Wowsers.
As a Miami resident, I can say that Irma SUCKED. This was my first big storm, and like a lot of less experienced people, I figured it was just a storm. Category whatever, lol.
Big mistake. I misjudged it badly. This was a major event. I live in an area that was issued a mandatory evacuation in Coconut Grove, but the storm was weakening, and we only were getting hit by the outer bands. Riding it out shouldnt be a problem, right?? Pfffft. Oops.
Wandering out after the storm, I noticed a particularly large palm tree on top of my truck. Gonna need a new truck, as it was totaled. Then I noticed a 50 foot sailboat in my backyard. I have no boat and I live over a quarter mile from the nearest marina.
Its just the outer bands, right? Ugh. Little did I know, the outer bands on the dirty side bring tornadoes.
9 days without power in the summer in Miami SUCKS. After the first couple, at least some stores reopened, leaving us the ability to cool off a bit in their A/C.
My family is all safe, and our stuff can be fixed or replaced. The owner of the boat says he will rent a crane whenever he can find one available to get it out of my backyard. All will be okay in time.
I truly feel for those that got hit worse, and for those in Maria's path.
As for me, next time I will evacuate.