Tropical Storm Ernesto

[Fargo06]

Is everyone prepared for Ernesto? I know at work, here in Charleston,SC, we are getting prepared for the storm by trading emails just in case. Our office is planning on closing on Thursday since we are all on computers throughout the day. Anyone else preparing for the storm? I'm also staying home to be with Fargo through the storm. It should hit us sometime Thursday afternoon. This will be Fargo's first tropical storm/hurricane . Hopefully he will handle it well for a pup. Good luck to all that are in the path!

[Checkers]

Not to downplay any concerns.... but I wouldn't worry about lil Ernesto too much. Chances are pretty good by the time he gets back off of the FL coastline and into the water he won't have time to build back up much strength. It will probably feel much like just a bad storm. In my experience, hurricanes are a great time to catch up on sleep!

Now... before you look at my location and think "What experience? You live in Utah?!" let me explain that I grew up and lived right on the Gulf Coast (less than three miles from the Gulf and only three blocks from the bay formed by the barrier island) in northwest FL from 1 year old until 23 years old and most of my family is still in that area. I have been through at least 4 "major" hurricanes... including Opal in 95' (or thereabouts.. may be off a year) and never evacuated for any of them. We tried to with Opal but after going less than two blocks in 4 hours because of traffic jams we decided we would be safer at home than on the road! Anyhow.. even being at home during Opal wasn't too bad and that was a level 3, almost 4 hurricane. After that we don't even bother trying to leave unless a storm is a 4 or 5. So... be prepared... have plenty of bottled water, extra dog food, non-perishable food items, a good grill with fuel, flashlights and candles... and some good books and boardgames and settle in for a fun family night!

In my experience my dogs seemed no more concerned about the storm than they would any other... sometimes less as there is typically less lightning and thunder.

[Fargo06]

I agree, it will be a good time for extra sleep or movies! I guess I'm still getting used to the hurricanes/tropical storms. I've only lived here in Charleston for a little over 5 years so it sounds like you have more experience. haha Before here, I lived in northern Indiana, where all we watched for, was lake effect snow. We haven't had too bad of storms since I got here. I think the worst winds were about 70 mph. So we'll see! Hopefully it won't be bad at all. I guess it's just a waiting game!

[Chip's Mom]

Lake effect snow can be pretty scary if you are out in it. We are originally from around Lake Ontario in NY so we had our share also. As long as we were all at home when the storm hit, we had a real good time.

[tandemgal]

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[Fargo06]

Yeah we won't be burning any charcoal inside T-Gal. That wouldn't be good! I just have to run and get a few things this evening after work, for example a few extra candles! I'm pretty sure the power will be going out, but hopefully for just a short time! It sounds like as it is hitting Florida, it's weakening but then they say it's going to go out over the water and gain strength then hit Charleston straight on.. go figure!! And I live about 5 miles inland from the ocean(if that), so I don't like hearing that! haha Hopefully it won't be too bad and I'll just get a free day off from work and school tomorrow!

[milles2]

Ahh... Bonnie, you will get a kick out of this....

My best friend married a guy from Arkansas. He was soending his first Christmas in central NY state. They came by my house to pick me up to go to a movie and he walks in and suggest we don't go becaue "it is really storming out there". I looked out the window, a few flakes were drifting in the air, possibly blown off tress or something. To this day we give him a hard time when "it is really storming out there"!

Good luck to all in the path of Ernie! Hope it turns out to be a mild one!

[CeCe]

Well Ernesto sure hasn't done much so far here in Central Florida! In fact it's rained a little and that's about it. It is eerily quiet, but it doesn't seem like it should be. We went through the 2004 season with Charlie, Frances and Jeanne, so Ernesto is but a breeze. I will say for future reference though, my guys were traumatized by those hurricanes (although they enjoyed the back yard "pond" - when they could get through all the trees on the ground! They still get very nervous when it rains heavily and especially when the wind gets loud. Anyway, I think you should enjoy the day off (you know just in case!) And take care of Fargo!

[Chip's Mom]

Susan:

I did indeed chuckle - People that have had little or no contact with snow - just can't imagine. We took our son in law to Lowville, NY in January - and it was hilarious watching him. 3 foot of snow was laying on the ground and more coming all the time. LOL

[Fluffypants]

Batten Down the Hatches Fargo!

Good excuse to stay in & snuggle. I used to live in Myrtle Beach (or "The Beach" as it's known in South Carolina) . . . so I know the drill. Better safe than sorry!

PS - I LOOOOVE Charleston! How do you like living there?

[Fargo06]

Still not much news of what is going to happen tomorrow. I'm pretty sure that schools are going to be closed tomorrow. They only had a half day today so that familys could get prepared which is nice. I'm sure the kids loved it because it's a beautiful day outside for now! I'm sure it won't be so beautiful tomorrow..haha. I've also learned that the storm is going to hit when we have high tide so I'm almost positive there will be LOTS of flooding! But anyways..I'm planning on staying home to cuddle with Fargo and keep him comfortable. Better to be safe than sorry!

Jessica- I absolutely LOVE living here! I must say that I don't miss the lake effect snow too much and when I do, I can always go visit for a few days. haha. But the ocean is great, the shopping and restaurants are great, and the weather is great! What more can I ask for!? haha.

[tandemgal]

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