Hurricane Irma Watch

[jmdx2]

I am sincerely asking this question out of ignorance after seeing the news this morning. Overhead footage of the congestion on the northbound Florida highways while the southbound lanes were largely empty makes me wonder why the authorities didn't arrange for lane reversal on some of the southbound lanes?

 

The news said that they were doing that. Guess it hasn't started yet.

[bUU]

Even when the cruise ships arrive back into port people may not have access to transportation. If they have cars there may be destroyed, no rental cars or shuttles

And their homes can be in ruins as well.

 

I am sincerely asking this question out of ignorance after seeing the news this morning. Overhead footage of the congestion on the northbound Florida highways while the southbound lanes were largely empty makes me wonder why the authorities didn't arrange for lane reversal on some of the southbound lanes?

I saw a backup on Google Traffic and investigated it: It was due to crashes and not excess cars, so there was no reasonable way to know in advance that the lane reversal was needed.

 

One of the reasons is to allow gasoline trucks to be able to head southbound to replenish supplies.

Another possible reason why they haven't activated the governor's plan for reversing lanes yet: I have a couple of friends either still on their way down to southern FL or on their way back after picking up 90 year old parents. If they have already reversed the lanes, then they wouldn't be able to get there to evacuate their parents.

[luckyinpa]

what are insurance rates like for homes in FL. i'm assuming not cheap. for instance i know a home that has a rebuild price of 400K would be around 900 to 1000 a year around where i live in PA.many variables to each policy but just wondering if policies in FL are a lot more as i suspect they are.

[luckyinpa]

We have a flight to FLL on Wed and Cruise is scheduled on 17th Sept but we are worried (as many other) that Irma would make very big damages as it look now (direct hit to area). How vulnerable Port Everglades or FLL is for hurricane damages? What about the major hotels next to Port (e.g. Hilton, Hyatt etc.)?

 

According the RCCI Chief meteorologist, Allure will sail if infrastructure damages does not prevent it. How fast do you think that RCCI will inform about the possible cancellations? Two days would be not enough for us because we would be traveling earlier than that.

 

speaking of hotels. what happens in a situation like this. no doubt any hotel is and will be full for a very long time. so if a 'new' traveler has a reservation, do they kick out the local or tell the new traveler sorry we have no rooms

[The Grumpus]

Enchantment of the Seas just left Port of Miami.

Saw this on FB a little while ago. Seems they're all buggin' out!

[BNBR]

what are insurance rates like for homes in FL. i'm assuming not cheap. for instance i know a home that has a rebuild price of 400K would be around 900 to 1000 a year around where i live in PA.many variables to each policy but just wondering if policies in FL are a lot more as i suspect they are.

 

Depends when the home is built and it's construction. When the codes changed after hurricane Andrew in 1992, most houses built after about 2002 were using much more modern and strict hurricane codes.

 

For example, I have 2 houses. One is built in the 1970's. It's solid, but obviously older codes. It's a pretty standard 3/2, probably not terribly expensive to rebuild. My other house is a very large house, grand, 15' ceilings, etc. Would cost a fortune to rebuild. 3X the price of the older house, easily, probably more. But this house was built in 2004. Both have the same insurance cost. In fact, I think the newer house might be a tad cheaper.

 

It also depends on where you live in Florida, how close to the ocean, etc. But if you are thinking about a suburb of Fort Lauderdale, away from the water... probably $2,500 - $4,000/year range.

 

Based on your price for Pennsylvania, I think our insurance is roughly 3X the price.

[capriccio]

speaking of hotels. what happens in a situation like this. no doubt any hotel is and will be full for a very long time. so if a 'new' traveler has a reservation, do they kick out the local or tell the new traveler sorry we have no rooms

 

Hotels in Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale east of Route 1 (which includes all the 17th street hotels near the port plus hotels along the intracoastal and the beach) are under mandatory evacuations because they are in the flood zone. They will not be able to reopen until the evacuation is lifted and any necessary repairs are made.

[bUU]

speaking of hotels. what happens in a situation like this. no doubt any hotel is and will be full for a very long time. so if a 'new' traveler has a reservation, do they kick out the local or tell the new traveler sorry we have no rooms

I suppose there might be some jurisdictions that have some weird rules, but in most places a hotel can rent you a room for a certain number of days and then expect you to leave even if you have no place to go. It might be more difficult if there is a travel ban in place, but if that's the case then the hotel isn't going to be expecting its reserved guests anyway.

[LMaxwell]

what are insurance rates like for homes in FL. i'm assuming not cheap. for instance i know a home that has a rebuild price of 400K would be around 900 to 1000 a year around where i live in PA.many variables to each policy but just wondering if policies in FL are a lot more as i suspect they are.

 

2500 sq ft under air, two story, 4 bedroom, total around 3900 sq feet with garage and patio spaces, pool. Our insurance just went up from $3800 last year to $4300 this year, never had a claim. And to put into perspective, we have paid for a wind mitigation inspection and we receive approx $3k discount due to having built in hurricane shutters, hurricane rated garage door, roof meets certain newer codes, etc.

 

I am on a lake, but not in a flood zone we can purchase FEMA flood cheap, which I do. $425 for something like $300K building and $80K contents.

 

And while not exactly building value, just to give an idea, zillow has my property estimate at around $420K.

 

I am in Palm Beach County

[researchfreak90]

Sailing out of Port Everglades October 22nd arriving in Ft. Lauderdale Airport october 18th. I knowits 40 days out but What effect do you think Irma and Jose will have on that sailing and surrounding Ft. Lauderdale area at that point?

[reallyitsmema]

No one can answer those questions until the storms pass.

[cot427]

N/A - merged posting.

Edited September 8, 2017 by cot427

[swoopy2110]

An absolutely un-answerable question

[watermusic101]

I've not heard this addressed, but I'm guessing they were waiting for the last 24 or 48 hours to do that.

 

Just heard on the news they were probably going to open southbound for northbound travel in next 6-12 hours after emergency supplies have been delivered. Of course only time will tell.

[cot427]

Just heard on the news they were probably going to open southbound for northbound travel in next 6-12 hours after emergency supplies have been delivered. Of course only time will tell.

 

I was just wondering if they ever do this. I was watching a live feed from a helicopter and only big semis were headed southbound. I guess once those cease they will open them up, which is great!

[Retired LEO]

This gas shortage thing is scary. I don't know how the people in Florida are expected to evacuate.

 

There is absolutely no gas shortage. The problem is that the tankers cant get to the gas stations fast enough. The tankers are being escorted through traffice by FHP. Florida has a priority on fuel delivery. Over 13 million gallons of fuel was delivered to Port of Tampa and Port Canaveral this morning for statewide distribution.

[Clarea]

There is absolutely no gas shortage. The problem is that the tankers cant get to the gas stations fast enough. The tankers are being escorted through traffice by FHP. Florida has a priority on fuel delivery. Over 13 million gallons of fuel was delivered to Port of Tampa and Port Canaveral this morning for statewide distribution.

You're correct, I used the wrong wrong term. All I know is that I have family in Florida and they are seeing gas stations without gas.

[Retired LEO]

You're correct, I used the wrong wrong term. All I know is that I have family in Florida and they are seeing gas stations without gas.

 

It's also gas and go. They're not allowing anyone to fill gas cans or anything else. Fill your vehicle and move on.

[dreadpirate3]

2PM update.

 

 

Sent from Middle Earth.

[vburke86]

what are insurance rates like for homes in FL. i'm assuming not cheap. for instance i know a home that has a rebuild price of 400K would be around 900 to 1000 a year around where i live in PA.many variables to each policy but just wondering if policies in FL are a lot more as i suspect they are.

 

 

 

My house value is approx $475k and my insurance is $2600 approx annually but my hurricane deductible is $22k everything else it's $5k

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[ONECRUISER]

Just heard on the news they were probably going to open southbound for northbound travel in next 6-12 hours after emergency supplies have been delivered. Of course only time will tell.

Florida Governor just said won't use counter flow, it impedes emergency vehicles. North on I-75 they are instead using emergency lane as extra traffic lane all the way to Georgia boarder...

[bUU]

Florida Governor just said won't use counter flow, it impedes emergency vehicles.

A politician breaking a promise - imagine that!

 

:D

 

(just kidding - his change of mind makes sense)

[CarpeCerevisi]

Florida Governor just said won't use counter flow, it impedes emergency vehicles. North on I-75 they are instead using emergency lane as extra traffic lane all the way to Georgia boarder...

 

 

 

All tolls have also been suspended. Saw that yesterday driving from Stuart to MCO. At least two of my neighbors in my condo building are staying, I wish them luck.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Milwaukee Eight]

This gas shortage thing is scary. I don't know how the people in Florida are expected to evacuate.

 

 

 

What we have learned. Keep cars topped off during Hurricane season.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[caribill]

I am sincerely asking this question out of ignorance after seeing the news this morning. Overhead footage of the congestion on the northbound Florida highways while the southbound lanes were largely empty makes me wonder why the authorities didn't arrange for lane reversal on some of the southbound lanes?

 

Governor said that the southbound lanes had to be going in that direction for emergency vehicles.

 

 

It would be quite difficult to safely have northbound travel on only some southbound lanes.