Hurricane Milton

Aveline

DD's flights now changed to Friday. Flying in to devastation by the sound of it. I wish she'd listen to me.

If the airport is open and planes are flying they would struggle to claim on their insurance.

We were told a hurricane was classed as an act of god extra nights accommodation, food etc were not covered. The airlines duty of care was to get us back on first available flight, hence we flew back into Heathrow but our car was parked at Gatwick.

Saratoga is already flooding and Milton hasn't even hit land yet. It's the possible sea surges that are causing the most consternation. Tornados are also now forming and three have been reported so far.

Problem is, not everyone can get away, and especially as some profiteering airlines have (allegedly) hiked up the price of air tickets meaning some people can’t afford them, and filling stations have either done the same (allegedly) or run out of fuel. So, it might be “total madness” to stay, but perhaps some have no choice. Plus, desperately ill people in hospitals, hospices, etc, will be stuck too, I imagine.

Aveline, my guess is that if the situation is going to be as catastrophic as predicted, there’s little chance that your daughter will be able to fly into any airport in the vicinity, as the aftermath of the storm is going to be horrendous and won’t be cleared up by Friday or even next Friday, come to that, and certainly an influx of holiday makers won’t be encouraged at this time, I imagine. I don’t imagine her insurance will cover such a journey, either.

My in laws had the choice to leave they have chosen to stay and with three young children I think very foolish personally
Obviously if you’re in hospital, or no car and no friends to help then it’s tragic but to choose to ‘ hunker down’ is madness

😦 Oops. Should say Sarasota not Saratoga...

Ziplok

Problem is, not everyone can get away, and especially as some profiteering airlines have (allegedly) hiked up the price of air tickets meaning some people can’t afford them, and filling stations have either done the same (allegedly) or run out of fuel. So, it might be “total madness” to stay, but perhaps some have no choice. Plus, desperately ill people in hospitals, hospices, etc, will be stuck too, I imagine.

Plus, desperately ill people in hospitals, hospices, etc, will be stuck too, I imagine.

I think they have been evacuating critically ill people (those on ventilators, etc) over the last couple of days or so. But I believe most hospitals will remain open (except, obviously, for appointments).

I think they also have 'emergency teams' working during hurricane season.

As far as I know, only one hospital has evacuated and closed - one in Cocoa Beach.

I understand also that in some hospitals - caregivers can remain with their sick relatives, one per patient - until the storm is over.

I agree with you then Bluebelle, if they had the choice and opportunity but chose to stay with young children then that is foolish.

CNN 4 mins ago
edition.cnn.com/weather/live-news/hurricane-milton-florida-10-09-24/index.html?t=1728500009054

'Tens of thousands of Hurricane Milton evacuees are now in public storm shelters, and there is plenty of room for more, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday afternoon.'

I have family who live there, but outside the evacuation zone. The say that they have stores in and that everything is secured. I'm following the progress of the storm and waiting to hear they're safe.

Fleurpepper

Going there on holiday? wow- you must be so so worried. Surely they should cancel and claim on Insurance???

On BBC News showing some families with small children 'hunkering down' in the belief God will keep them safe. Just unbelievable.

On BBC News showing some families with small children 'hunkering down' in the belief God will keep them safe. Just unbelievable.
Yes, on ITV too.

A pastor was going round checking on his congregation but some were refusing to leave.

I was telling Robert Moore to leave now! Don't keep reporting.

They've even evacuated the prisons.
I don't care if DD and family can't claim on insurance. I'll make it up to them but they seem hell bent on going. I'm just hoping the airports stay closed.

My DD2 and DGD are in SW Florida. They already have strong winds and the hurricane isn’t supposed to make landfall until 8pm their time. It should just miss them, hopefully.

My friend’s son and family have driven 200 miles from their home in Tampa to safer parts. Hoping to find their home still standing after it’s all over. It’s so frightening.😞

My close friend’s daughter and her family were evacuated yesterday. It’s terrifying and who knows if their home will withstand the storm

Latest news from my cousin.

The evacuation routes are packed and the hospital beds are full, so many coastal facilities have boarding in place. Many are coming to the Orlando area or going north. Fortunately we are safe, but I agree, it is stressful to up and go and leave your home to the elements.
The storm looks like it will make land about Sarasota tonight and head to exit below Cape Canaveral.

Aveline

DD and family are booked for Disney Florida and due to fly out today. They're still hoping to go tomorrow. I'm appalled at this. How can they be so daft?! I'm really hoping they make a decision not to even try to go. Florida will be no place for a holiday.

With respect, I can’t believe anybody could be so stupid as to contemplate flying into a hurricane/tornado zone.
Every effort is being made to evacuate residents and the emergency services should not have to bear the burden of additional irresponsible tourists.
You must dissuade them Aveline and make them see sense.

RosiesMaw2

Aveline

DD and family are booked for Disney Florida and due to fly out today. They're still hoping to go tomorrow. I'm appalled at this. How can they be so daft?! I'm really hoping they make a decision not to even try to go. Florida will be no place for a holiday.

With respect, I can’t believe anybody could be so stupid as to contemplate flying into a hurricane/tornado zone.
Every effort is being made to evacuate residents and the emergency services should not have to bear the burden of additional irresponsible tourists.
You must dissuade them Aveline and make them see sense.

Flights are cancelled and Dusney World is closed

Disney!

RosiesMaw2

Aveline

DD and family are booked for Disney Florida and due to fly out today. They're still hoping to go tomorrow. I'm appalled at this. How can they be so daft?! I'm really hoping they make a decision not to even try to go. Florida will be no place for a holiday.

With respect, I can’t believe anybody could be so stupid as to contemplate flying into a hurricane/tornado zone.
Every effort is being made to evacuate residents and the emergency services should not have to bear the burden of additional irresponsible tourists.
You must dissuade them Aveline and make them see sense.

Looks like it’s been decided for them! How anyone could even think about going, what madness.
I know they’re losing money and a holiday, but come on, would you take kids into a danger zone for Mickey Mouse and some rides?

Aveline

DD and family are booked for Disney Florida and due to fly out today. They're still hoping to go tomorrow. I'm appalled at this. How can they be so daft?! I'm really hoping they make a decision not to even try to go. Florida will be no place for a holiday.

Try not to worry as I can’t see them being able to fly tomorrow if there is the prospect of the turmoil forecasted. They will be keeping up with things and making the right decision which is probably going to be made for them.

My long term friend has just moved there .
She was really unwell selling , packing up and settling into a house .
Things didn't go smoothly and now this ...
Prayers for everyone in Florida .
⛪

Thankfully the hurricane was downgraded to category one once it reached land, which must have been a huge relief to those who decided to stay put.

Bad enough to have still caused a lot of damage and flooding of course but it could have been so much worse.

I have noticed this tendency in previous years, but in situations like this, authorities always have to err on the side of caution with their evacuation advice

Dickens

To add to the awfulness and misery for those affected is the 'grand-daddy' of all conspiracy theories doing the rounds.

Georgia Republican, Marjorie Taylor Greene, is suggesting that they (Democrats) can "control the weather" and are deliberately targeting Republican communities with the hurricanes. She is actually insisting that the 'Deep State' is steering the storms where they can do the most damage.

If people are willing to believe that, it won't be difficult to convince them - should KH win by a narrow majority - that the the election was stolen - again.

I've been complaining about the amount of rain here in Gloucestershire - but compared to the viscous storms which threaten death and destruction over there - I'm going to stop mithering and thank my lucky stars that the only event I have to worry about is taking the bins out and getting soaked in the process.

That is truly scary, and what’s even more scary is that a lot of people will believe it. 🙁

I’m in Portugal atm, checked bbc weather, shows hurricane winds here! Apparently they are having issues with their forecast data. My son-in-law suggested I got in the pool house and took the gin with me, he obvs knew about false data!
I shall be having words when I see him🤣

If M T Greene's comments about the Democrats steering the weather are aimed at would-be Trump voters it doesn't say much for American intelligence.

I've done my absolute best to dissuade them from trying to go. Relationships are pretty strained as a result. I can't believe they can be so just plain stupid.