I live in northeast Orlando and have endured Charley and Frances this year.
Charley really surprised us as it took a last minute turn proving the unpredictability of these storms. Who would have thought a storm entering the state 150 miles from Orlando would have 100+ mph winds when it reached here? The eye passed 8 miles to my west putting the worst winds right over my area. The tree loss alone would make you sick. It was so scary hearing the wind ripping over your "safe room" at 100 mph!! I was without power for 96 hours. The stories are endless.
Frances turned out to be much easier for us personally as we were better prepared and it wasn't as violent as Charley (for me). It did tremendous damage on the East Central coast but not too bad here. All the big trees were already down so just a few more were toppled. I boarded my windows as it seemed the thing to do. I just took the boards down yesterday with Ivan passing and Jeanne being a no-show. I also got a generator the Tuesday before Frances hit (on a Saturday). I had to drive 90 miles one way to get it as there wasn't a generator to be had any closer. I got lucky because after that day, you couldn't get a generator in the whole state. My power was out for only 30 hours after Frances so the gen came in real handy. with my 5550 watt model, I was able to power my refrig, freezer, TV, light, fan and 3 neighbors refrigerators!!! That's right 4 fridges and a freezer plus!!
I'll shut up now.....
Charley really surprised us as it took a last minute turn proving the unpredictability of these storms. Who would have thought a storm entering the state 150 miles from Orlando would have 100+ mph winds when it reached here? The eye passed 8 miles to my west putting the worst winds right over my area. The tree loss alone would make you sick. It was so scary hearing the wind ripping over your "safe room" at 100 mph!! I was without power for 96 hours. The stories are endless.
Frances turned out to be much easier for us personally as we were better prepared and it wasn't as violent as Charley (for me). It did tremendous damage on the East Central coast but not too bad here. All the big trees were already down so just a few more were toppled. I boarded my windows as it seemed the thing to do. I just took the boards down yesterday with Ivan passing and Jeanne being a no-show. I also got a generator the Tuesday before Frances hit (on a Saturday). I had to drive 90 miles one way to get it as there wasn't a generator to be had any closer. I got lucky because after that day, you couldn't get a generator in the whole state. My power was out for only 30 hours after Frances so the gen came in real handy. with my 5550 watt model, I was able to power my refrig, freezer, TV, light, fan and 3 neighbors refrigerators!!! That's right 4 fridges and a freezer plus!!
I'll shut up now.....
