Hurricane Gustav & Hurricanes vs. Earthquakes

[cherrylula]

I am a native Californian in the midst of what looks like a hurricane warning here in Louisiana. I am a Hurricane Virgin.

Anyone else down here concerned?

I am experiencing this "5 day cone" in the news, yeah yeah yeah hurricanes unlike earthquakes give warning.

Warning = Anxiety

Sorry, but hurricanes lose on this one. I embrace earthquakes with open arms.

This is the last straw for me. I now realize there is a possibility we will have to do this every year. Hurricane season from June to October, it is unreal.

I moved everything I own 2,000 miles into a hurricane zone, and now I am supposed to take what I can fit in my car and just drive til I am safe.

Nobody will ride the storms out now because of all the Katrina damage. Not to mention I hear it sucks assholes to be in a hurricane.

I am from Los Angeles, this is shit they write into movies. However, reality has just struck me like a bolt of lightning.

Sweet California, I will be back soon.

[Fletch XXX]

Aye, I have lived through quite a few hurricanes. Sat in a house with 3-4 feet of water on Grand Isle Louisiana for almost 3 weeks(Hurricane Juan) when i was 11. sat through the massive Hurricane Andrew (category 5) - Remember Katrina didnt even really hit new orleans, the damage was from man made flood disaster. Since you havent, it obviously can cause some major anxiety.

Ive been through storms much worse than katrina, and I assure you - if we must evacuate we will do so and we will be safe.

however, I most certainly agree with you in regards to this type of shit really starts to put an end to our stay here.

I would rather be in cali and not even notice the ground shaking, vs being told to just take what you can fit in car and drive north until you find safe hotel.

Until Katrina my family had never evacuated. The tolerance down here for storms is amazing. My granmother went through betsy and Hurricane Camille - these were monster storms., katrina was a baby girl compared.

So if it reaches us as Category 2-3 we will leave.

To others: If i am hard to contact over te next few days, I apologize - we are filling up our vehicles with gas, packing a few days worth of stuff, buying lots of batters etc...

man i miss la too.

lets evacuate to Humboldt????

LOL

[tranza]

That's the thing I like most in Brazil...no hurricanes, no earthquakes!

[David!]

Hurricanes Vs. Earthquake = You can run BUT you can't hide...

[Forest]

Living in S. fla for the last 6 years I have been through several storms. Having lived in N. Cal as well i have seen several small quakes/tremors. I would much rather deal with a hurricane then an earthquake any day. Atleast with hurricanes you have several days notice of the coming disaster in order to head out of town. With earthquakes you have zero notice and when the big one comes it will make katrina look like a sun shower

[Sebring Studios]

Originally Posted by cherrylula

I am a native Californian in the midst of what looks like a hurricane warning here in Louisiana. I am a Hurricane Virgin.

Anyone else down here concerned?

I am experiencing this "5 day cone" in the news, yeah yeah yeah hurricanes unlike earthquakes give warning.

Warning = Anxiety

Sorry, but hurricanes lose on this one. I embrace earthquakes with open arms.

This is the last straw for me. I now realize there is a possibility we will have to do this every year. Hurricane season from June to October, it is unreal.

I moved everything I own 2,000 miles into a hurricane zone, and now I am supposed to take what I can fit in my car and just drive til I am safe.

Nobody will ride the storms out now because of all the Katrina damage. Not to mention I hear it sucks assholes to be in a hurricane.

I am from Los Angeles, this is shit they write into movies. However, reality has just struck me like a bolt of lightning.

Sweet California, I will be back soon.

I could have written every word of that as my own story. Give me a good old fashioned L.A. earthquake anyday. (90% of the time you don't even know what it is until it's over) The other 10%? Well...

I rode out Katrina, Dennis and Rita here. I didn't move 2000 miles to run away from my home every few weeks.

When I told my ex I was moving here (The Redneck Rivera) for the cheap real estate her only response was "There's a reason it's so cheap." She was right. Not to mention the humidity, the bugs, the snakes, the crocodiles, and most of all the Southern attitude, but that's another story.

Fuck it, six more weeks and I'm in Vegas permanently.

[Anthony]

I went through an 8.2 quake in San Francisco, I'll take a Hurricane anyday.

[ADL Colin]

MIAMI (AP) ? Nearly one-fourth of people in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina would refuse to evacuate for a storm if told to, a survey released Wednesday by Harvard University found.

Even after their experience with the hurricane that devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in 2005, 23% of people in Katrina-affected areas would not evacuate, the Harvard School of Public Health study found. Overall, 27% of coastal residents in eight states agreed.

[cherrylula]

Originally Posted by Sebring Studios

I could have written every word of that as my own story. Give me a good old fashioned L.A. earthquake anyday. (90% of the time you don't even know what it is until it's over) The other 10%? Well...

I rode out Katrina, Dennis and Rita here. I didn't move 2000 miles to run away from my home every few weeks.

When I told my ex I was moving here (The Redneck Rivera) for the cheap real estate her only response was "There's a reason it's so cheap." She was right. Not to mention the humidity, the bugs, the snakes, the crocodiles, and most of all the Southern attitude, but that's another story.

Fuck it, six more weeks and I'm in Vegas permanently.

Congratulations! Yeah that is the way us westies feel down here, exactly.

I have managed to put up with the bugs, I have embraced the humidity and told myself my skin is healthier, I have shrugged off the Southern attitude and figured everyone is different all over and it doesn't matter. And yet now these things matter very little right now in the wake of a very real storm threat.

Having to leave my house and all my shit for something like this, when several times in my life I have already packed everything I own and moved thousands of miles with all my belongings behind me, makes me think the word "evacuation" translates into "move."

If I am going to have to leave here and go to Texas, why return to this place if this is a recurring threat?!? Insane. Illogical. Makes zero sense.

I am a control freak, my personality does not lend itself to conformity, and with this there are too many unknowns. Way too many unknowns with tropical weather.

I can't bash people who stay, they are mostly natives, and I might do the same if I were them. But for me? naaahhh, y'all keep the storms, I will be one less person in the way.

[cherrylula]

Originally Posted by ADL Colin

MIAMI (AP) ? Nearly one-fourth of people in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina would refuse to evacuate for a storm if told to, a survey released Wednesday by Harvard University found.

Even after their experience with the hurricane that devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in 2005, 23% of people in Katrina-affected areas would not evacuate, the Harvard School of Public Health study found. Overall, 27% of coastal residents in eight states agreed.

Yep. And to cover his ass, the governor just got like 700 buses ready for those same people who would be fucked, just like last time.

[rhon23]

Earthquakes for me. The building shakes a bit then done.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by ADL Colin

MIAMI (AP) — Nearly one-fourth of people in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina would refuse to evacuate for a storm if told to, a survey released Wednesday by Harvard University found.

Even after their experience with the hurricane that devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in 2005, 23% of people in Katrina-affected areas would not evacuate, the Harvard School of Public Health study found. Overall, 27% of coastal residents in eight states agreed.

Yo been trying to get ahold of yo ass on your cellie. Call moi por favor.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by cherrylula

I moved everything I own 2,000 miles into a hurricane zone, and now I am supposed to take what I can fit in my car and just drive til I am safe.

I was married to a chick from TX. I was pretty amazed at how far away people would move from Galveston just to avoid the standard flooding they get from their rains. Like 50 miles. I am sure N.O. is even worse.

[Sebring Studios]

Originally Posted by cherrylula

Congratulations! Yeah that is the way us westies feel down here, exactly.

I have managed to put up with the bugs, I have embraced the humidity and told myself my skin is healthier,

Yeah, but a wet sauna at the gym twice a week works just as well

I have shrugged off the Southern attitude and figured everyone is different all over and it doesn't matter.

You're right but I can't shrug it off. I guess I was expecting Malibu with Southern accents but got the set of the Jerry Springer show instead [QUOTE]And yet now these things matter very little right now in the wake of a very real storm threat.

Having to leave my house and all my shit for something like this, when several times in my life I have already packed everything I own and moved thousands of miles with all my belongings behind me, makes me think the word "evacuation" translates into "move."

My definition too.

If I am going to have to leave here and go to Texas, why return to this place if this is a recurring threat?!? Insane. Illogical. Makes zero sense.

The quality of life (or lack thereof) down here is not worth the hassle.

I am a control freak, my personality does not lend itself to conformity, and with this there are too many unknowns. Way too many unknowns with tropical weather.

I just don't like it here, hurricaines are just one of the many negatives for me.

I can't bash people who stay, they are mostly natives, and I might do the same if I were them. But for me? naaahhh, y'all keep the storms, I will be one less person in the way.

Make that two less Cherrylula

[cherrylula]

Originally Posted by rhon23

Earthquakes for me. The building shakes a bit then done.

I knew you'd be on my side.

[cherrylula]

Originally Posted by baddog

I was married to a chick from TX. I was pretty amazed at how far away people would move from Galveston just to avoid the standard flooding they get from their rains. Like 50 miles. I am sure N.O. is even worse.

Well what I am experiencing right now is not what the locals around here used to do, pre-katrina.

They used to ride the storms out and it wasn't a big deal. But now after Katina/Rita, Fletch is seeing even his own his family react differently than he was used to. They are ready to get the fuck out of here. So things have changed. People are already booking hotel rooms in other states.

Yesterday we went to buy some groceries and the local store was already out of water, and the news had just hit about the hurricane. Un-fucking-real.

People were at the gas station filling up giant gas cans, and we filled up our tank because if you wait til last minute you are fucked. It is just absolutely crazy, and its making me look around and think to myself, "Why the hell are these people living down here if this is what they have to do everytime a hurricane looks like it might hit, even a week away??"

Feels like I am living in a Stephen King book right now.

[hotkarl]

I live in Miami and have NEVER evacuated during a hurricane. I figure, unless it ALREADY is a category 4 or 5, I'm not leaving. I live right on the water and I say, fuck it. If it's gonna come, and I'm gonna lose all my worldly possessions, I at least wanna be here to see it happen and witness the destruction firsthand. So... categories 1-3, and tropical storms... I THROW A HURRICANE PARTY. We all drink hurricanes and see what happens. And it seems that the uncertainty of a major disaster tends to lead to a lot of fucking.

[pornguy]

I was living in Miami when Andrew hit. They listed it as a Cat 5 when in all reality it would have been a Cat 6 if they numbers went that high. Due to the number of deaths of immigrants the Gubment decided to down play everything. They had sustained winds during that storm of 300 + mph.

The best thing about a hurricane is you have time to plan the party. Also if you are near the water, you can surf some great waves a day or so before it actually hits.

[Cory W]

Most people don't comprehend hurricanes. There are a variety of factors. While Katrina was a 3, its two or three all time for a reason.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by cherrylula

Well what I am experiencing right now is not what the locals around here used to do, pre-katrina.

They used to ride the storms out and it wasn't a big deal. But now after Katina/Rita, Fletch is seeing even his own his family react differently than he was used to. They are ready to get the fuck out of here. So things have changed. People are already booking hotel rooms in other states.

Yesterday we went to buy some groceries and the local store was already out of water, and the news had just hit about the hurricane. Un-fucking-real.

People were at the gas station filling up giant gas cans, and we filled up our tank because if you wait til last minute you are fucked. It is just absolutely crazy, and its making me look around and think to myself, "Why the hell are these people living down here if this is what they have to do everytime a hurricane looks like it might hit, even a week away??"

Feels like I am living in a Stephen King book right now.

So I guess Katrina was a learning experience.

[Cory W]

Originally Posted by pornguy

Also if you are near the water, you can surf some great waves a day or so before it actually hits.

On the south side, wind-free. Gorgeous.

[Cory W]

Natural disasters are relative to your circumstances. I wouldn't say one is worse than the other. If you are standing in a field during an earthquake, I would say your concern would be limited to slight vertigo. If you walk into an older modeled building in San Francisco for a cup of coffee and the gas line pops, well, you might feel differently.

Hurricanes are the same. Some of the devastation is accomplished at the levels of power, fuel and simply being away from your home. Wind is typically not as relevant to modern homes and buildings, while flooding is disastrous (hence, Katrina was a 3).

Living in the first world affords us the luxury of not likely being in a stone hut during an earthquake. It's all relative. All natural disasters carry with them the potential for devastation and economic disaster (something everyone tends to forget).

[ADL Colin]

Originally Posted by pornguy

I was living in Miami when Andrew hit. They listed it as a Cat 5 when in all reality it would have been a Cat 6 if they numbers went that high. Due to the number of deaths of immigrants the Gubment decided to down play everything. They had sustained winds during that storm of 300 + mph.

Andrew was originally considered a category 4 at landfall with sustained winds of 145 mph. A few years ago the Hurricane Center re-analyzed the structure of the storm and re-classified it as a category 5 with sustained winds at landfall of 165 mph.

The reason they were able to reclassify it is that in the past decade there was an extensive study of the internal structure of hurricanes and the factor used to reduce flight level winds to surface winds has changed.

[cherrylula]

Originally Posted by hotkarl

I live in Miami and have NEVER evacuated during a hurricane. I figure, unless it ALREADY is a category 4 or 5, I'm not leaving. I live right on the water and I say, fuck it. If it's gonna come, and I'm gonna lose all my worldly possessions, I at least wanna be here to see it happen and witness the destruction firsthand. So... categories 1-3, and tropical storms... I THROW A HURRICANE PARTY. We all drink hurricanes and see what happens. And it seems that the uncertainty of a major disaster tends to lead to a lot of fucking.

That is an awesome attitude.

I would almost prefer to do that, than to evacuate. My husband and family say evacuate. It sounds much more exciting to ride it out. However its not my life goal to dare hurricanes. But fuck yeah, if you're going to do it, do it.

Also for me, I do not drink alcohol, and if I am in the midst of a bunch of drunks while sober during a hurricane... well that has to be my definition of hell.

Maybe in my twenties, but not now.

[cherrylula]

Originally Posted by WEG Cory

Most people don't comprehend hurricanes. There are a variety of factors. While Katrina was a 3, its two or three all time for a reason.

I'm not comprehending it at all.

I am almost disappointed in myself, my subconscious mind is really taking over today.

This is also another "Grandpa was right" moment in my lifetime. Epiphanies rule.

[cherrylula]

Originally Posted by WEG Cory

Natural disasters are relative to your circumstances. I wouldn't say one is worse than the other. If you are standing in a field during an earthquake, I would say your concern would be limited to slight vertigo. If you walk into an older modeled building in San Francisco for a cup of coffee and the gas line pops, well, you might feel differently.

Hurricanes are the same. Some of the devastation is accomplished at the levels of power, fuel and simply being away from your home. Wind is typically not as relevant to modern homes and buildings, while flooding is disastrous (hence, Katrina was a 3).

Living in the first world affords us the luxury of not likely being in a stone hut during an earthquake. It's all relative. All natural disasters carry with them the potential for devastation and economic disaster (something everyone tends to forget).

Absolutely, I do agree.

What I am discovering, is that the anxiety of this hurricane stuff is more than I can stand.

I realize it does not matter where you live, you are at risk of something. I always think rational when it comes to things like that.

This is just an entirely different beast, with these preparations. Shake me up on the 13th floor, yes it could be the tragic death of me, but at least I will be living my life like normal until the moment it happens.

[Cyandin]

Originally Posted by baddog

I was married to a chick from TX. I was pretty amazed at how far away people would move from Galveston just to avoid the standard flooding they get from their rains. Like 50 miles. I am sure N.O. is even worse.

Actually, that's a total understatement. According to every projection of a direct Cat5 landfall in Galveston, there would most likely be catastrophic flooding all the way through the Houston Metro, which extends up to 60 miles from Galveston.

Additionally, dependent on the storms path, massive amounts of rain could be dropped all the way to Austin, 175 miles away. Large hurricanes can get to the size of TEXAS itself in extreme cases, and are much more powerful than many think.

Being the curious cat I am, and a 4 year Texas resident who's never seen a real hurricane, I'm excited to see one - despite the reproach from my wife who swam out of her house amidst the deluge of Allison.

[bushwacker]

Originally Posted by pornguy

I was living in Miami when Andrew hit. They listed it as a Cat 5 when in all reality it would have been a Cat 6 if they numbers went that high. Due to the number of deaths of immigrants the Gubment decided to down play everything. They had sustained winds during that storm of 300 + mph.

The best thing about a hurricane is you have time to plan the party. Also if you are near the water, you can surf some great waves a day or so before it actually hits.

300 mph? You must share some of that herb you are smoking.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by Cyandin

Actually, that's a total understatement. According to every projection of a direct Cat5 landfall in Galveston, there would most likely be catastrophic flooding all the way through the Houston Metro, which extends up to 60 miles from Galveston.

Except I was talking about rain, not a cat 5 hurricane. But now that I think of it, I recall some friends of hers that moved to Dripping Springs to avoid flooding.

[DateDoc]

Katrina V2. Sept. 1st, 2008. Bye bye NOLA!

[Cyandin]

Originally Posted by baddog

...just to avoid the standard flooding they get from their rains.

I thought you meant from hurricane rains. Nobody evacuates over a rogue cumulonimbus cloud. :-P

[Cory W]

Originally Posted by cherrylula

Absolutely, I do agree.

What I am discovering, is that the anxiety of this hurricane stuff is more than I can stand.

I realize it does not matter where you live, you are at risk of something. I always think rational when it comes to things like that.

This is just an entirely different beast, with these preparations. Shake me up on the 13th floor, yes it could be the tragic death of me, but at least I will be living my life like normal until the moment it happens.

You know, it's funny. I agree with the anxiety issues. And it's the small things that add up, for example: Right now, you can't just make plans for next weekend to have lunch with your friend, or what not. And you end up spending most of your time milling over depressing hurricane stories.

I was further north in Baton Rouge, you really don't evacuate there but it ruins pretty much everything. Plus, you aren't accounting for all the rain storms you get down there, etc. It's just a pain. In that sense, I take the quakes myself.

Quakes really don't scare me, although at times when I am standing in some shitty old building in Hollywood, or in an elevator going up many flights, I can't say it doesn't cross my mind. You would hate me for this, but I blogged about my response to quakes. And while you, presumingly being a native, might disagree, I am pretty much serious with my response.

http://surfelport.com/?p=26

It's funny, but in California, it was the Irvine fire that got to me last year. It was right on top of me, days of nasty ash and smoke, breathing issues, just utter disgust and filth. I never thought I would consider fires a big deal (just being naive).

Just for the record, having dealt with hurricanes, I will break it down like this; And yes, you can hold me to this and make me eat my words.

I say it goes to Mexico and rips up some poor tourist town. I can honestly tell you that the cone is hardly ever right. Pretty much when they say it's coming to you, it isn't haha

And if you do have to make me eat my words, it may be a while before your Internet is back ; )

[crockett]

First thing I can tell you is fill your car up with gas now and keep it filled up. As the hurricane gets close and if lots of people start evacuating then the gas stations will run out of gas.

It really just depends on how bad the storm will be.. if it's only a cat 1 or 2 then it's not biggie. 3's aren't too bad but can cause some damage. If it looks like it will be a strong 3 or higher when it hits you, then your best bet is to leave.

The deal is, you can't just wait, till the day before it hits to leave. You need to make up your mind as early as possible other wise you will get stuck in traffic and likely not be able to find gas.

I'm personally one of the hard headed ones though, because I've never left for any storm.

[Sebring Studios]

Originally Posted by cherrylula

Shake me up on the 13th floor, yes it could be the tragic death of me, but at least I will be living my life like normal until the moment it happens.

Well said, I coudn't agree more. I'm staying put here in my house, whatever happens, happens. I've got food, water, booze. Probably not the smartest move considering this chart though:

http://www.storm2k.org/weather/hw3.p...ems&hwvmetric=

[BV]

Look at the danger if you had your own tropical island. Isn't that what everyone wants? Their own tropical Island?????

[ADL Colin]

Fay flooded 3 key intersections near my house. I couldn't leave for 2 days.

[baddog]

Originally Posted by Cyandin

I thought you meant from hurricane rains. Nobody evacuates over a rogue cumulonimbus cloud. :-P

I don't seem to recall using the word evacuate. I said the people I met moved from Galveston because it is prone to flooding.

[Fletch XXX]

[cherrylula]

The Governor has declared pre-storm state of emergency.

[Fletch XXX]

[he-fox]

hurricane parties are the best

[cherrylula]

Originally Posted by WEG Cory

Quakes really don't scare me, although at times when I am standing in some shitty old building in Hollywood, or in an elevator going up many flights, I can't say it doesn't cross my mind. You would hate me for this, but I blogged about my response to quakes. And while you, presumingly being a native, might disagree, I am pretty much serious with my response.

http://surfelport.com/?p=26

Californian's need to move out of the way in general. But I agree with your blog entry.

I actually grew up in Pasadena. We did earthquake drills all the time, drop under the desk and cover the back of your neck, find a doorway... best places to stand, etc. It was instilled in me. Must be that laid back OC attitude or something if you are dealing with earthquake tards.

It's funny, but in California, it was the Irvine fire that got to me last year. It was right on top of me, days of nasty ash and smoke, breathing issues, just utter disgust and filth. I never thought I would consider fires a big deal (just being naive).

And yeah the fires in Cali suck, I don't miss the ashy winds and smoke.

Just for the record, having dealt with hurricanes, I will break it down like this; And yes, you can hold me to this and make me eat my words.

I say it goes to Mexico and rips up some poor tourist town. I can honestly tell you that the cone is hardly ever right. Pretty much when they say it's coming to you, it isn't haha

And if you do have to make me eat my words, it may be a while before your Internet is back ; )

I hope you are right. I really do.

[ADL Colin]

Originally Posted by Fletch XXX

Yeah, but the AVERAGE error in the 120 hour track forecast is over 300 miles. In the meantime Fear and Loathing for Nawlins.

[Cory W]

Originally Posted by ADL Colin

Yeah, but the AVERAGE error in the 120 hour track forecast is over 300 miles. In the meantime Fear and Loathing for Nawlins.

120 hour track forecast is used for news sources to jack off to : )

[Cory W]

Originally Posted by cherrylula

Californian's need to move out of the way in general. But I agree with your blog entry.

I actually grew up in Pasadena. We did earthquake drills all the time, drop under the desk and cover the back of your neck, find a doorway... best places to stand, etc. It was instilled in me. Must be that laid back OC attitude or something if you are dealing with earthquake tards.



And yeah the fires in Cali suck, I don't miss the ashy winds and smoke.



I hope you are right. I really do.

I just never got it. If I were on the 4th floor, I get that. But in our office, it's literally 7 feet to the door and there is a huge empty parking space and suburban street area! It just makes sense to me in many cases to get out. I hate seeing shit swaying around above my head.

[ADL Colin]

Originally Posted by WEG Cory

120 hour track forecast is used for news sources to jack off to : )

haha. sure seems like it.

the cool thing is the the average error in the 120 hour forecast today is similar to the average error in the 48 hour forecast when I first became interested in tropical weather. I'm sure the error will continue to shrink. The NHC is required by law (The Government Performance and Results Act) to have forecast accuracy goals.

[Cory W]

Originally Posted by ADL Colin

haha. sure seems like it.

the cool thing is the the average error in the 120 hour forecast today is similar to the average error in the 48 hour forecast when I first became interested in tropical weather. I'm sure the error will continue to shrink. The NHC is required by law (The Government Performance and Results Act) to have forecast accuracy goals.

When I lived in the south, it went like this: When she gets into the Gulf, all bets are off the table. That water is so warm.....

And yeah, they are getting better. I don't see how they figure half of that crap out.

[Cory W]

And it's obvious that all major news networks and weathermen that want to make a name for themselves are salivating at the thought of that baby nailing New Orleans. It's sad to say, although I suppose when it's your job, you tend to lose site of things.

I am certainly not saying it's better if it hits Texas, but in a way....

[Zebra]

Just about everywhere you can live there is SOMETHING that makes other people wonder why you would live there.
For instance I live in Oklahoma, and while we don't have Hurricanes or Earthquakes, we get things like this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_Ok...rnado_outbreak

Here's to hoping that Gustav weakens and makes landfall somewhere less populated and less prone to flooding.

[C_U_Next_Tuesday]

spent so much money just evacuating from florida several times a year.. it got to be the family vacations.

I LOVE the pacific northwest.