Tropical Storm Fay

Based on what my "people" are telling me, I am sticking with my earlier comments that Sowal will be safe from this one. While it does look like it is going to hit FL it will be far enough south so that sowal will not be impacted. Latest path takes it in between Tampa and Ft Myers just like the NHC says.

generators will undergo full functionality test today...I don't care for that track!

generators will undergo full functionality test today...I don't care for that track!

Good idea, and good luck as it looks like I am in the line of fire also. I had to fire mine up a couple of weeks ago after sitting dorment for three years and it started on the second pull. All it needed was gas. I hope you have a similar experience.

Good idea, and good luck as it looks like I am in the line of fire also. I had to fire mine up a couple of weeks ago after sitting dorment for three years and it started on the second pull. All it needed was gas. I hope you have a similar experience.

You are more lucky than me. I had an unpleasant experience in the epic Memphis ice storm of 1994 when my (former) generator resolutely refused to start. Since then, I run it monthly for about a hour. Also, I add Stabil to the gas in both the generator and the gas I have stored for it.

NOGAPS model went from Mississippi at 2am back to directly over PC area by 10am. Still too early to call.

So if its a catagory one will we need to evacuate our home since we live in a flood zone? I am new to all this...this will be our first time going through a hurricane.

Depends on where you live in Sowal...if you are on high ground, like Seagrove, you should be okay. A Cat 1 hurricane can be nasty but usually not anything to worry about, other than light damage, small trees falling and limbs and debris getting pushed around. High surf and small surge if we get a direct hit.

I live in a relatively low lying area in Pt. Washington, but would not leave for a Cat 1, except I have large oak trees hanging over my house. If one of those were to fall on it, or even some of the huge limbs, my house would be splintered.

How could south walton be affected if Fay stays on the projected path? Wind, etc.? Trying to decide whether or not to come down there and secure items outside. Need opinions.

Depends on where exactly your home is located and how well it's built. Some leave for cat 1; many don't leave unless cat 3. As a life long gulf coaster, I've ridden out a few storms. If you do decide to stay, stock up on all the supplies recommended and know this: hurricanes last a LONG time. Even the "mild" ones seem like hell when the wind starts to howl. And when things finally get calm, that's just the eye of the storm. Then you can brace yourself for round 2.

That being said, Fay is not coming our way. Repeat after me, all together now: Fay is not coming our way.

So if its a catagory one will we need to evacuate our home since we live in a flood zone? I am new to all this...this will be our first time going through a hurricane.

Jackie, you have to make that call based on gathering as much info as you can. Listen to the emergency management folks, talk to neighbors who've lived in the neighborhood for a while, and research your location. Pay attention to the storm track and intensity. Follow this link to a storm surge map for Walton County, find your location and see how it fares.

Jackie, you have to make that call based on gathering as much info as you can. Listen to the emergency management folks, talk to neighbors who've lived in the neighborhood for a while, and research your location. Pay attention to the storm track and intensity. Follow this link to a storm surge map for Walton County, find your location and see how it fares.

I dont really understand this map. I found my location but I dont understand what the map is saying about my location. I live off Mack Bayou Rd in Driftwood Estates.
Thanks!!

How many days do hurricanes take to pass through? We are supposed to leave early Saturday morning to drive to Miami for a cruise.

I dont really understand this map. I found my location but I dont understand what the map is saying about my location. I live off Mack Bayou Rd in Driftwood Estates.
Thanks!!

It gives approximate surge danger by storm category. By finding your location (you can zoom in to get a better idea) you'll see if you're in a surge zone and what category zone you're in. For example, I'm in a Category 1 surge zone (pea green) meaning that my location could be under water with a direct or near direct hit from a Cat 1 storm. This map is only an approximation, and could vary with each storm, but gives an idea of the surveyed storm surge danger. Use it as part of your planning and preparation.

How many days do hurricanes take to pass through? We are supposed to leave early Saturday morning to drive to Miami for a cruise.

Once a storm is on us, it is gone in a day. You should be fine for Saturday. Happy cruising!!

I dont really understand this map. I found my location but I dont understand what the map is saying about my location. I live off Mack Bayou Rd in Driftwood Estates.
Thanks!!

Find your location on the map first. Then find what "color" you are in. The rule of thumb is:

Dk green = evacuate for tropical storm
Lighter green = evacuate for Cat 1
Yellow-green = evacuate for Cat 2
Light orange = evacuate for Cat 3
Darker orange = evacuate for Cat 4
Red = evacuate for Cat 5
White = not an evacuation zone

These are general guidelines only that relate to the likelihood that your property will be flooded, NOT whether you will be comfortable staying for a Category 1, 2, etc.

I agree that the map is very hard to read. I recall someone posting a better map in another thread. Does anyone know where a more detailed map can be found?

While I am keeping an eye on this storm, I am kinda waiting for it to get in the gulf before even tracking or preparing. The warm water in the gulf can cause them to do strange things and make erratic movements this late in the season.

How many days do hurricanes take to pass through? We are supposed to leave early Saturday morning to drive to Miami for a cruise.

I would contact the cruise line later this week. Although Miami should be fine, there may be some minor issues with your cruise destination(s) depending upon the storm's track.

While I am keeping an eye on this storm, I am kinda waiting for it to get in the gulf before even tracking or preparing. The warm water in the gulf can cause them to do strange things and make erratic movements this late in the season.

I agree with Jodie. I've seen a few bump up against land and then get back in the gulf to make a second run.

Okay so by looking at the map, I think we should evacuate if its a catagory 3 but we are very close to the catagory 1 or 2 color. Its hard to tell the difference between the colors of 1 and 2. Can anyone else tell? We are located in the triangle shaped bayside area near the water.

I do agree though that it still seems a bit early to know whats going to happen. I just hope it doesnt come our way. Is it normal to have no electricity for weeks with a cat. 1 storm?

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at200806_model.html#a_topad

Batten down the hatches.......we may be in for a blow!;-)

They keep shifting the models our way.......ugh..

I do agree though that it still seems a bit early to know whats going to happen. I just hope it doesnt come our way. Is it normal to have no electricity for weeks with a cat. 1 storm?

Not normal..but then there is no normal with hurricanes. Ivan didn't hit us directly, but because of where it did hit,(west of us) we went without power for over a week. When Dennis came in....much smaller, but closer, I never lost power.

Best advice I can give you is to prepare for the worst (food, water and supplies) for at least a week, and hope you don't have to use any of them, if you don't evacuate.

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at200806_model.html#a_topad

Batten down the hatches.......we may be in for a blow!;-)

They keep shifting the models our way.......ugh..

I wonder if they are gonna keep shifting. Thanks for the update.

I wonder if they are gonna keep shifting. Thanks for the update.

My bet is yep......

She continues a WNW movement sliding south of Cuba and if she starts shifting N around the last 1/3 of Cuba, then I believe she will be hungry and looking for some BBQ at Jambone!

Disclaimer.....I'm not a wetterman nor eva' played one on the telly.....

Don't get spooked jest yet....

The latest model runs keep shifting Fay west toward the panhandle.