Reporting in from Miami, live in north Dade and work in Broward. Work released us at noon on Thursday, we put up our shutters Wed. evening.
Currently on hurricane volunteer duty call list at work (state government) and anticipate being called in post storm providing that home and family are in good shape.
Saw gas lines that were a half mile long in several places on the way to and from work Thursday, at the places that still had gas, many stations did not. Most Publix / Winn Dixie / Navarro / Costco / BJ type stores ran out of bottled water, bread etc. VERY QUICKLY.
We prepared early, no last minute running around for this family. Current weather at the moment, 3:37 EDT is sky overcast, had several blustery showers with wind in the 20-25 mph range, but fairly short lived, the worst is coming soon.
Still a chance the Frances could veer unexpectedly. Wind has (so far) been out of the north for us fairly steady at about 5-10 mph.
White caps have been showing appearing on local lakes & canals now.
Temp has been in the 80's and has just dropped a bit with the fresher wind and sprinkles.
Thanks to all for the wishes, we hope that everyone comes out well in the landfall area.
I'll try to send updates as able, depending upon DSL access more than power, have UPS and generator for b/u if needed.
(Sorry, before anyone asks, no digicam avail., there are several live cams that are operated by the various TV stations, some are located on 1,000 foot radio towers in the area and some on buildings in Miami, a Google search should provide links.) Also, check out
www.noaa.gov has good links to satellite images/loops and briefings etc., South Florida Water Management District has a great website, and there are the standard media sites like
www.sunsentinel.com that have some info as well. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/popcorn.gif
Lighthouse