Hurricane Katrina - III

[kurt]

Some photos from this morning:
http://www.sowal.com/photos-082805.html

http://www.sowal.com/DSC_5388.jpg

[wetwilly]

Great pics as usual. The surf in the pictures really shows how agitated the gulf is and SoWal beaches are quite a ways east of NOLA and it is still 24+ hours before landfall.

Thanks again for the info and the pics. Is it my imagination or by the look on his face that boy knows what is coming ashore? :bang: :bang:

Cute kid!!

[Mermaid]

Kurt, I don't understand the picture with all the people putting the sandbags down? What would that do?

[Beach Runner]

We're on our way down to Seagrove to make sure that everything's locked away properly (I'm online via my cell phone). The northbound traffic on I-85 caused by LA/MS refugees isn't as thick as I expected. Sorta scared by weather.com saying we'll have sustained winds tomorrow of 51 mph at 2-3 PM. I plan to take photos and post them (assuming I remembered the USB cable for the digital camera).

Good luck and prayers for everyone.

[ladybug8876]

I went to destincam.com to check out the waves, still looking pretty rough. Are there any webcams in sowal I don't know about. Thanks Kurt for always keeping us informed.

[whiteyfunn]

Beach Runner...your avatar is sadly appropriate for today and tomorrow.


Does anyone know if businesses will be closed tomorrow? Or what the county will advise?

[tropicwatch]

The eye of Katrina is starting to show up on the long radar out of N.O.


N.O. Long Range Radar (http://radar.weather.gov/radar/latest/DS.p20-r/si.klix.shtml)

http://radar.weather.gov/radar/images/DS.p20-r/SI.klix/latest.gif

[jdarg]

TWC just reported Katrina's winds now at 185 mph and pressure down to 90 mb. Camille was 909 at landfall. Kinda makes you shiver.

[ktschris]

I went to destincam.com to check out the waves, still looking pretty rough. Are there any webcams in sowal I don't know about. Thanks Kurt for always keeping us informed.

Try alongthegulf.com
they have a couple of different cameras on that site. You guys be safe down there.

[Smiling JOe]

Kurt, I don't understand the picture with all the people putting the sandbags down? What would that do?

Well, if you look at the house about 6 houses to the west of the one where they are placing sandbags, you will see what happens. Yesterday, this same crew placed sandbags at that home, adjacent and east to the public access on Hwy 83, and today, they are all gone. I have a picture of the few remaining which are scattered on the beach from that home, but I am having difficulty uploading my pics.

[Smiling JOe]

I went to destincam.com to check out the waves, still looking pretty rough. Are there any webcams in sowal I don't know about. Thanks Kurt for always keeping us informed.

WaterColor Inn had webcams all over the place but now have only this picture.
http://www.watercolorinn.com/bclub.jpg

It was a little bit too spy like for me anyway. Schooners, in PCB, has a web cam. google it.

[Smiling JOe]

TWC just reported Katrina's winds now at 185 mph and pressure down to 90 mb. Camille was 909 at landfall. Kinda makes you shiver.

I think you mean 900mb. It was at 902 an hour ago.

[wetwilly]

Well, if you look at the house about 6 houses to the west of the one where they are placing sandbags, you will see what happens. Yesterday, this same crew placed sandbags at that home, adjacent and east to the public access on Hwy 83, and today, they are all gone. I have a picture of the few remaining which are scattered on the beach from that home, but I am having difficulty uploading my pics.

So, it appears that the sandbags are worthless (much like I think the geotubes are or will be) in helping to stop Mother Nature's wrath. All it looks like they will do is become more trash or worse while washed into the gulf and/or back up onto shore to be some elses problem. Mother Nature is very strong and those sand bags are not likely to do anything to stop the surge. I guess if you are gulf front and desperate to try and save your already eroded house/structure you might try anything?

[Mermaid]

Okay, you've answered my sandbag question (and I've looked up "geotubes" too, so I know what you're all talking about!).

[Camp Creek Kid]

Beach Runner...your avatar is sadly appropriate for today and tomorrow.


Does anyone know if businesses will be closed tomorrow? Or what the county will advise?


The county offices and schools will be closed Monday. We are under a tropical storm warning with winds predicted to be up to 50mph. The 331 Bridge closes at 40 mph so travel to/from SoWal will be difficult on Monday.

[Rita]

Thanks for the pics & info!

Travel2Much & others - Thanks for filling us in on the NOLA situation. :(

Praying for all.

[Smiling JOe]

Okay, you've answered my sandbag question (and I've looked up "geotubes" too, so I know what you're all talking about!).

http://sowal.com/bb/gallery/files/2/1/6/P8270015.JPG
Before




http://sowal.com/bb/gallery/files/2/1/6/P8270010.JPG
Remains from yesterday.:bang::bang::bang:

Clean up your crap.

[sarawind]

What is that on the beach in your picture that says,'remains from yesterday'.

[Mermaid]

It's one of the sandbags.

[Smiling JOe]

It's one of the sandbags.

Yes, actually it is two sandbags remaining from 100+ sandbags placed yesterday. Also, part of a brick wall and a few pavers are in the photo.


Here is a satellite photo of Katrina taken around noon today.
http://www.nnvl.noaa.gov/members/images/109660.jpg

[TooFarTampa]

Yes, actually it is two sandbags remaining from 100+ sandbags placed yesterday. Also, part of a brick wall and a few pavers are in the photo.


Here is a satellite photo of Katrina taken around noon today.


Yeah. Sandbags. GREAT idea. :roll:

[Miss Kitty]

These are desperate people trying to fight Mother Nature....at least we know who the geotubes belong to....the question is, where will they turn up?

[wetwilly]

According to the weather underground website, the hurricane force winds will extend north for up to 150 miles. That is incredible and scary to those that live north of NOLA and surrounding areas. Hopefully, those people know to evac too since life and structure will be threatened that far north.

No end in sight to this madness because don't look now but they have spotted another tropical depression (TD 13 I think it is labeled) down south in the islands. God please let this one die out in the atlantic for everyones sake.

[gotothebeachmom]

According to the weather underground website, the hurricane force winds will extend north for up to 150 miles. That is incredible and scary to those that live north of NOLA and surrounding areas. Hopefully, those people know to evac too since life and structure will be threatened that far north.

No end in sight to this madness because don't look now but they have spotted another tropical depression (TD 13 I think it is labeled) down south in the islands. God please let this one die out in the atlantic for everyones sake.

That would be Lee. :bang:

[ksherman]

Please offer some "local" advice. My family was scheduled to be in Seagrove this week (yesterday through Sept. 3), but of course have put the trip on hold because of the weather. On Saturday we changed flights so that we'd arrive on Wednesday (Aug. 13) thinking that since the path had changed that the worst would pass the South Walton Beach area by then. Now, I'm concerned that this may not be the case. You guys know this stuff backwards and forwards: am I kidding myself to think that we might actually be able to make our trip on Wednesday of this week and stay through Labor Day weekend? Or, should we stay home and leave the roads open for people who need to get in and out> you're down there? What do you think?

With greatest thanks for a mother of 4 who LOVES 3o-A! (Last visit was July 23, 2005 right after the July Hurricane.)

[jdarg]

I think you mean 900mb. It was at 902 an hour ago.


I think I've mentioned before my need for typing practice. :idontno:

[Smiling JOe]

Please offer some "local" advice. My family was scheduled to be in Seagrove this week (yesterday through Sept. 3), but of course have put the trip on hold because of the weather. On Saturday we changed flights so that we'd arrive on Wednesday (Aug. 13) thinking that since the path had changed that the worst would pass the South Walton Beach area by then. Now, I'm concerned that this may not be the case. You guys know this stuff backwards and forwards: am I kidding myself to think that we might actually be able to make our trip on Wednesday of this week and stay through Labor Day weekend? Or, should we stay home and leave the roads open for people who need to get in and out> you're down there? What do you think?

With greatest thanks for a mother of 4 who LOVES 3o-A! (Last visit was July 23, 2005 right after the July Hurricane.)

Think you crossed your dates, but if you mean this coming Wed., I would wait until tomorrow, and we will be able to paint a more accurate picture for you.

[Mermaid]

To tell you the truth, JOe, I'm thinking along the same lines as ksherman. My husband and I are anxious to get down to the beach as soon as we can...but of course we don't want to kill ourselves trying to do it.

We're very grateful for those of you on 30-A who are keeping us so well-informed. Keep up the good work, guys, and keep safe! :clap_1:

[ksherman]

Smiling Joe, you're right -- I got my date wrong. We're scheduled to come in this Wednesday, August 31. Our fingers are crossed!

As a regular "lurker" since Ivan last fall, I appreciate the great information you guys provide to those far away from the beaches. My family and I were in Navarre last September on Saturday before Ivan hit and were evacuated on Tuesday morning before the hurricane came on shore Wednesday evening. Ever since that experience, my husband and I have a great appreciation (and respect) for those of you who have gone through this over and over. Our hearts are with you!

Again, please keep us posted. We'll keep an eye out on this site to see how things turn out.

[kurt]

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/FLOAT/VIS/20.jpg

[kurt]

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/FLOAT/IR4/20.jpg

[Beach Runner]

We drove to Seagrove today to make sure that all chairs and loose items outdoors were put away and all windows were locked (they weren't). We got online and saw that we'd have 78 mph winds at 7 AM. We also know that the bridges close at 40 MPH and were afraid we'd get trapped. So we're now on our way back to GA.

BTW the scraped sand was essentially all gone by 4:30 PM. The surf was already lapping up against the "cliffs" or former dunes. No wind when we left at 5:30 PM. I took photos, but the cell phone dialup speed in the car is too slow to upload photos.

[Miss Kitty]

We drove to Seagrove today to make sure that all chairs and loose items outdoors were put away and all windows were locked (they weren't). We got online and saw that we'd have 78 mph winds at 7 AM. We also know that the bridges close at 40 MPH and were afraid we'd get trapped. So we're now on our way back to GA.

BTW the scraped sand was essentially all gone by 4:30 PM. The surf was already lapping up against the "cliffs" or former dunes. No wind when we left at 5:30 PM. I took photos, but the cell phone dialup speed in the car is too slow to upload photos.


Wow...glad you were able to leave...be safe everyone still there. Remember people were killed by falling trees when walking outside near Miami.

[Cavallino]

KBON in New Orleans has a webcast at
http://www.kbon.com/stream.aspx

They just announced music is over at 10pm and then just news about Katrina.

This may help give a more regional perspective.

Doug

[WaltonUndercurrent]

It's good information - but a little sad to listen too.

[Smiling JOe]

Nothing much to report from inside my house in SoWal. Around 9:15pm, we had a light rain spray us for a short spell. Lightning was filling the sky and was very close by, judging from the quick persuit of thunder. For the time being, that has passed. The sky is overcast, and a very light sprinkle is falling. Frogs are croaking lightly.:D

I cannot decide whether to take a shower and go to bed so that I can be on the move in the early a.m., or to stay up for a couple of days, and follow on the television tonight. :bang:

[Mermaid]

Go to bed, JOe! You will need to be alert tomorrow. You never know what will happen and when and where you might be needed. Sleep!

[sarawind]

Just heard on the Weather Channel that homes in Walton County were
being undermined by the waves. Does anyone know where in Walton
County this happened? I hope they were wrong.

[Smiling JOe]

Just heard on the Weather Channel that homes in Walton County were
being undermined by the waves. Does anyone know where in Walton
County this happened? I hope they were wrong.

Not certain but I could take an EWAG(educated wild _ss guess), based on what I saw earlier today.

[Excalibur]

WGTX AM 1280

WWW.WGTX.COM (http://www.WGTX.COM)

From WGTX AM 1280

NWS - At 9:30pm a TORNADO WARNING was issued for Destin, Florida in Okaloosa County. No reports have been given any further and WGTX is on the scene.

[Smiling JOe]

Just heard on the Weather Channel that homes in Walton County were
being undermined by the waves. Does anyone know where in Walton
County this happened? I hope they were wrong.

There will be some major erosion and undermining in the night and even more tomorrow morning. High tide rolls in around 7:00am. When the wind changes direction and comes from the south, we should be near high tide. That is going to be devastating to SoWal, but nothing compared to N.O., LA. We will lose land, sand, and homes, which are precious, but peeps in the NO area will lose jobs, homes, family members, livelihoods and will. We should let them know with a strong show of support however you are able to do so.

[kurt]

WGTX AM 1280

WWW.WGTX.COM (http://www.wgtx.com/)

From WGTX AM 1280

NWS - At 9:30pm a TORNADO WARNING was issued for Destin, Florida in Okaloosa County. No reports have been given any further and WGTX is on the scene.

No offense, but this is a little over the top. There is a watch out for Okaloosa from 4:40 pm until 2am. Here in SoWal, expect some very bad weather over the next 18 hours including the strong possibility of tornadoes.

Keep your eye on this link and let us know if anything comes up:
http://www.weather.gov/alerts/fl.html

Also, we can tell from your username who you represent. No need to repeat it 4 times in your message (aka spam) - thanks. Glad you are "on the scene" though. :lol:

[Beach Runner]

Wow...glad you were able to leave...be safe everyone still there. Remember people were killed by falling trees when walking outside near Miami.
Thanks.

We're back in GA. As you can see, only a few little piles of scraped sand left. A week ago there were huge mounds everywhere. Also, more of the street-level property has slid down to the beach.

:(

[Beach Runner]

There will be some major erosion and undermining in the night and even more tomorrow morning. High tide rolls in around 7:00am. When the wind changes direction and comes from the south, we should be near high tide. That is going to be devastating to SoWal, but nothing compared to N.O., LA. We will lose land, sand, and homes, which are precious, but peeps in the NO area will lose jobs, homes, family members, livelihoods and will. We should let them know with a strong show of support however you are able to do so.
As a Tulane alumna, it breaks my heart about NOLA. The New Orleans architect/preservationist/historian Samuel Wilson, Jr., who was the architect for our home in GA, is probably rolling over in his grave.

[WaltonUndercurrent]

As I understand it, New Orleans has more sites on the National Historic Registry than any city, including Boston. It was European for its first 100 or so years, which is were its love of life, acceptance comes from. The Louisiana Purchase was signed there, Tennessee Williams died in his brass bed there, William Faulkner wrote there, Henry Morton Stanley - the African explorer - lived there. It's an amazing place and Bourbon Street has almost nothing to do with it.

It's the Old North Church of the South - and we should do what we can to preserve it.

[Beach Runner]

As I understand it, New Orleans has more sites on the National Historic Registry than any city, including Boston. It was European for its first 100 or so years, which is were its love of life, acceptance comes from. The Louisiana Purchase was signed there, Tennessee Williams died in his brass bed there, William Faulkner wrote there, Henry Morton Stanley - the African explorer - lived there. It's an amazing place and Bourbon Street has almost nothing to do with it.

It's the Old North Church of the South - and we should do what we can to preserve it.
Read some of Samuel Wilson's books and you will be amazed by the history behind Louisiana architecture. Some of my favorite memories are dining with him at his favorite restaurant, Commander's Palace, just a few blocks from his home. These dinners were the most incredibly interesting history lessons that I've ever experienced. BTW when he walked into Commander's, the entire staff lined up to shake his hand. I really miss him. :(

[Smiling JOe]

http://www.nnvl.noaa.gov/members/images/109664.jpg

Hurricane Katrina looks much like a Spiral Galaxy.

[Excalibur]

WGTX AM 1280

www.wgtx.com (http://www.wgtx.com)


GMZ750-770-FLZ008-012-014-290730-

HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
1207 AM EDT MON AUG 29 2005

...LARGE AND POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC HURRICANE KATRINA APPROACHING
THE NORTHERN GULF COAST...
...A TROPICAL STORM WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE PANHANDLE COAST FROM
DESTIN EASTWARD TO INDIAN PASS FLORIDA...

...AREAS AFFECTED...
THIS STATEMENT RECOMMENDS ACTION TO BE TAKEN FOR RESIDENTS IN THE
FOLLOWING COUNTIES IN THE EASTERN FLORIDA PANHANDLE...COASTAL
WALTON...BAY...AND GULF COUNTIES.

...WATCH AND WARNING INFORMATION...
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM EAST OF DESTIN TO
INDIAN PASS IN GULF COUNTY FLORIDA. A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR
THE EASTERN FLORIDA PANHANDLE.

...STORM INFORMATION...
AT 10 PM CDT THE CENTER OF HURRICANE KATRINA WAS LOCATED NEAR
LATITUDE 27.6 NORTH...LONGITUDE 89.4 WEST...OR ABOUT 170 MILES SOUTH
SOUTHEAST OF NEW ORLEANS. THIS IS ALSO ABOUT 265 MILES SOUTHWEST OF
DESTIN FLORIDA. KATRINA WAS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH NORTHWEST NEAR
10 MPH...AND A TURN TO THE NORTH IS EXPECTED OVER THE NEXT 12 TO 24
HOURS. HIGHEST SUSTAINED WINDS WERE NEAR 160 MPH...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS. KATRINA IS A POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC CATEGORY FIVE HURRICANE
ON THE SAFFIR SIMPSON SCALE. SOME FLUCTUATIONS IN STRENGTH ARE
LIKELY PRIOR TO LANDFALL. KATRINA IS ALSO A LARGE STORM WITH
TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTENDING OUTWARD UP TO 230 MILES.

...PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
RESIDENTS IN THE WARNED AREA SHOULD NOW BE PREPARED FOR TROPICAL
STORM CONDITIONS...HAVING SECURED LOOSE ITEMS SUCH AS GARBAGE CANS
AND PATIO FURNITURE...AND TAKEN APPROPRIATE STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST
COASTAL FLOODING. LOW LYING AREAS WILL BE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO
COASTAL FLOODING...ESPECIALLY IN AREAS WHERE THE PROTECTIVE DUNES
HAVE BEEN WASHED AWAY BY PREVIOUS STORMS. MANDATORY EVACUATIONS HAVE
BEEN ORDERED FOR CAPE SAN BLAS IN GULF COUNTY...AND ST GEORGE AND
DOG ISLANDS...ALLIGATOR POINT...AND ALL LOW LYING AREAS SUBJECT TO
COASTAL FLOODING IN FRANKLIN COUNTY. OTHER AREAS MAY BE GIVEN
EVACUATION ORDERS. BE PREPARED TO EVACUATE IF ORDERED BY LOCAL
EMERGENCY OFFICIALS.

...STORM SURGE FLOOD AND STORM TIDE IMPACTS...
HIGH SURF WILL CONTINUE THROUGH MONDAY AS LARGE SWELLS EMANATE FROM
HURRICANE KATRINA. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IN WALTON COUNTY RECENTLY
REPORTED WAVES IN THE SURF ZONE OF AROUND 10 FEET. THIS HAS CAUSED
MUCH OF THE REPLACEMENT SAND FOR HURRICANE DENNIS TO BE WASHED
AWAY...ALLOWING SOME WATER TO WASH UNDERNEATH SOME OF THE HOUSES.
HIGH SURF AT GULF COUNTY HAS WASHED ROCKS OVER SOME OF THE ROADS AT
CAPE SAN BLAS. REPORTS FROM THE NORTHEAST GULF BUOYS CONTINUE TO
SHOW HIGH SWELLS...WITH 13 FEET SWELLS FROM THE SOUTHWEST BEING
REPORTED AT THE BUOY 90 MILES SOUTH OF PANAMA CITY. THIS LARGE SWELL
WILL LIKELY RESULT IN HIGHER SURF ALONG THE COAST. THIS WAVE
ACTION...COUPLED WITH STRONG ONSHORE FLOW MAY PRODUCE TIDES OF 6 TO
8 FEET ABOVE NORMAL...ESPECIALLY AT HIGH TIDE. THESE ABOVE NORMAL
TIDES AND HIGH SURF WILL CONTINUE TO CAUSE BEACH EROSION AND COASTAL
FLOODING THROUGH MONDAY...ESPECIALLY AT THE TIME OF HIGH TIDE. THE
BEACHES OF WALTON COUNTY ARE CLOSED. THE FOLLOWING ARE TIMES OF HIGH
TIDE FOR SELECTED LOCATIONS...

APALACHICOLA...1037 AM MONDAY MORNING

SAINT ANDREWS BAY AT PANAMA CITY...618 AM CDT MONDAY.

EAST PASS AT DESTIN...648 AM CDT MONDAY.

...WIND IMPACTS...
AT 10 PM CDT WINDS ALONG THE PANHANDLE COAST WERE GENERALLY OUT OF
THE EAST NEAR 15 MPH...WITH GUSTS OF 25 TO 30 MPH IN SOME SOME OF
THE HEAVIER SHOWERS AT THE COAST. THE WIND AT THE PANAMA CITY GULF
BUOY WAS SOUTHEAST AT 33 GUSTING TO 43 KNOTS. IT IS BECOMING MORE AND
MORE LIKELY THAT KATRINA WILL MAKE LANDFALL OVER SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA
MONDAY MORNING. ON THIS TRACK MOST OF THE TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS
WILL MISS THE EASTERN PANHANDLE...BUT SOME SUSTAINED TROPICAL STORM
FORCE WINDS WILL STILL BE POSSIBLE OVER THE PANHANDLE COASTAL WATERS
AND NEAR THE IMMEDIATE COAST. SUSTAINED WINDS OF 30 TO 40 MPH WILL
BE POSSIBLE ALONG THE COAST TONIGHT AND MONDAY...MAINLY IN SOME OF
THE HEAVIER RAIN BANDS. SUCH WINDS TYPICALLY CAUSE SEVERAL DOWNED
TREE BRANCHES...A FEW DOWNED POWER LINES AND POWER OUTAGES...TIPPED
OVER GARBAGE CANS AND PATIO FURNITURE...AND A FEW UPROOTED TREES.

...RAINFALL AND FLOOD POTENTIAL...
STORM TOTAL RAINFALL FROM TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY IS EXPECTED TO
RANGE FROM 2 TO 4 INCHES...WITH THE HIGHER AMOUNTS OCCURRING FARTHER
WEST. SOME LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS WILL BE POSSIBLE WHICH COULD CAUSE
FLOODING IN LOW LYING AND POOR DRAINAGE AREAS.

...TORNADO THREAT...
ISOLATED TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE TONIGHT AND MONDAY...BUT THE
GREATER THREAT WILL BE ACROSS THE WESTERN PANHANDLE.

...RIP CURRENTS...
THERE IS A HIGH RISK OF DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS TONIGHT THROUGH
MONDAY. EVERYONE...INCLUDING EXPERIENCED SWIMMERS...SHOULD STAY OUT
OF THE SURF.

THE NEXT HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENT WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE IN TALLAHASSEE BY AROUND 230 AM CDT.

[Excalibur]

WGTX AM 1280

www.wgtx.com (http://www.wgtx.com)
URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
111 AM EDT MON AUG 29 2005

...A FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM CDT TODAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TALLAHASSEE HAS ISSUED A FLOOD WATCH
EFFECTIVE UNTIL 3 PM CDT TODAY FOR THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES.

IN SOUTHEAST ALABAMA...
COFFEE...DALE...GENEVA...HENRY AND HOUSTON.

IN NORTH FLORIDA...
BAY...CALHOUN...GULF...HOLMES...JACKSON...WALTON AND WASHINGTON.

HURRICANE KATRINA IS EXPECTED TO MAKE LANDFALL ALONG THE NORTH
CENTRAL GULF COAST THIS MORNING. ALTHOUGH THE MAIN CORE OF WIND AND
RAIN WILL LIKELY REMAIN WEST OF SOUTHEAST ALABAMA AND EASTERN
PORTIONS OF THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE...PORTIONS OF THIS AREA MAY STILL
GET PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN AS SOME OF THE OUTER RAIN BANDS FROM
KATRINA DEVELOP. STORM TOTAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS FROM TODAY THROUGH
TUESDAY WILL GENERALLY RANGE FROM 2 TO 4 INCHES...WITH LOCALLY
HIGHER AMOUNTS. THIS IS NOT EXPECTED TO PRODUCE WIDESPREAD
FLOODING...BUT LOCALIZED FLOODING IS POSSIBLE WHEN HEAVY RAIN BANDS
SET UP OVER A PARTICULAR AREA IN A FAIRLY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME.

A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT FLOODING OF SMALL STREAMS...CREEKS...AND
OTHER DRAINAGE AREAS IS POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA. PEOPLE IN THE
WATCH AREA SHOULD MONITOR THE WEATHER AND BE PREPARED FOR IMMEDIATE
ACTION SHOULD HEAVY RAINS AND FLOODING OCCUR OR A FLOOD WARNING BE
ISSUED. DO NOT CROSS FLOODED ROADS.

$$

[Beach Runner]

Are y'all okay down in SoWal? No one has posted since 3:11 AM.

[Smiling JOe]

Are y'all okay down in SoWal? No one has posted since 3:11 AM.

At 6:15am, the wind is howling a bit in streaks. No rain at the moment. Last night, I woke up to wind and driving rain three times. It lasted maybe 1 minute or less in each streak. Brewing some coffee, and preparing to cook some breakfast, before recon. The Sun will be cracking very shortly.:D

[jdarg]

Are y'all okay down in SoWal? No one has posted since 3:11 AM.


Maybe we should call "roll" for the next few days so we can know that everyone is OK! Y'all post something when you wake up ! Lots of us are mothers and we can't help being worriers!

[Smiling JOe]

Maybe we should call "roll" for the next few days so we can know that everyone is OK! Y'all post something when you wake up ! Lots of us are mothers and we can't help being worriers!

Currently, there is not even yard debris like limbs. I think the only damage we will see is heavy erosion and Gulf Front property damage. For all you worriers, be cool and relax. High tide is coming soon as is the wind from the south. So the worst may still be ahead, but again, I think damage will be done mostly from beach erosion. Pray once again for the neighbors to the west.

[Excalibur]

TAEHLSTAE
WTUS82 KTAE 291147
HLSTAE

GMZ750-FLZ008-012-014-291530-

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
742 AM EDT MON AUG 29 2005

...LARGE AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS HURRICANE KATRINA MAKING LANDFALL
OVER SOUTHEAST LOUISIANAN...
...A TROPICAL STORM WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE PANHANDLE COAST FROM
DESTIN EASTWARD TO INDIAN PASS FLORIDA...

...AREAS AFFECTED...
THIS STATEMENT RECOMMENDS ACTION TO BE TAKEN FOR RESIDENTS IN THE
FOLLOWING COUNTIES IN THE EASTERN FLORIDA PANHANDLE...COASTAL
WALTON...BAY...AND GULF COUNTIES.

...WATCH AND WARNING INFORMATION...
...WATCH AND WARNING INFORMATION...
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM EAST OF DESTIN TO
INDIAN PASS IN GULF COUNTY FLORIDA. A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR
THE EASTERN FLORIDA PANHANDLE.

...STORM INFORMATION...
AT 6 AM CDT THE CENTER OF HURRICANE KATRINA WAS LOCATED NEAR
LATITUDE 29.1 NORTH...LONGITUDE 89.6 WEST...OR ABOUT 70 MILES SOUTH
SOUTHEAST OF NEW ORLEANS. THIS IS ALSO ABOUT 200 MILES WEST SOUTHWEST
OF DESTIN FLORIDA. KATRINA WAS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH NEAR 15 MPH...
AND THIS MOTION IS FORECAST TO CONTINUE TODAY. HIGHEST SUSTAINED
WINDS WERE NEAR 145 MPH...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. KATRINA IS A STRONG
CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR SIMPSON SCALE. SOME
FLUCTUATIONS IN STRENGTH ARE LIKELY PRIOR TO LANDFALL. KATRINA
REMAINS A VERY LARGE HURRICANE WITH TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS
EXTENDING OUTWARD UP TO 230 MILES.

...PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
RESIDENTS IN THE WARNED AREA SHOULD NOW BE PREPARED FOR TROPICAL
STORM CONDITIONS...HAVING SECURED LOOSE ITEMS SUCH AS GARBAGE CANS
AND PATIO FURNITURE...AND TAKEN APPROPRIATE STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST
COASTAL FLOODING. LOW LYING AREAS WILL BE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO
COASTAL FLOODING...ESPECIALLY IN AREAS WHERE THE PROTECTIVE DUNES
HAVE BEEN WASHED AWAY BY PREVIOUS STORMS. MANDATORY EVACUATIONS HAVE
BEEN ORDERED FOR CAPE SAN BLAS IN GULF COUNTY...AND ST GEORGE AND
DOG ISLANDS...ALLIGATOR POINT...AND ALL LOW LYING AREAS SUBJECT TO
COASTAL FLOODING IN FRANKLIN COUNTY.

...STORM SURGE FLOOD AND STORM TIDE IMPACTS...
HIGH SURF WILL CONTINUE TODAY AS LARGE SWELLS EMANATE FROM THE LARGE
AND POWERFUL KATRINA. WITHIN THE LAST FEW HOURS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
IN WALTON COUNTY REPORTED WAVES IN THE SURF ZONE OF AROUND 10 FEET
AND WINDS AT THE HIGHWAY 331 BRIDGE AT 21 MPH...AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
FROM BAY COUNTY ESTIMATED THE SURF AT 8 TO 10 FEET AND THE TIDE AT 2
1/2 FEET ABOVE NORMAL. THIS HAS CAUSED MUCH OF THE REPLACEMENT SAND
FOR HURRICANE DENNIS TO BE WASHED AWAY...ALLOWING SOME WATER TO WASH
UNDERNEATH SOME OF THE HOUSES IN WALTON COUNTY. HIGH SURF AT GULF
COUNTY HAS WASHED ROCKS OVER SOME OF THE ROADS AT CAPE SAN BLAS.
REPORTS FROM THE NORTHEAST GULF BUOYS CONTINUE TO SHOW HIGH
SWELLS...WITH 17 FEET SWELLS FROM THE SOUTH BEING REPORTED AT THE
BUOY 90 MILES SOUTH OF PANAMA CITY. THIS LARGE SWELL WILL LIKELY
RESULT IN HIGHER SURF ALONG THE COAST. THIS WAVE ACTION...COUPLED
WITH STRONG ONSHORE FLOW MAY PRODUCE TIDES OF 6 TO 8 FEET ABOVE
NORMAL...ESPECIALLY AT HIGH TIDE THIS MORNING. THESE ABOVE NORMAL
TIDES AND HIGH SURF WILL CONTINUE TO CAUSE BEACH EROSION AND COASTAL
FLOODING TODAY...ESPECIALLY AT THE TIME OF HIGH TIDE. THE BEACHES OF
WALTON COUNTY ARE CLOSED. THE FOLLOWING ARE TIMES OF HIGH TIDE FOR
SELECTED LOCATIONS...

...WIND IMPACTS...
AT 6 AM CDT WINDS ALONG THE PANHANDLE COAST WERE GENERALLY OUT OF
THE SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 MPH...WITH GUSTS OF 25 TO 35 MPH. THE WIND
AT APALACHICOLA WERE 24 KTS GUSTING TO 31 KTS...AT PANAMA CITY 15
KTS GUSTING TO 23 KTS. THE PANAMA CITY BUOY WAS SOUTHEAST AT 33
GUSTING TO 45 KNOTS. EVEN THOUGH KATRINA WAS MAKING LANDFALL OVER
SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA AT THIS TIME...SUSTAINED WINDS OF 30 TO 40
MPH...WITH HIGHER GUSTS...WILL STILL BE POSSIBLE OVER EASTERN
PORTIONS OF THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE TODAY...MAINLY IN SOME OF THE
HEAVIER RAIN BANDS NEAR THE COAST. SUCH WINDS TYPICALLY CAUSE
SEVERAL DOWNED TREE BRANCHES...A FEW DOWNED POWER LINES AND POWER
OUTAGES...TIPPED OVER GARBAGE CANS AND PATIO FURNITURE...AND A FEW
UPROOTED TREES. THESE WINDS WILL PROBABLY PEAK BY LATE MORNING...
THEN SUBSIDE BY LATE AFTERNOON AS KATRINA ACCELERATES INLAND AND
WEAKENS.

...RAINFALL AND FLOOD POTENTIAL...
STORM TOTAL RAINFALL FROM TODAY THROUGH TUESDAY IS EXPECTED TO
RANGE FROM 2 TO 4 INCHES...WITH THE HIGHER AMOUNTS OCCURRING FARTHER
WEST. WHILE WIDESPREAD FLOODING IS NOT EXPECTED...LOCALIZED FLOODING
IS POSSIBLE IF HEAVY RAIN BANDS SET UP OVER A PARTICULAR LOCATION.

...TORNADO THREAT...
SO FAR NO TORNADOES HAVE BEEN OBSERVED ACROSS THE EASTERN
PANHANDLE. HOWEVER...ISOLATED TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE TODAY...
ESPECIALLY LATER THIS MORNING IF THERE ARE BREAKS IN THE CLOUDS AND
HEATING OCCURS.

...RIP CURRENTS...
ALONG WITH THE HIGH SURF THERE IS A HIGH RISK OF DANGEROUS RIP
CURRENTS TODAY. EVERYONE...INCLUDING EXPERIENCED SWIMMERS...SHOULD
STAY OUT OF THE SURF.

THE NEXT HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENT WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE IN TALLAHASSEE BY 1030 AM CDT

[Smiling JOe]

We still have some streaks of stronger wind at 7:25am. At this time, no rain is falling, but I expect that to change soon. The lower winds appear to be coming out of the south.

EDIT Correction, make that: the winds are coming out of the SouthEast.

[JB]

Overall, how would you guys compare the surge to Dennis? The center of this storm is more than 250 miles from Grayton. I just can't believe it is this bad.

When are we ever going to catch a break? The areas that were scraped are going to look horrible.

:pissed: :bang:

[Beach Runner]

At 6:15am, the wind is howling a bit in streaks. No rain at the moment. Last night, I woke up to wind and driving rain three times. It lasted maybe 1 minute or less in each streak. Brewing some coffee, and preparing to cook some breakfast, before recon. The Sun will be cracking very shortly.:D
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.

[Landlocked]

http://www.intellicast.com/WeatherImg/RadarLoop/csg_None_anim.gif

[Malissa06]

At 6:15am, the wind is howling a bit in streaks. No rain at the moment. Last night, I woke up to wind and driving rain three times. It lasted maybe 1 minute or less in each streak. Brewing some coffee, and preparing to cook some breakfast, before recon. The Sun will be cracking very shortly.:D

Smiling Joe....
When you do some recon can you please check on Emerald Hill Condo's. It is across from Bruno's Pizza. We took a beating after Dennis and I want to know if it is still standing and not in the ocean!!
Thanks as always for all you do,
Melissa

[rbryan]

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...

[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

[Malissa06]

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 (http://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:D

[Landlocked]

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 I think), to get live info on Katrina affecting the local area, even though they are based in Panama City.

just my .02:D

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

[Rita]

:clap_1: Well put pk305!

Thanks to all in SoWal and all those who care so much. Keep the updates coming.

And WU - Our check to Red Cross is going in the mail!

[Smiling JOe]

http://sowal.com/bb/gallery/files/2/1/6/P8280032.JPG


Donna (TX), your neighbor told me that they are not going to charge you for all that sand which they deposited on your porch and the beach below your porch.
So far, you faired well. We are not through it yet. This storm is large enough that the water may not supside until tomorrow. We could be in danger at the next high tide if the water stays up, and more rain falls. Hope for the best.

[Rita]

http://sowal.com/bb/gallery/files/2/1/6/P8280032.JPG


Donna (TX), your neighbor told me that they are not going to charge you for all that sand which they deposited on your porch and the beach below your porch.
So far, you faired well. We are not through it yet. This storm is large enough that the water may not supside until tomorrow. We could be in danger at the next high tide if the water stays up, and more rain falls. Hope for the best.
:?: The sands not white.

[chrisv]

From the Walton County website:

Wind speed at the Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge was 39 mph sustained at the 9:30 am reading on Monday, August 29. Closure of the bridge at 40 mph sustained winds is eminent, and those who must get to the north side of the Bay must cross as soon as possible.

[Smiling JOe]

:?: The sands not white.

You are correct. They never got around to capping it off with the required 3ft of white 8.1 sand. Go figure. I guess it doesn't matter anyway, because the beach will be a mix now anyway, due to the relaxing of the rules, and the lack of monitoring the work being done.

[chrisv]

From the Walton County website:

Wind speed at the Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge was 39 mph sustained at the 9:30 am reading on Monday, August 29. Closure of the bridge at 40 mph sustained winds is eminent, and those who must get to the north side of the Bay must cross as soon as possible.

Just heard on the SO channel:

The 331 bridge is now closed.

[Smiling JOe]

Just heard on the SO channel:

The 331 bridge is now closed.

Would not suprise me as the winds have picked up and the power is flickering on and off.

[ladybug8876]

Good Morning everyone catching up on all the Katrina news. I'm sitting here watching FOX news and those weather men are crazy down there in MS. I know the wind isn't as furious in Sowal as it is there, but Smiling Joe and the rest of you getting out to survey and take pictures be careful and my prayers are with you and everyone on The Gulf Coast.

[chrisv]

Just heard a deputy report gusts of 70+ mph on top of the bridge now. Raining sideways here on the bayou, very gusty with steady sustained winds. Water is close to covering my dock, I expect it to come up quite a bit more as high tide reaches our end of the bay.

[SlowMovin]

Hey Chris,
We're just a little north of you, on the same bayou. So far water hasn't reached the Dennis peak, but it's still early. I was just about to head down to 30-A to start surveying damage, until saw your post about the bridge being closed. By the way--what is the "SO channel"? Guess I'll be hunkered down for awhile.

If you're where I think you are, I recall some of the houses in that area had water in them after Ivan. If you need to move north a little we have an extra room and lots of beers.

Must love dogs--cause they'll be lovin' you whether you do or not. :biggrin:

[Beach Runner]

Thanks.

We're back in GA. As you can see, only a few little piles of scraped sand left. A week ago there were huge mounds everywhere. Also, more of the street-level property has slid down to the beach.

:(
BTW I meant property as in land, not houses.

Check out the difference between 2002 and early August at http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?p=16034#post16034 and yesterday at http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?p=19297#post19297.

[Smiling JOe]

The fearless Kurt is out there right now. He just reported to me that his internet is down, so it may be a while before he is able to post.

[chrisv]

Hey Chris,
We're just a little north of you, on the same bayou. So far water hasn't reached the Dennis peak, but it's still early. I was just about to head down to 30-A to start surveying damage, until saw your post about the bridge being closed. By the way--what is the "SO channel"? Guess I'll be hunkered down for awhile.

If you're where I think you are, I recall some of the houses in that area had water in them after Ivan. If you need to move north a little we have an extra room and lots of beers.

Must love dogs--cause they'll be lovin' you whether you do or not. :biggrin:

SO channel is 460.200mhz, the radio system for the Sheriff's Office.

Luckily, I'm on higher ground than those folks on the bay end of Bay Grove. Ivan pushed the bayou about halfway into our backyard, Dennis less so. I'm expecting Dennis-like levels with this storm.

Beers, huh? Ummm, water looks like it's rising higher...

[Landlocked]

This pic was taken at the "T" in Gulf Shores

http://www.foxnews.com/photo_essay/photoessay_565_images/082905_katrina15.jpg

[SlowMovin]

Beers, huh? Ummm, water looks like it's rising higher...
Better safe than sorry. :biggrin:

For those interested I just heard from renters staying at Adagio that they have seen no damage, the pool has not collapsed further and the beach access is--so far--still standing. A property owner at Seagrove Dunes is reporting the same thing with regard to their brand new stairway to the beach. Still early, though.

[Smiling JOe]

General report:

From my observation, those of you who are not on the Gulf-front, are looking good. I have only checked on a few homes in particular for those of you who asked. The rain and wind is a bit too much to do any good with a camera. When time permits, I will check on your homes. Knowing that the wind was/is nominal, I think most everyone will have very little trouble. Beach Front owners will have some foam, spray, and sand to clean off, but we probably won't know the damage until maybe tomorrow. I plan to check on the beaches first, but rest easily, most of you. We don't even have limbs to clean up, unless they are on the beach. Water levels on some lakes are about the same level as they were when Dennis came through. Much of that is still yet to be determined, depending on possible rain coming soon. Other lakes, like Western Lake are not as high.

:D

[Miss Kitty]

Thanks SJ...did you just hear hundreds of relieved sighs??? Ahhhhh! I for one am glad that d*mn Kat has come and is going. Enough of Kat...put back the welcome mat!!! Did I teach 1st grade or what???

[rbryan]

Looking from the 8th floor of Beachcrest:
Surf has remained at about the same level all day; I compared photos from yesterday and today and there is not (so far) further dune loss (from Dennis levels).

Look out at houses and condos in this area and across 30-a, there doesn't appear to be much strucutral damage.

[Mermaid]

Thanks for the reports. I just called the on-site manager at Hidden Beach Villas (across from the Palms of Seagrove and near Emerald Hill condos) and he said everything looked fine.

So far go good; let's hope it stays that way.

[hutch]

Chris;

The water level at Mack Bayou on the bay is over some of the older docks.
About the same as Dennis. Have not seen any water flooding into yards here.
I think as the day goes on we will see a decrease in the level. Hope Nick's does not get flooded again. Keep dry.

the hutch

[Malissa06]

Chris;

The water level at Mack Bayou on the bay is over some of the older docks.
About the same as Dennis. Have not seen any water flooding into yards here.
I think as the day goes on we will see a decrease in the level. Hope Nick's does not get flooded again. Keep dry.

the hutch

I spoke with Carey Nick last night and they were heading over to pick the freezer's up off the ground so they would be ok. They are hoping for the best. Will keep you posted on the Nick's front!
Melissa

[RB]

a friend of mine left new orleans on saturday and is staying an my gulf front condo at High Pointe. He called me about 11AM and said the stairs are fine for now and huge waves are breaking a few hundred yards out. As long as it does not get worse he feels most beach accesses should withstand this surge.

[wintersbk]

Better safe than sorry. :biggrin:

For those interested I just heard from renters staying at Adagio that they have seen no damage, the pool has not collapsed further and the beach access is--so far--still standing. A property owner at Seagrove Dunes is reporting the same thing with regard to their brand new stairway to the beach. Still early, though.

Thanks SlowMovin!!

Keep me posted. We're supposed to be there (Seagrove Dunes) in 10 days.

[ksherman]

My family is suppose to head to Seagrove on Wednesday morning. (Actually our friends are heading down from Boston on a flight late tomorrow evening, Tuesday.) We're staying at a house on Majestica Circle in Seagrove. Any thoughts on whether we should plan to head down tomorrow? Or is it going to be impossible? Any thoughts on traffic getting down to that area from Atlanta?

[seagrover]

DH just came back in and said the small bridge around Oyster Lake is out and 30-A is closed from Gulf Place going toward 98. I wonder if the house on stilts is still standing.

Has anyone else been down that way?

[lamom]

We were due to go to Gulf Shores in a couple of weeks- looks as if that won't be happening now. So I was perusing the condos in your area- but now after reading this forum am wondering if you also have too much damage for us to vacation there. Any thoughts? How far down the Fl coast do we have to go?

[SlowMovin]

lamom,
My guess on this is that there will be little damage to the condos and houses (with the exception of some beachfront ones which had already been damaged last month). The real question for you, then, will be what shape the beaches and the beach walkways are in. There will always be a few places from which you can get to the beach (most notably Grayton, Blue Mountain Beach and Lakeview) so, as long as the beaches are still usable--which I am cautiously optimistic they will be--a vacation here should be okay.

I would suggest giving the rental agencies here 24-48 more hours to check things out, then start calling them. The one which manages our properties is 1-2-1 Vacation Rentals and they can be reached toll free at 866-886-9463. There are many other companies also (Kurt has a list of some of them on this site), plus a lot of the posters here have places which they manage individually. I'm sure someone can help you with something you'll like.

Just my $0.02.

[lamom]

and to anyone else that can help. After being evacuated due to Ivan last year- this just seems so hard to believe that it has happened again!

[Landlocked]

I guess the SoWal boys have lost power. :bang:

[OhioBeachBum]

I guess the SoWal boys have lost power. :bang:
Sure looks that way... :(

[Landlocked]

Sure looks that way... :(

JB's webcam link is still working.

LinkiePoo (http://www.remaxsouthern.com/cam.htm)

[Beach Runner]

Does anyone know if Seagrove has lost power since yesterday afternoon, and if so, for how long? I'm trying to decide if I need to throw anything in the refrigerator away when I come down this week. Of course, like a moron, when I unplugged the TVs yesterday, I also unplugged the answering machine. I usually know that if it answers, we have power.

[Landlocked]

Does anyone know if Seagrove has lost power since yesterday afternoon, and if so, for how long? I'm trying to decide if I need to throw anything in the refrigerator away when I come down this week. Of course, like a moron, when I unplugged the TVs yesterday, I also unplugged the answering machine. I usually know that if it answers, we have power.

:lolabove:

Now that is funny.

[Travel2Much]

Does anyone know if Seagrove has lost power since yesterday afternoon, and if so, for how long? I'm trying to decide if I need to throw anything in the refrigerator away when I come down this week. Of course, like a moron, when I unplugged the TVs yesterday, I also unplugged the answering machine. I usually know that if it answers, we have power.

At least on 30A East, power is fine and has been. Drove down to the Tom Thumb in Seagrove hours ago and that was ok. Modica's & Shades at Seaside were open too, with power on. Too freaked out right now to go do anything daring beyond that.

But, it is blustery out so it might vary.

[pgurney]

I just walked out to the walkover in Camp Creek Subdivision. Walkover is still there. A little of the scraped sand that was pushed against the dunes is still there. A large amount of the sand that was brought in to shore up the dunes in front of two different homes here is also still there. Water is still too high to see what the beaches looked like. I think we're doing okay...at least on the east end of 30A.

[pgurney]

Does anyone know if Seagrove has lost power since yesterday afternoon, and if so, for how long? I'm trying to decide if I need to throw anything in the refrigerator away when I come down this week. Of course, like a moron, when I unplugged the TVs yesterday, I also unplugged the answering machine. I usually know that if it answers, we have power.

Haven't lost power in Camp Creek Subdivision at all.