Beachcrest), caddy corner across 30 a from the Tom Thumb.

The surf is HUGE, all replacement sand is gone and erosion will be severe.

I wish I had better news...

Keep me posted.. You are in between two of my places... emerald hill and one seagrove palce.

I hope emerald hill will still be standing after this!
Thanks!

 

[Smiling JOe]

Glad you and SoWal (for the most part) are okay. It sounds like weather.com's hour-by-hour forecast that winds were ESE 77 mph at 7am were wrong. Someone on CNN just said that the levees in NOLA might not be breached. Good news.

I am not that experienced at guessing wind speeds, but the winds are out of the SE, and gusts may be around 55-60mph. Constant wind speed is not nearly as strong.

I just got pounded by a hard rain in Seaside, and sandblasted in Blue Mtn Beach. Sand is blowing hard off of the properties who shored-up. Donna in TX, you may need to sweep your porch. ;-) Good news, is it is still standing.

The water level is still up so it is difficult to assess beach damage. I saw some undermining in Gulf Trace, but no collapsing of any buildings in Blue Mtn or Gulf Trace. Looks like we missed Katrina big time. We are still waiting for those winds to shift and become coming out of the south.

 

[Smiling JOe]

WGTX1280am,

As I began driving around today, I tuned in to your station. You stated that you would be broadcasting the storm info only during the storm. In between the static, I noticed the first 4 minutes were commercials, followed by and oldies song, which was then, followed by a sheriff's report from yesterday, and one from today saying that Hwy 98 was closed in Walton County due to flooding. I don't know where this "flooding" took place. I did not see any sign of closure.

Overall, I don't think you lived up to your posts.

I quickly tuned in to Talkradio101.com (101.1FM), to get live info on Katrina affecting the local area, even though they are based in Panama City. Supposedly, they have live streaming on line.

just my .02

 

[Landlocked]

member.php?u=1812WGTX1280am,

As I began driving around today, I tuned in to your station. You stated that you would be broadcasting the storm info only during the storm. In between the static, I noticed the first 4 minutes were commercials, followed by and oldies song, which was then, followed by a sheriff's report from yesterday, and one from today saying that Hwy 98 was closed in Walton County due to flooding. I don't know where this "flooding" took place. I did not see any sign of closure.

Overall, I don't think you lived up to your posts.

I quickly tuned in to Talkradio101.com (101.1FM I think), to get live info on Katrina affecting the local area, even though they are based in Panama City.

just my .02

The ole' captive audience trick huh?

 

[pk305]

Once again, this board is our link to knowing what is REALLY happening down there on 30A. We just look at each other in disbelief over all the storm action for the past few months as we are FINALLY realizing our DREAM of having a home in Seagrove (it's about 60% complete). TIMING is everything!

The words and sentiments expressed on this board just REINFORCE our belief that we are destined to be a part of this WONDERFUL community & our resolve & desire is only STRENGTHENED as we watch & wait for Katrina's fury. BLESS all of you for your great updates, photos, kindness to others!!! We, too, will do whatever we can to help (especially to the west) those who will be so desperately in need of so much & whose losses will be so great.
BE SAFE & THANKS AGAIN.....you make us love this place even more!!

 

[DTinTexas]

I just got pounded by a hard rain in Seaside, and sandblasted in Blue Mtn Beach. Sand is blowing hard off of the properties who shored-up. Donna in TX, you may need to sweep your porch. ;-) Good news, is it is still standing.



SJ - You're awesome! It feels great to finally exhale. Do you think most of the threat of damage (for all) is finally gone?

Sending a big ol hug your way!

Donna