Fleeing Irma?

[Joe-FL]

Even though we only have some early computer models to go by, it certainly looks like Irma could be a major hurricane that will impact the southern half of Florida.

Our home will probably do fairly good. It was built in 2005 and wind mitigated, plus we have all the hurricane shutters, etc. But the issue is letting the Challenger sit in a open storage facility. Just don't feel comfortable letting the hurricane trash it so we will pack up and head out of Florida.

I know there are others on this forum from SW Florida and other parts of this state. What say ye? Staying or heading out?

[Carol]

We're located on the St. Johns River (kind of SW of St. Augustine). Right now I don't know which way to jump. We've been preparing the house and grounds as best we can. Depending on predictions in the next day or two, we may jump in the RV and head out. Last time we evacuated with hurricane coming up the Atlantic side, we camped for a few days near Thomasville, GA. Just don't know what Irma will do.

[bevedfelker]

We are located in Tampa (West Chase). Our apartment complex is 6 miles from the Gulf shore in Clearwater. We have our Vegas in storage in a yard about 2 miles from the shore of Tampa Bay. We are planning on sticking it out -- stocked up on water, batteries, and 1 lb. propane bottles for our portable grill. We are watching the projections closely of the possible route of Irma.

[dcbenny]

Live on the beach in New Smyrna Beach MH sits in driveway will have better idea Wednesday on where and when to go 9

[Jegdrum5050]

We are waiting to see where the storm is going, may head north or west. I will be glad when November gets here to ease the storm pressure.

[Joe-FL]

Good luck to all my fellow RVers in Florida no matter if you decide to hunker down or flee the storm. Sounds like they just upgraded Irma to a cat-5. We will go ahead and take a small vacation and hope for the best.

[16ACE27]

Yikes! CAT 5 with maximum sustained winds > 175 MPH! The Leeward islands will be hit hard. Good thing most are on the south side.

We are in north-central Florida just above Gainesville and far enough inland we will ride it out. Our only concern is localized flooding; in 2004 we lost a travel trailer and brand new Nissan Frontier truck due to flooding in our yard (none in the house). We learned where not to leave vehicles parked.

[lazinskm]

I live in Clearwater area and was thinking of taking the rig inland- any good ideas? Has anyone ever stayed at the Clerbrook Encore resort? Clermont is great for inland and elevation, but it really matters more on the setup of the resort.....

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by lazinskm

I live in Clearwater area and was thinking of taking the rig inland- any good ideas? Has anyone ever stayed at the Clerbrook Encore resort? Clermont is great for inland and elevation, but it really matters more on the setup of the resort.....

3 years ago we stayed at the Tampa East RV Resort which is a Sun Resort and also PPA. Should be far enough inland for you, it's almost to Plant City.

[RV Pirate]

We're near the FL/GA line. (not the band..lol) Been here 22 yrs., evacuated twice. Making plans and getting ready , will probably know more by Thursday.
The main thing I learned from Floyd in '99 is leave early if you decide to go.

Last year we evacuated for Mathew and left a day earlier than everyone else. Smooth sailing. I'd rather be at my destination a day early than being part of a 5 mph rolling parking lot for 12 hrs. like we were in '99..

If the SHTF, we'll probably head toward Tally for a couple days in the Challenger and then see what's up.. Sure hate thinking about leaving though..

[Oldchief]

As others have noted, too early to ell yet which way Irma will go. You could leave and run right in to its path. We're in Astor, FL, midway between Daytona and Ocala. Two major concerns here; lots of large oak trees that can be blown down and rising water in St. Johns River. Will likely stay put if it comes our way. Generators all tuned up, extra water, extra gas on hand for both genny's and gas grills. Hoping for the best for all of us!

[BradnKaren]

We live just outside Orlando. Our Challenger is currently on the west coast near Anna Maria Island. We're packing her up now and will head home in the morning. I have 3 adult kids with SOs, one with 2 kids, in the Orlando area. My husband would like to leave the state in the RV but I'm not leaving the kids behind and there's too many to take with us. lol Plus, we have elderly parents in FL. Going to ride it out at home and pray for the best. Best of luck to the Florida RVers, and to those north as the storm moves!

[nosticks]

After 35 years in Florida, Joe, get out of Dodge now. Look at it as a camping trip if the storm goes elsewhere. If not, look at it as a smart move. Nowhere in Florida is safe at this time from this monster. Go north and inland.

[dcbenny]

Originally Posted by dcbenny

Live on the beach in New Smyrna Beach MH sits in driveway will have better idea Wednesday on where and when to go 9

MH going to my buddy's warehouse booked hotel rooms in Orlando by Disney for 4 days

[Jegdrum5050]

Nice! Hotel for MH and for you!!

[gmc]

Originally Posted by lazinskm

I live in Clearwater area and was thinking of taking the rig inland- any good ideas? Has anyone ever stayed at the Clerbrook Encore resort? Clermont is great for inland and elevation, but it really matters more on the setup of the resort.....

Encore resorts policy (based on being at Southern Palms during Matthew) is if a hurricane warning is issued for the county - you must vacate...
Matthew remained a tropical storm for the inland areas - but no idea what Irma will do.

[Laco]

My thoughts and best wishes to all in Florida. Hoping along with all of you that it will stay offshore, go north and dissipate.

[Jegdrum5050]

We are leaving Thursday going to Birmingham for a few days. Be safe everyone.

[Bob Denman]

This witch will kill you if you get caught in front of her.. Get out of her way! Load your rigs and get to anyplace else!
It's not worth your life to stick around, and wait to see where she's going!

Our kindest thoughts and prayers go out to ALL of you...

[Travelin' Texans]

If we were in Florida today with Irma threatening, we'd be gone tomorrow (maybe tonight), you don't mess with mother nature. If you wait too long all the roads will be parking lots & that's absolutely NOT where I want to ride out a hurricane.