It looks like we could get a 1-2-3 punch beginning with Harvey, now Irma, and then possibly Jose. We have many FF members that have been, and now are possibly in the path(s) of yet another massive storm(s).
Batten down guys and keep us posted.
Lynn, I have a bunch of family down south of New Orleans. Been in contact, as always, told them our doors are always are open. Had family and friends live with us well over 6 months after Katrina.
This storm is a BIG one and will do massive damage. For the gulf states, we hoping this cold front holds down in the Gulf of Mexico. If it backs off by Sunday, Lord help us.
They talk like Jose will eventually breakup since its in the wake of Irma.
But Irma will defiantly mess someones day up.
The SC Forestry will be getting together crews as will other agencies in our state as well as other states to respond. Just not sure which way Irma will go.
We got a lot of FF members that could be affected. Keep checking for updates on this storm.
I've lived here 40 years and have never seen a response to a potential hurricane like this. Stores are already sold out of plywood, water, camp stoves, generators, gas stations out of gas, no tarps left anywhere, lines out the doors at Costco, Sams and BJs. Old timers here are usually blase about hurricanes and new comers have no idea what's coming at them so usually just leave. People don't usually board up their windows until the day before but I've got 12 customers who want their houses closed up right now! I75 North is already jammed and there's really nowhere to go unless you leave by Thursday.
I'm picking up 60 sheets of plywood tomorrow and got 75 gallons of gas in containers today. I think Harvey has been a good lesson for people here.
I must be missing something.
From THIS MAP (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at1+shtml/002047.shtml?tswind120#wcontents), it looks like most of Florida will just get tropical winds that they're used to.
Can someone point me to something from NHC or NOAA that indicates the threat level from this thing?
It's too early to say what's likely to hit Florida.
Here's a good write-up -- it refers to some of the same maps that appear on your link.
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/hurricane-irma-will-be-dangerous-no-matter-where-it-makes-landfall/ (https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/hurricane-irma-will-be-dangerous-no-matter-where-it-makes-landfall/)
A great tip that I use in power outages. Buy a bunch of those solar power yard lights. Let them charge up in the daylight and bring them in at night. Saves running your genset. 1000 X safe then burning a candle.
Quote from: fishfighter on September 06, 2017, 06:18:02 AM
A great tip that I use in power outages. Buy a bunch of those solar power yard lights. Let them charge up in the daylight and bring them in at night. Saves running your genset. 1000 X safe then burning a candle.
that's a good idea about the lights never even thought about them hope every one stays safe
YoYo is something I learned from Magicman . Your on Your own , people get told to leave a flood area but don't leave . Then they call for Help , well your on your own .
A friend of ours is in school on the island of St Kits. Irma passed last night. She reports all in her group safe but lots of trees down and sheds torn apart.
I imagine this is something she will remember for the rest of her life.
They're projecting Irma to come and visit Savannah. I've been tying things down and plan to remove the canopy from my mill. I'll just lay it down on the mill and anchor those with some oak logs. My biggest concern is to make sure its not directly under any large live oak limbs that might come down. I lost three ladders to Hurricane Matthew last year. SIL and I will be installing plywood over windows on three homes. Topped off the car with gas and need to get some more for gas cans and propane refills. Hope Irma hits the cold front quickly and heads out to sea.
Quote from: grouch on September 05, 2017, 10:01:46 PM
I must be missing something.
From THIS MAP (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at1+shtml/002047.shtml?tswind120#wcontents), it looks like most of Florida will just get tropical winds that they're used to.
Can someone point me to something from NHC or NOAA that indicates the threat level from this thing?
Grouch, the threat level is at 100%, and that is what we must prepare for. It may turn out that we only get TS winds or it may turn out to be devastating. We are getting ready for devastating while we hope and pray for less than that.
Quote from: fishfighter on September 06, 2017, 06:18:02 AM
A great tip that I use in power outages. Buy a bunch of those solar power yard lights. Let them charge up in the daylight and bring them in at night. Saves running your genset. 1000 X safe then burning a candle.
I do that, too! Got around a dozen still working in the yard and 4 that stay in the house, on various window sills. One stays in the bathroom -- saves cleanup. ;)
Quote from: DanG on September 06, 2017, 12:08:18 PM
Grouch, the threat level is at 100%, and that is what we must prepare for. It may turn out that we only get TS winds or it may turn out to be devastating. We are getting ready for devastating while we hope and pray for less than that.
DanG,
Here's hoping you get gentle tropical breezes and can stand out in the yard admiring the view as Irma breaks up.
Yep the forecast track may move a few hundred miles but that is a lot of wiggle room. Have to be careful.
Like the solar yard light idea, very clever.
Here in Tampa Bay [Clearwater/ Largo] I have personally seen 2 fist fights already today 1 over gas and 1 over who was in line first for propane. I was at Lowes for a lock set and heard another fight in the plywood section of which they have been out of for 2 days so I'm not sure what they were fighting about. There is no water or basics to be had. No plywood, gas if you can find it has long lines. The county park behind me is giving out sandbags 6 per address, you fill them yourself, the line is 2 miles long. People are open carrying.
Schools will be closed starting tomorrow, people are running north. Sue Ann is a travel agent and she says there are no flights out of Tampa or any Florida airport as they are completely booked.
I just got 6 20 lb bottles of propane filled, filled up mine and Sue Anns truck/car. and am now trying to fill anything that will hold gas in case I need to run a generator. We will be freezing water in zip lock bags for the chest freezers.
I've lived here over 30 years. This is the first storm that has worried me. It's a monster and unless something changes it could very well be headed my way. I live on the highest point of the county at 48 ft above sea level. I'm not concerned with flooding so much although I am where Wild Bill lives. He is deemed a critical position at work so will have to be there. I will have Mila my Grand Daughter here. For those lower than we are storm surge and extreme high tides along with the rain will be a problem.
Wind of course is our big danger. Because of our property insurance laws and the area being surrounded by water most of my rentals do not have wind coverage as it's not available.
Hears hoping it will go out to sea and stay there.
I say stay there because we might be on Irma's hit list for next week depending on how it goes.
What do you do with 6 sand bags?
Yes, you guys in the path of Irma are in our prayers, I for one would surely prepare for the worse,, the worst part I see, is getting out is a long ways north,, and then what? How far north? then east or west? this really stinks,, take care you guys,,
Flipping a coin to determine direction is as accurate as a PhD in Meteorology. ::) My coin toss said it will ride up the east coast.
Quote from: Hilltop366 on September 06, 2017, 03:25:50 PM
Hears hoping it will go out to sea and stay there.
I say stay there because we might be on Irma's hit list for next week depending on how it goes.
What do you do with 6 sand bags?
Turn around and get back in line for 6 more.
I was just talking to a Ranger who said that they had to lower the limit on sand bags because they sent so many to Texas/Houston area and now we are short.
Across the street from the park is a golf course, people are going over there and taking the sand out of the traps to fill bags.
Now they are saying that gas stations on interstate 75 are running out of gas due to all the people running north. This is causing cars broke down on the side of the road which further delays traffic.
Jmoore and I left work a little early to pick up some live oak slabs he and I sawed for a fellow some time ago to haul to a shop in Tampa that is going to build a table top for him and his wife. Traffic was not too bad going east or west on I-4 between 2-4 p.m. Maybe all of the idiots were in Lowes and not on the road at that time.
There were a lot of folks at the gas stations last night when I filled up.
My wife's birthday is today-Would it be in bad taste to wrap up some batteries and a bottle of water?
The latest prediction is that it will track a little east of what was previously predicted. This is a monster of a storm that has the potential to deliver misery to those in its path. Hopefully this thing will miss the U.S. If it looks eminent, we will spray paint phone numbers on the cattle and other livestock and turn them out in open pastures. This morning we prepared the school's ag facility to deal with high winds. We were to get 120 show hogs delivered Friday morning from Indiana but we postponed for a week. We collected three truck loads of pet supplies today at school that we will send to Texas hurricane victims later this month. Our school and several others in Polk County are shelters. Classes are canceled for Friday countywide. Closures Monday would not surprise me if this thing significantly impacts FL.
We will prepare the best we can, hope and pray for mild weather and deal with whatever comes. Hope all of the FF members avoid this storm.
Just saw the 11:00 PM update on IRMA. The NHC at NOAA has it coming ashore as a Cat 3 or 4 between Savannah and Charleston around 8PM on Monday.
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Here's one for those who like flying:
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/this-delta-flight-raced-irma-and-won/ar-AArpeX4?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartanntp
We entered Florida southbound on I95 around 8 pm. There was a parade of cars bumper to bumper for 300 miles in the northbound lanes but they were moving pretty good until we got to Ft. Pierce. Traffic southbound wasn't as lite as I thought it would be. In Ft. Pierce we crossed over to the Turnpike southbound and that is when it turned to gridlock. The few businesses there were overwhelmed with volume probably never seen before. As we traveled south from there to West Palm about 70 miles was a line of cars stopped in the northbound lanes the whole way. There is no way those folks got anywhere last night and they probably slept in their cars. There is no way the demand for fuel was being replenished. Even run down roadside motels you would never ever stay in had every square inch of their property filled with cars. Hundreds of thousands of people had a bad night last night and the storm is a few days away.
When I was at USMC CLNC base we had one coming and I was tied up at work. Wife tied down everything then called me and asked what to do about the aluminum jonboat. I told her to put the stern plug in and fill with water. Extra weight helped keep it down. Just pulled plug after all weather issues passed. She did same thing to 16' canoe in shed so we had extra water if needed for flushing toilets and such if we lost power and water.
Stay safe. Don't risk it - property can be replaced. Lives cannot.
I ask for two weeks vacation so I could go help magic man do whatever he is doing. They said no. >:(
Pinellas County [Clearwater St Pete] just ordered mandatory evacuations for all manufactured/mobile homes and Level 4 areas which are the beaches and low lying areas. about 160k people. Tomorrow they will announce more.
We have water on 3 sides, Tampa bay to the east and the gulf to the west. The counties only a few miles wide at it's widest point. There are only a couple roads north and 3 bridges across the bay. With 1 million people living here it will be crazy for them to get out all at once.
Watching the newest models it looks to be wanting to go more easterly.
Right now the suns out, skies are clear and I have to mow the yards.
Crazy
The 8PM forecast now has it coming ashore WEST of Miami as a major storm (winds over 110 MPH). If this holds true, the south east corner of Florida is going to take a beating, a big beating. It also has it coming right over top of several naval installations: NAS Jacksonville and NSB Kingsbay. I'll bet all the planes and ships that can move are gone or will be shortly. Was in Kingsbay when DAVID came thru. Not fun.
There isn't any gas at 3 stations in our village about 10 west of West Palm but I was able to fill up my truck with Diesel at one of them just now. :)
They keep changing the forecast track to the west and most models show it coming right up the middle of the state. Gas prices are frozen but almost all stations are out of gas in my area. I-10 is bumper to bumper and crawling but Hwy 90 is wide open. Anyone evacuating should avoid the interstates IMHO.
Looks like this thing is running up to St. Louis to pick up a six pack or 2. They show it shifted quite a bit to the West. We have plans to evacuate to the Atlanta area and may have to reconsider. I'll be dismantling the Lucas this morning to make sure it isn't under any live oak limbs. Have to remove lawn tools from a small shed which sits under the trees to an old shed that's more in the open. Have 2 houses we have to install plywood on windows this morning. Started to get a bottled water yesterday but had to remind myself that we have filtered water on the frig. Looks like it's going to go thru WDH land more than Savannah. Hope all are safe and well.
Yes, looks like the prediction is for it to come over me dead center. Not sure what to expect. By then, the winds should less than hurricane force.
Poor Florida :).
That move west will hurt me being on the west coast. Going to start freezing water today in zip locks.
Be safe everyone.
praying for a NE turn.
A friend from Stuart went to Atlanta 2 days ago and now they say may be mandatory evac order there.
bil and sil are in Summerfield and will ride it out.
Another friend in Lecanto
Makes me relieved that we sold our FL house there.
I hope that Mooseherder does not have to evacuate! :-\
Quote from: Magicman on September 08, 2017, 09:04:40 AM
I hope that Mooseherder does not have to evacuate! :-\
Well I hope he does evacuate! It appears that the eye wall on the strong side will be right on top of him if it follows the current forecast. He may not make it out of Fla. but the further north and inland the better.
The noon update has it coming more west towards us. This storm is so big and powerful that if it went right up the middle of the state both coasts will be covered with plenty still over the water on both sides.
I just went up to my late friends house and got his window shaker and genset. Gave myself a haircut and had a slice of pizza. Next step is to secure lawn furniture and projectiles.
Few friends are bringing their bikes over to store in my garage. I'm running out of room so limiting space to Shovelheads or older lol. T did allow one twinkie.
Quote from: DanG on September 08, 2017, 10:03:49 AM
Quote from: Magicman on September 08, 2017, 09:04:40 AM
I hope that Mooseherder does not have to evacuate! :-\
Well I hope he does evacuate!
Yup, I know. He probably had stuff to secure and batten down, but it's a shame to have to spend a couple of days getting in and then have to join the crowd getting out. :-\
What a mess, just heard on the radio they're opening up the shoulders as a another lane to drive. I just hope everyone can do what they gotta do to stay safe, best of luck to you all down there.
Quote from: Savannahdan on September 08, 2017, 07:08:41 AM
Looks like this thing is running up to St. Louis to pick up a six pack or 2. They show it shifted quite a bit to the West. We have plans to evacuate to the Atlanta area and may have to reconsider. morning. Started to get a bottled water yesterday but had to remind myself that we have filtered water on the frig. Looks like it's going to go thru WDH land more than Savannah. Hope all are safe and well.
I'm 30 miles north of Atlanta and refugees are everywhere. Everyone has a cousin in Miami. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR-HYjHUYQ8
Saw a neat tip for such situations. Freeze a cup of water then put a quarter on top and leave it in the freezer if you have to evacuate. Come back and check the quarter. If it has sunk down in the ice it means it melted and refroze and the meat and such in the freezer is probably no good. If still on top of the ice the freezer never thawed.
Good tip WV. I took a break from hurricane prep and drove to the beer store in case we run out of water.
My younger two daughters helped board up the windows. We will leave two uncovered until Sunday, then we will do the final prep.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/image~412.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1504898674)
We had a thunderstorm this afternoon. I am afraid there will be thousands of trees uprooted. The live oak pictured lost most of its top 13 years ago in Hurricane Jean.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/image~411.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1504898673)
I am really worried about my parents' beach house which is on Anna Maria Island now that the track is shifting west.
This storm will likely cause a rewriting of building codes (we built our house soon after the building code changes following H. Andrew), zoning codes, and the insurance companies will be crying the blues and raising rates, assuming they will provide insurance in high risk areas at all.
If any of you guys need a place to stay, you're more than welcome to my place. I'm about 20 miles south of Montgomery, AL.
Message me.
Best of luck to all of y'all in the path of Irma.
We decided to stay and hoping we made the right decision.
At one time Irma was projected to head right toward my sawing shed.
Now it looks like WDH and Customsawyer is in the cross hairs. Irma has moved to the left.
If Irma is anything like Hugo, Tornados will be spawning off.
During Hugo everyone lost s lot of timber. Hardly any logs to salvage due to the twisting and splitting of trees.
We lost a large barn and a few cattle as well as other farmers.
So being to the right or left is still something to prepare for.
Prayers to the Georgia Boys and everyone in Florida.
Moose-If you change your mind, come on up. Seriously. The door is open. 4 bedrooms with 6 different beds, and it's just me.
Quote from: Deese on September 08, 2017, 08:56:14 PM
Moose-If you change your mind, come on up. Seriously. The door is open. 4 bedrooms with 6 different beds, and it's just me.
DO IT MOOSE......I DARE YA! He'll have to feed you.
:D :D :D :D
And I have been told I snore loud. :D
The one who says that snores herself. ;D
A goat advising a snoring moose to move from Florida to Alabama.
We're not in Kansas any more, Toto.
-- click, click, click --
Hmm. Still in this strange world. Must be that expired beer.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/IMG_2813.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1500939602)
You guys are using the wrong "Moose Bait".
All I know is that I'm worried as all get out for all of my friends, some of which are like family to Tammy and I.
Unless it shifts west into our territory look like we will be heading out first thing Monday morning or soon as it passes. Myself and two other utility foresters with all our tree crews as well as another 100 personel line crews will be heading to Georgia. I pray you stay safe.
Thanks
Buck
From NHC at NOAA:
Tropical storm wind probabilities (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at1+shtml/214634.shtml?tswind120#wcontents)
I just got up to look at the 5 a.m. update and if it follows the European Model or deviates a little more to the west (the talking heads on the news channels say left) the whole peninsula will be on the "dirty side" of the storm. The Gulf coast is going to get hammered. In one of the models, the hurricane wind force graph looks a lot like a skinning knife preparing to eviscerate SW Fl.
When the sun comes up we are heading to JMoore's (John) to help board up his house and then we will put metal roofing panels over some of my parents' glass doors and large windows.
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2017/IRMA_graphics.php?product=wind_probs_64_F120
Its path looks a bit more favorable for Savannah. Have 1 more house to board up this morning. SIL got sidetracked yesterday doing preparation work for one of the large hospital systems here. He was able to get down in the historic district to board up our oldest daughters front windows. She was signing his praises via texting. I95 was moving at a snails pace northbound yesterday. Everyone stay safe and let us know if you need help.
Looks like you will get dead centered Raider Bill and Wildbill. You might want to mosey on out :). There are a number of Forum members in the path of the Storm. Hunker down.
Not looking good no matter the track it actually takes.
Hope all in the storm area are safe and sound.
Goat, I remember Hugo.
A guy wanted me to take my mill down and saw storm damaged trees.
I politely declined.
We in the relatively benign NE have no clue what you folks are facing.
The Weather channel people were barking at each other earlier and need a timeout.
News showing gridlock on the highway from yesterday is bad form. They need to show what is going on now and be channeling people out. Obviously fuel needs are almost impossible to meet as hard as they try. My old company delivered 2500 Tractor trailer loads of water before closing last night. 7500 loads wouldn't have satisfied demand. I guess saving tap water ahead of time is also bad form. ::)
Buck,
We keep following it and so far it does look like it will miss you there in the Fla panhandle as currently predicted. Mom and my brother are 8-10 miles from you in Bluff Springs so we are hoping you all stay safe.
The bottom line is no matter where it hits in the USA we are going to have FF friends and associates we care about affected by these storms and we pray they are all okay.
Be safe all of you.
Quote from: Mooseherder on September 09, 2017, 08:00:18 AM
The Weather channel people were barking at each other earlier and need a timeout.
News showing gridlock on the highway from yesterday is bad form. They need to show what is going on now and be channeling people out. Obviously fuel needs are almost impossible to meet as hard as they try. My old company delivered 2500 Tractor trailer loads of water before closing last night. 7500 loads wouldn't have satisfied demand. I guess saving tap water ahead of time is also bad form. ::)
What trucking co. Was that?
Latest update is it's headed right for us here in Tampa Bay. We have been getting ready as much as possible. It's amazing how slow water freezes as we try to get all the coolers full of ice.
Wild Bill has to be at work tonight at midnight as he is termed essential, Mila my Grand daughter and their 3 dogs will be here along with a long time employee and her mother and husband who are in a evac zone.
We have a internal concrete [safe room] room at my house. High water won't be a issue for us [hopefully]
Time will tell.
Snowstorm, that would be Publix Supermarkets.
I have lost confidence in any predictions of what this storm will do. I will have essentials ready for a quick exit to wherever in whatever direction. It could cross back over Fla and go back to the Atlantic or continue west to Mexico, or anything in between. The only thing I know is, it is going to kick somebody's butt!
I don't get this obsession with bottled water!! ::) I'll bet that half of the water that has been purchased has been left behind by the evacuees. :D :D
I am going to have some suggestions for the Emergency Management folks when this thing is over!! They are doing a great job in Florida with what they have, but I am seeing things that could improve what they have.
Quote from: WV Sawmiller on September 09, 2017, 09:35:39 AM
Buck,
We keep following it and so far it does look like it will miss you there in the Fla panhandle as currently predicted. Mom and my brother are 8-10 miles from you in Bluff Springs so we are hoping you all stay safe.
The bottom line is no matter where it hits in the USA we are going to have FF friends and associates we care about affected by these storms and we pray they are all okay.
Mr. Green I hope it does but just in case I have prepared all I can to make things easy on the Mrs. If we don't have power since I will be gone. Stay safe all
Thanks
Buck
Raider Bill, hang in there.
John (JMoore) and I tore out about 60' of my parents' dock at Anna Maria on Labor Day. If we knew this storm would have their place in its sights, we would have let Irma do it for us.
This morning John and I covered the windows in his house and then we covered some of the more vulnerable ones at my parents' house next door to mine. When we ran out of plywood we used corrugated metal roofing and diamond plate aluminum.
The kids are washing the dog now as he will likely become a house pet tomorrow for the first time in his life.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/image~413.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1504968145) John's house is all boarded up w/ OSB.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/image~414.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1504984235) John and my dad pictured after we hung up some of the metal covering about 20' of glass on the north side of their house.
Quote from: caveman on September 09, 2017, 03:37:50 PM
Raider Bill, hang in there.
John (JMoore) and I tore out about 60' of my parents' dock at Anna Maria on Labor Day. If we knew this storm would have their place in its sights, we would have let Irma do it for us.
This morning John and I covered the windows in his house and then we covered some of the more vulnerable ones at my parents' house next door to mine. When we ran out of plywood we used corrugated metal roofing and diamond plate aluminum.
The kids are washing the dog now as he will likely become a house pet tomorrow for the first time in his life.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/image~413.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1504968145) John's house is all boarded up w/ OSB.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/image~414.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1504984235) John and my dad pictured after we hung up some of the metal covering about 20' of glass on the north side of their house.
You too my friend.
I hope everyone's holed up in a safe place! those things would scare the crap out of me ! We up north are pretty lucky they are usually toned down when they reach here. Stay safe !!!!! Don
We are at my daughter's house in Wellington. Hope everyone stays safe.
She's down to Cat 3. 8)
Hope everybody's safe and secure by now. Maybe Irma will see the preparations and just fizzle.
On a lighter note, it looks like most of Georgia went north to invade and confiscate Notre Dame's football stadium. If ya gotta get out of the hurricane's path, ya might as well get as much fun out of it as you can.
We've had some pretty strong gusts and rain but it gets calm again. Power is now out. Our oldest daughter still has power 5 miles away. I am tethering my tablet to my cell phone. We have a generator for later but will save the fuel until we really need it.
We are just now starting to get some gusts and rain.
If the big oak in my front yard doesn't fall on the house, no projectiles come flying though and the roof stays on we should be OK.
Wild Bill is staged at a city shelter with a response crew.
I plan to watch NFL until the lights go out.
It's such a relief to hear from y'all!
Glen, good luck through the rest of the storm and after.
RaiderBill, I quit watching NFL after last year. Anyway, enjoy the game, the company and by this time tomorrow we can all assess
I will check when we get a break from the rain when I do another walk around before the main event for animals lining up two by two to board our ark, um kiln. John and I installed auger anchors and strapped it down but the sandy soil is so saturated that it may end up somewhere between nw Polk County and Mt. Ararat. :'(
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/IMG_0561.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1416869717) There was a twister a little while ago in the SE part of the county.
Things will likely start rapidly deteriorating here around 2pm and the worst of it should occur around 1200-200 am.
This is getting ugly and scary. Weather people are saying Irma will be coming ashore right on top of us here in Fort Myers. I'm afraid Sanibel, Captiva and Fort Myers Beach will be totally destroyed and the rest of the area is going to be severely damaged. I lived in the hurricane zone all my life and never faced one like this or one that really worried me. I've got lots of big pine trees to the west of my house and water oaks in the front. Really worried about the pines but nothing I can do now.
We all boarded up, the generator is hooked up and ready and we have nothing to do but wait. We have 4 refugees from Sanibel and Cape Coral here and all they want to do is watch the scary weather on the TV. I don't as all it does is stir fears and adds nothing. We've done all we can do so no amount of information is going to help.
Please say a prayer for all of us as it's all we have left.
Waiting it out in "God's country". Completed a new house on the lake in November, built as well as possible, should not have a problem. Still, building a solid concrete safe room in the house definitely was a good move. More worried about the mill. Hydraulic hose blew on the loader doing prep work, other loader has bad head gasket. No chance to repair hose so a lot more lumber and equipment is exposed than should be. Also, have a couple of mobile home rentals, new roofs on them ,so hopefully they will hold together. Most likely impact to us will be power loss. In 2004 we were hit with three hurricanes, average power loss was over a week. With a slow week waiting on the storm and probably a week or so without power, plus potential damage to orders waiting for pickup, the wallet will take a hit.
Florida and Raider Bill are definitely going to see the worst of it. Good luck to you guys and Caveman too.
Watching Harvey, Irma and Jose from up here in Canada - all I can say is: WOW!
It's been said by another, but I'll repeat it 'cause it's so true:
Forum people are the most practical, hardworking, problem solving savants that I've ever encountered.
You've done your best to get ready.
Hunker down, and work your networks once the storm passes.
Best wishes to all of you - wish I could do more!
Right now the winds picking up and we are getting bands of rain. Billy just told me that once the winds hit 40MPH steady emergency crews will not be responding to calls. He's at a city response shelter with his cot set up between a couple "cute" girls. Figures they may need comforting when the SHTF :D
Here's a pix he just sent me
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14445/8710.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1505061137)
Sure hope the Babies come through this ok.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14445/20170906_173425.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1505061151)
I'll check in until I can't.
I went out and walked around a little while ago. Parked my Dad's F150 in front of my garage door, backed my wife's suburban up to the inside of the garage door, which faces north.
My youngest daughter and I stood under the eave of the house and looked to the north east. The very crooked live oak was blown so significantly by Hurricane Jeanne in 2004 that some of the limbs touched the ground but it was only about 3"-4" dbh then.
I expect the scene to be significantly different tomorrow. Just spending time with family and reading A Land Remembered with daughter.
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The strongest winds of the day just went thru. Also a tornado just passed a couple miles away.
I have the same sentiments as Florida about too much weather reporting. I made my wife turn on Overhauling. They're doing an AMC on this show. Everyone stay safe.
Winds are picking up with heavier bands of rain. the eye just hit Naples which is about 180 miles south of us. Member Florida is next then caveman and us.
When in Rome...
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It looks like a big snake trying to eat Florida when you view the
Wind History of Hurricane Irma (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT11/refresh/AL112017_wind_history+png/214156_wind_history.png).
Time is crawling, waiting for news from people -- can't imagine how slow it passes for those being hammered by it.
DanG and WDH are in the path too.
Wind and rain is really picking up. Still have power though.
Member Florida is in the middle of it right now.
The storm has sucked almost all the water out of tampa bay. Big boats are sitting on mud.
All first responders including fire and police, power co, public works etc are restricted to shelters and stations. They will not respond to any calls for service until the winds get to 45 mph sustained or less.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers! It make sudden right turn that kept us out of the southeast winds. We had steady 70 or 80 mph winds and gusts over 100. Power went out early but we've managed on the generator pretty well. Actually kept the garage door open until the wind hit about 70 since the wind was from the north and the garage door faces east. It was thrilling to stand there and see the power of it all. Later we went onto the back porch while the 100 mph gusts were blowing but we could have had a picnic.
The creek is out of the banks and had me worried but we've come through fine. Screens on the pool cage are shredded but I did slash about half of them to save the frame.
Just saw that the eye has collapsed so it's pretty much over for everyone! Praise God! I hope all my fellow Floridian came through as well.
I'll post some video as soon as I can
Was planning on watching the Jaquars play Houston today. No such luck. Hurricane coverage wall to wall. The Jags were dominant too! Do you know how long that has been?
Looking like Caveman is next. Eye is moving in his direction.
I hope caveman will be okay. It's falling apart pretty fast and wind speeds are dropping
Just got word from my niece in Cape Coral they are ok. Some tree damage but they still have power. Can rest a little easier now. Hope everyone fairs ok.
Transformers popping all over now. Lost our power. Very windy
Winds around 45-50mph and some rain. Awakened by a large limb falling onto the house off of the live oak tree. I can hear stuff hitting the tins covering slabs in the back. I have them weighted down and tied down with auger-type anchors. Just had another chunk of limb hit the roof. They put a big bulb on the weather map to show the area covered by the winds and rain. It's huge. Winds are projected to slow down to the high 30s down to the low 30s over the next few hours. I heard a transformer blow about an hour ago and one of the neighbors didn't secure his trash can and it's now travelling around the neighborhood. He evacuated several days ago. Neighbor across the street is a cameraman with one of the local news stations and he is out and about. His family evacuated Friday. Had another neighbor who went to one of the local hotels for Saturday night and was back home last night. I think the sticker shock was too much for him - $285 per night.
Still blustery here but I think the eye passed over around 130-2 am. I went outside briefly following. I forgot temporarily that fire ants cluster and float around. After my quick survey, they reminded me. We lost power about 1135- I expect to be without for a week or two. When the sun rises, I will go out and do a proper survey and start the generator shuffle between my house, my parents' and our shop ( the emergency beer and grouper/snapper fillets are I. The shop refrigerators/freezers. Thank you for thoughts and prayers. The power and enormity of this storm are phenomenal.
Now headed to Dan G territory
Breezy and raining here. Wind at 25 mph gusting to 40. I'm on the "weak" side with the eye passing 100 miles east of me. I don't expect it to get much worse than it is right now.
Here's the weird thing: There is a lot of talk about the storm surge. The coastline in this area is having a reverse surge. The storm has sucked the water out of the rivers and bays but we will not have the reversing of the wind to push it back in like they did down south. Day is about to break, so it will be interesting to see if it has come back yet.
Be Safe
Just after my last post a very large limb came down in the back. It appears that it hit the ground first and then laid on the corner of the house. Hope its the limb I spied yesterday that appeared to have a dead section of it but it was too late for me to take care of it. Lots of other limbs, mainly small, have been hitting the roof. Others around us have lost power. Probably just a matter of time before we lose ours. During Hurricane Matthew we were without power for 7 days. Have plenty of gas/propane for the generator to get us through a day or 2. We try not to have much to worry about due to loses during the past 2 storms. My old Mosins are ready just in case we have looters who decide to prowl the neighborhood. One shot and the flame/smoke will scare most of them away. If not, it holds a few more rounds.
Just a stray thought but , Florida already had drinking water problems ?
I haven't kept up with the hurricane situation the last couple days but from what I've heared there are several right-of-way crews from my area headed towards Georgia to assist in cleanup.
We survived. Power out. Poor cell service. Trees down , one self loaded on my flatbed trailer. Tried to get to mill but road was blocked. Eye came close reports of 115 mph winds here. I can believe it. Up all night mostly on front stoop watching.
Not been bad here but guys are working hard to guy customers back
https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/38763/IMG_1449~0.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1505144514
Thanks
Buck
Mark, I tried to call you to check on your situation but I guess I only have your work number. Lots of trees and power lines down. I will try to post pictures soon. Clearing roads, jockeying generator and checking on neighbors. I think the eye passed over us and it is still quite windy here.
Quote from: ellmoe on September 11, 2017, 11:39:36 AM
We survived. Power out. Poor cell service. Trees down , one self loaded on my flatbed trailer. Tried to get to mill but road was blocked. Eye came close reports of 115 mph winds here. I can believe it. Up all night mostly on front stoop watching.
I haul grain to an elevator every fall that sits on top of a wide open hill, one fall day was particularly windy, they had it clocked at 70+ mph, I was there that day, I can't imagine what 115 would feel like! Hope everyone is fairing well and doesn't have too much major damage.
We have a lot of tree limbs down but no damage to the house. It sheared two treetops off. One of them is dangling precariously at the 20 foot level and will be a challenge. Our mailbox is down along with a few others on the street. Everybody is cleaning up already. I did some but quit when it got over 90 degrees. Took some storm panels off to allow some breeze in. The wind is still whipping. I uprighted a palm tree that was listing at my daughter's house with a tow strap and my Dodge. My phone isn't accepting a charge so I lost my internet tether. No power either so we came back to my daughter's place for now.
Hope everybody in it's way is okay.
I had a text from Raider Bill early this morning saying they had made it through okay, but nothing since.
Minor damage to the house, soffit fascia. Lots of tree branches and fence panels down. No power.
My employee keli who is staying with us lost her roof.
Wild Bill good, downed tree took out a shed but missed his bee hives. He m lost fence panels too.
Small tornado went through abot 300 yards behind the H ouse uprooting trees in its path.
All in all except for out of power doing ok. Plenty of supplies and gen gas.
My rentals did ok too. Some minor damage but all good in da hood
Bill I can remember you saying , " the last person to leave NY turn out the lights ." are you still glad you left NY ?
Located NW of Tampa, Hernando Co. No damage at all. Only 12 hour loss of power overnight and a.m., Sept. 10/11. I thought it might be pretty bad. All is well for us.
Shotgun
glad everyone is ok
Looks like an awfully big area of tropical storm winds (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT11/refresh/AL112017_current_wind+png/212313_current_wind_sm.png) still.
Just windy and raining all day today. Pretty strong wind gusts but nothing alarming. It appears that all of our FF buddies made it through. I hope so. Love you guys.
Here in Southwest Virginia we are getting some wind and light rain off the storm. Hard to believe a storm centered hundreds of miles away is touching us.
Still no power. Had no cell service till 2am. Woke up from all the text message alarms hitting the phone. Mobile home rentals unscathed but my old home that I have been updating had two large laurel oaks blow down. One crushed my aluminum structure over my back patio and punched at least one hole in the roof. Nothing structural at the mill but a lot of kd lumber got wet Overall we were lucky Now if we can just get power in the next couple of days.
We lost power early yesterday morning and cable/internet shortly after that. I used the generator for the refrigerators until the propane ran out. Fill up with gas, fired it up and the power came on. Had a large limb come down from the old live oak. It appears to have landed on the ground and laid up against the roof the office/sun room. I'll check that out today. Need to keep an eye on what Jose is doing but for now it looks like its going further North than us. Blew debris off my driveway and 2 other neighbor driveways yesterday evening. Funny I was talking the my elderly neighbor when I saw his garage light come on, thought his wife was coming out and then it dawned on me that the power had just come on. He had loaned his generator out to someone who had a medical need.
We got power back at 5:30am. It's going to be a long road back for some areas and folks. One foot in front of the other.
Please pray for the work safety for the thousands of Engineers, Linesmen and Service Technicians that will be traveling to the affected areas to restore power, telephone, and other services. Convoys of workers are already headed South and into the damaged stricken areas. They are now displaced from their homes and families and will be living and working under sometimes dangerous and adverse conditions.
Quote from: Mooseherder on September 12, 2017, 07:51:23 AM
We got power back at 5:30am. It's going to be a long road back for some areas and folks. One foot in front of the other.
That's the best news I've heard all day! 8)
Amen Lynn. It's amazing what those people accomplish in such a short time and that much devastation to work around. Thanks everyone for checking in also, we've been praying for you all here.
Agree MM.
We went up to Va. last Thursday up I77. We met many convoys of tree and line crews heading south at that time. They mobilize early to travel and get into position.
Sam,
If you'd kept on coming up I-77 you'd have made it up to here. Some of the crews you saw may have been ours. I talked to a retired friend from the power company and he told me about another mutual friend still working there. Said he and his team had headed south. They were to get further destination instructions en route. He said they had spent a lot of time the last few years on the road responding to such events. I'm glad they are there. I worry about them especially with inexperienced people incorrectly hooking up gensets that backfeed into the power lines. Every year electricians get killed from such mistakes.
I've never understood the backfeeding thing. One time, many years ago in another of our many power outages here in north Appalachia, I made a quick mistake and forgot to disconnect from the grid before sending power out from the generator. The generator died immediately. It was such a massive load it was impossible to describe. In less than half a second there was silence. With this experience I have a hard time understanding how anyone can backfeed into the grid. Can somebody explain? Is backfeeding into the grid a myth?
This is my thought: if I try to backfeed into the grid, I'm now trying to power every single home that's hooked into the power lines going up and down the road. All of these homes are switched on waiting for the power to come on, begging for power. I try to supply that power with a home sized generator and it simply can't.
Plus the transformer on the pole that brings the power down to 240 from whatever it is in the main lines. Can I send power back through that transformer the other way? Does it take my 240 I'm making with my generator and bump it up to whatever is in the main lines?
This backfeeding don't make no sense. ???
I'm not a lineman but I do know after several really bad ice storms in one winter if they catch you doing it they not only fry your generator but you'll also be the last to get service back. I don't blame them one bit, I'm just guessing here but I don't think it would feed back through a transformer but if you were the one working on the line between your generator and that transformer?? I have no idea really but it's a good point and question. That particular winter we had a LOT of service trucks stuck in ditches and on the ice, all you had to do was thank them and tell them where the tractors/chains were if you weren't around just grab one and use it, service was much better that way rather than energizing a dead line they were working on. They were working in miserable conditions (as we all were) and a lot of folks without power for a few weeks but they get it done! My hats off to all the folks doing this and all the cleanup, not an easy job to say the least.
A generator can feed back through the transformer to the primary line stepping up to fatal levels. Our local REMC's stress this when installing a generator. The ONLY safe way is to install a transfer switch between the meter and your home. This disconnects the feed from the power company and transfers it to the generator. These can be automatic or manual. Never connect the generator directly to your distribution panel or feed through a receptacle like a dryer receptacle.
Yes an alternating current transformer works both ways. A 12kv transformer normally has 7200 volts coming in the high (line) side and 120 and 240 volts coming out the low ( load) side to your house. If you put 120 volts in the load side with your generator you just put 7200 volt back out on the line at however many amps your generator can stand. The windings in the transformer are at a ratio and not hard wired but the voltage is induced from one side to the other
We have fellow utility workers get killed every year. Remember it's not dead til it's grounded
Thanks
Buck
And while it's true that if you are trying to drive a significant part of the national grid, then your generator is going to trip out instantly.
But if the line is broken at the nearest transformer, then the load may be something the generator can handle, you and your neighbour only. And you are making many thousands of volts on the high voltage side of the transformer, on lines that "should" be dead.
Now the linesmen should be testing and grounding lines as they are working, but mistakes happen, and if you accidentally grab an 11kv line, you end up dead.
Thank you guys for clarifying that (or at least in my simple mind sort of), my best friend through highschool is a linesman and I see what you all do, I have trouble with electric fences ::).
We hear a lot about fuel shortages and people being upset . Just imagine if the're is an Alcohol shortage.
i don't get the fuel shortage thing one person say we are all most empty and 2 more say lots keep using ???
Tampa used to receive 12,000,000 gallons a day until last week. Also other ports on the east coast stopped receiving Fuel .
Crews move early so they can start soon after it is safe to do so. It is tricky to try and time and determine when and where to move crews to but utilities can not wait too long particularly when requesting crews from distances way. Plus they must set up logistics for housing and feeding.
Quote from: Ianab on September 12, 2017, 04:34:12 PM
And while it's true that if you are trying to drive a significant part of the national grid, then your generator is going to trip out instantly.
But if the line is broken at the nearest transformer, then the load may be something the generator can handle, you and your neighbour only. And you are making many thousands of volts on the high voltage side of the transformer, on lines that "should" be dead.
Now the linesmen should be testing and grounding lines as they are working, but mistakes happen, and if you accidentally grab an 11kv line, you end up dead.
Thanks for this explanation, lanab. It finally makes sense to me! It is so simple now that it's spelled out for me and I'm a little embarrassed that it didn't come to me before now.
I had a friend down in the SE corner of VA who said their power company had a collar they would put on under the meter that served as a disconnect like a transfer switch. It had a plug-in spot to connect your genset and an indicator light which, if I remember correctly, came on when the prime power was back on. I think you had to go disconnect your genset before prime power could flow through the unit so it was not an automatic action like the transfer switch on my whole house Guardian/Generac set does. The collar arrangement made sure the power could not backfeed from the genset to the utility lines.
Linemen are a special kind of insane. They'll climb out of a warm bed in the middle of the night to go out into blowing wind, snow, ice, rain or whatever is out there and work on damaged power lines that most of us don't want to get near when they're in perfect order.
When the big ice storm tore up Kentucky in 2009, we were among the lucky ones and only went without electricity for 7 days. This whole area was knocked back to the time before TVA, in the 1930s. A crew from Yazoo City, Mississippi picked their way through ice-covered, broken and bowed trees to re-hang wires to the transformer. Tinkling and cracking noises followed their truck's passage as it brushed limbs hanging low over the road. They accepted hot coffee but didn't waste any time getting the lines up and moving on restore power to someone else desperate for it.
Yesterday morning, I sat on my porch and watched low-flying, puffy dark clouds scudding along at high speed from northeast to southwest. That's 180 degrees wrong for here. People on the other side of the Appalachians get nor'easters. We get leftover battles from the Gulf, the plains and Canada -- all from the western half of the compass. Irma must've been a monster to turn things that far out of whack.
May the good folks who run toward trouble get you Floridians back to something resembling normalcy real quick.
We got our power back late yesterday afternoon. minor damage to my house soffit and fascia. lost some fence panels and posts. Every 4x4 that was cemented into the ground snapped off at the concrete. Those that were just sunk in dirt did not. Lost 5 ornamental trees.
Wild Bill lost a china berry tree that crashed into a metal shed. Luckily it missed his bee hives. He never lost power.
About 10 Electric service trucks from Dayton power and light in Ohio came into our neighborhood yesterday afternoon. The Foreman said they wouldn't be leaving until we had power.
Keli lost her roof so she, her BF and Mother will be with us for awhile.
Minor damage to my rentals. Lost a porch roof, picture window and some roof shingles.
All in all we did good.
The storm making a turn to the east and losing steam saved us. Had it continued on the projected course up the west coast as a cat 4 would have been devastating.
It's going to be a three shirt day cleaning up. :(
My phone is still out but I'm in no mood to go and deal with it.
Glad all who checked in so far are OK with only power outages minimal damage and no personal injury.
I'm back up and running. A BIG THANKS TO ALL THE LINEMEN.
It could have been way worse so I am not going to complain.
I just went out to pick up my friend Charleys remains. There were 25-30 out of town power co line trucks parked in the Lowes lot and and 15-20 out of state ambulances at the county EOC.
Still many without power around here.
Suns out and not a cloud in the sky. I'm actually going to have to turn on my lawn sprinklers tonight.
Got my power back about noon today. No damage on my place that I have seen yet, just twigs and small branches down everywhere. I basically had a 52 hour refresher course in electric power appreciation! :)
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Well, I'm glad that is over with and everyone got through it. Now the cleanup and fix up, work safe.
We usually get water of those storms up here, but so far nothing significant and been sunny here for a week. No water in sight.
Kbeitz - there will be some Canadian pole dancers joining the clean-up crews:
http://globalnews.ca/news/3725262/nb-crews-florida-hurricane-irma/
Hats off to our Southern friends - it looks like you've managed a natural disaster with flying colours!
We have been wide open for ththe last three days here in savannah, GA. Looks like we have about got it all back on but we will be moving south to bunswick where there is still 25,000 out
Thanks
Buck
In Brunswick, allow me to suggest Southern Soul BBQ on St Simons. If you find yourself over that way.
I for one very much appreciate the power line folks. So bucknwfl, thank you very much. I've spent the week so far helping other folks get their properties cleaned up. One person said she thought this storm was worse than others. I can only compare to Hurricane Matthew and Savannah got it's rear-end kicked with that storm I haven't seen the level of damage from Irma that compares to Matthew. The big live oak limb that fell actually hit the ground first and then laid against the roof. I whacked at it yesterday and the only damage is a divot in the ground. Everyone be safe and we'll continue special prayers for those very much hurt by this storm.
They are working like dogs here with 185k still without power in Pinellas county.
Watched a caravan of out of state ambulances and rescue trucks head back north yesterday. There were probably 50 all in a line lights and sirens people were waving. Quite a sight.
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Thanks savannahdan
Buck
Andries,
During Hurricane Matthew I worked with some of the Gagnon crews from NB. They were a great group of hard working guys. Some where retired that come back and work during storms like this. They all hit ground running and after finishing one job were ready for the next.
They were on their way to Fl then as I recall but flooding and issues blocked their path and they were released to come help down near Darlington SC.
It is dangerous work and the linemen must stay focused. Thanks Bucknwfl and others!
Our son in law is a lineman. He worked 106 hours last week repairing hurricane damage. Restoring power to their last customer, they used a swamp buggy to haul in poles to an address in the Green Swamp.
Several of my neighbors and I had a lot of trees blown over or broken off but none of us had any significant structure damage. The ground was already saturated when Irma arrived. Irma blew for a long time and brought about an additional foot of rain.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/image~418.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1505173274) A few blown over and broken trees covering boat trailers and a shed.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/image~422.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1505173285) One of 8-10 oaks that took out the 80 something yo neighbor's electricity and access to her house. A couple of younger neighbors and I cleared a path to her house.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/image~423.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1505418664) This hawk had been hunkered down somewhere during the storm and was not going to be bothered by me.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/image~426.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1505173293) The cattle barn at school lost 25 or so metal roof panels.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/image~432.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1505417908) I still have to finish cleaning up this live oak that fell by the mill shed and kiln. This is kind of like petting a rattle snake with all of the tension and potentially dangerous situations removing limbs. You may be able to see one of our trailers which got smashed a bit by the tree when it split.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/22883/image~433.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1505418979) We have had two fires burning for nine days now getting rid of debris.
Internet and cable was finally restored today and all of my neighbors' have electricity again as of yesterday. I have not seen many pictures of SW Florida but I am certain they have a lot of damage based on the duration and the strength of the storm here. The school kids are sending a semi load of livestock/pet feed and supplies south next week.
Kyle, you are a fine man.
Thank you for the compliment Danny. I am glad to have reliable access to the FF again. This is the only day this week that I will get home from work early so I probably ought to go out and burn some more and retrieve my generator from a neighbor and see if my other neighbor wants some help with his trees (looked like a bomb went off on his 10 acres), and...
Anyone have any ambition to spare? A/C, electricity, internet, cable- I think they make us comfortable and soft- glad to have them all back.
We've had AC on up here for a few days, and it's only a humid 80's. Mighty nice to have. ;D
caveman,
Thanks for the update and photos! Take care when petting those rattlesnakes; don't want to read about further injuries in Irma's wake.
It's a shame those broken limbs and trees can't be sent north where it will soon be needed for firewood.
I went without power for about 24 hours, not an issue. Worst damage I know of in the family, is my cousin Calvin that suffered some minor damage to his businesses in St Marys Ga. There is a reason we call them the greatest generation. http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2017-09-20/st-marys-waterfront-91-year-old-calvin-lang-vows-rebuild-after-irma.
We still haven't had brush and limbs picked up.
Still a few people without power but not many.
There's not a fence panel, picket or 4x4 to be had.
I have to replace my fence. Lasted 25 years, time to go. I'm bummed. Looking at 400ft.
Thinking instead of buying panels I'm going to string 3 2x4x16's horizontally then deck screw pickets board on board to them.
Where do all the native wildlife go . You hear about a few displaced aligators and snakes moved during the flood like Jacksonville . When Super Storm Sandy hit parts of NYC , they expected to see dead rats . But they never found them most believe they went out into the ocean and drowned. Still no bodies ? Miami , Tampa and Jacksonville must have lost some animals . I think the Florida Keys lost 75% or more to the ocean . Just wondering.
That's a very good question, red, and one I've never thought about. ???
A steer that was owned by a student died at school a day or so after the storm due to injuries sustained in Irma. The frogs' chorus was not abated, even during the height of the storm, cicadas still do their thing, deer and turkeys are avoiding the flooded areas here, squirrels are still here but there may be few less of them, lizards and snakes seemed to fare well. The birds looked weary on the Monday morning after the big blow but they too managed. We are not on the coast but animals in general are pretty resilient when natural events are concerned.
Gators hunker down under water, Birds hang on tight. Rats go to washington
and the snakes go where the rats go. :D
They still haven't picked up the storm debris. We are getting regular twice a week trash pickup but all the storm debris sits in big piles everywhere.
Apparently the trucking companies that were contracted to do storm cleanup went south to Miami/lauderdale/wpb areas because they pay more.
Can't find anything to build a fence with yet but figure that will loosen up soon.
Lot's of under the table "contractors" from up north doing their magic tricks.
Just before it hit I went to the lumber yard to get 2 sheets of plywood, I told the guy I sure was glad I wasn't building a house and he said you don't want to be building anything right now, between the forest fires and the hurricanes. I believe him but still had to josh him a bit about his price gouging :D.
The debris hasn't been picked up here either. It's everywhere. They must of all contracted with FEMA in the Keys. I also have so much more to add to the pile but I am waiting for cooler weather to do the rest.
Debris is being picked up here now. I picked some cedar out of some debris piles last night. I have had one fire burning since Sept. 12 and another went out after 9-10 days. We just pushed the trees that fell across the road to the shoulder but we are burning most of the trees that blew over or broke off on our property (some are being saved for sawing).
If we tried to burn brush here the fire dept swat team would swoop down and anoint me with a massive fine.
Have chippers been running ever since Irma?
Hope some of those trees are salvageable.
I haven't seen a single chipper around here. Nothing in this area is salvageable. Water and live oak mostly.
Raider, just tell them when they come to douse your flames that they are of a ceremonial fire that you later intend to cook on.
I finished picking up the mess today. Now have to trim the damaged limbs and fronds that didn't fall.
We burn here usually with no issue. Going to burn it in a few minutes. ;)
Bill only burns with bull dozers
Even a small home depot firepit can get you a visit from the FD. Like Caveman says the trick is to have a pack of hotdogs ready for when they show up. You just say it's a cooking fire and they will move on as long as the fire is within reason.
Now the newest thing I'm seeing is Guys with cheap Home depot/lowes flat trailers are standing 8ft sheets of plywood on end around the outside, filling them with brush and hauling to the dump. Contractors are hiring about anyone with this setup. I saw a 6x12 being pulled by a santa fe this morning filled to the top.
Spoke with a city worker who told me they had contracts with companies to take care of the debris at $9 something a yard or ton [he wasn't sure which] but down south they are paying $13 per.
A crew picked up our brush and limbs by the road this morning. They were from Arkansas.
One of the men said they get paid by the yard. The equipment was faster than the pickups hauling Big tex trailers with improvised high sided plywood could get back for. They had a smaller telehandler and skidsteer tracked with grapples. They have plenty more weeks of work ahead.
Wonder how they figure a yard? Depending on what the load is could be dense or tight packed.
Largo's been hiring about anyone with a chipper or trailer to haul the chips. Not near me yet though.
When one truck got back the operator asked the driver how much was the previous load. He replied 85 and they high-fived. I thought no way 85 yards in a big tex trailer but who knows. ???
Maybe it was 85 dollars.
Do yours have a placard on the side that says DRC and some numbers? Everyone I've seen so far does but not sure if it is a local thing or some kind of government agency.
Quote from: Mooseherder on October 03, 2017, 02:18:25 PM
When one truck got back the operator asked the driver how much was the previous load. He replied 85 and they high-fived. I thought no way 85 yards in a big tex trailer but who knows. ???
Maybe it was 85 dollars.
You can get 50 yds in a container 22.5 feet long by 8 feet wide by 6 feet high.
Depending on how it's packed a yard isn't equal. Some guys are hauling chips, others brush.
I've got to nose around more and see what's up.
The guy I talked with did have a company logo on his helmet but I didn't pay attention to what it was.
Our dump is "scaled" by weight.
I spoke with a guy pulling one of the trailers yesterday. He said they are not pulling to the county dump as they will not allow these rigs in. They are pulling to a open area the city owns, dumping there, then the city is mulching the debris and gets reimbursed by FEMA per ton. He gets paid $9.50 a yard. Didn't know what FEMA pays per ton. He also says that he has no control over how much gets loaded.
I drove by the yard and there are mountains of debris I'd say at least 40ft tall and separated by content. Tree debris, fence panels, metal etc.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14445/20171003_174344.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1507121245)