New projected path for Tropical Storm Isaac which is currently over the Florida Keys and heading into the Gulf....probably will turn into a Category 2 Hurricane but moving away from the Florida coast....heading for Louisiana and the Panhandle of Florida

I do not like that path at all!  Aug 29, 2005 Katrina devastated that same area.  While only projected to hit as a Cat 2.....it can still push lots of water where you don't want it :-((

 

Florida airports are starting to close...cancelling flights in Orlando and Miami is closed....They are still predicting Hurricane strength Isaac to hit between New Orleans and the Florida Panhandle....

Many of you know that since Katrina I have volunteered with an organization in Biloxi, Mississippi (The Back Bay Mission).  Isaac's current path will bring not only damaging winds, but heavy rains (up to 18") and storm surge up to 12 ft.   This is a serious storm for that area of the Gulf Coast which stretches from the western FL panhandle to west of New Orleans.  This same area received very severe damage from Katrina on Aug. 29, 2005.  Now, 7 years later, the area is preparing again for high water and winds.  Since Katrina thousands upon thousands of homes have been rebuilt to current hurricane standards.  Many homes are now elevated above what is called a "100 year flood stage".  But, many homes have not been elevated.  The rule put in place after Katrina was:  "If your home/business received greater than 50% damage your building must be elevated above the "100 year flood stage".  If you home/business received less than 50% damage your building could be restored at it's current elevation."  If you are not familiar with the area......many live at or just a few feet above sea level.  So surely, Isaac poses great danger to the population along the entire Gulf Coast.

Residents of the area have great "respect" for Tropical Storms and Hurricanes.  As they hurry to prepare their homes for Isaac and move their families to higher ground, lets put all our differences aside and pray for their safety as well as pray that Isaac does not life up to his potential.......

Thank you!!

VG, you couldn't have said it any better. Our son-in-law's parents live in Mississippi not far from the coast, and I know they're very concerned right now. All of those who are potentially in harm's way right now should be in our thoughts and prayers. And thanks to you for your volunteer efforts!

Thanks, pen......I have spent a total of 12 months(2-4 mos/year) as a volunteer in Biloxi since Katrina.  Because of my move last year, I wasn't able to go for more than one week.....however, I am headed there for the month of October and then in May 2013.  The Back Bay Mission is a wonderful organization.  Has been in Biloxi for 90 years.  Originally located were the hotel/casino IP currently is.....eminent domain forced them to move a couple miles away to Division St which runs parallel to the Miss. Sound (about 1/2 mi inland).  Katrina flooded from not only the MS Sound (Gulf of Mexico) but also from the Back Bay.  The campus of Back Bay Mission received 20 ft of storm surge and distroyed 6 or 7 buildings on site.  Two years ago they finished their reconstruction.....2 buildings completely new that replaced 5 smaller ones.  The administration building did not qualify for rebuilding, so is today the most vulnerable to a 12 ft storm surge. 

Many of the Mission's clients are homeless....and while preparing their buildings for Isaac, the staff have been scurrying to ensure their clients know of temporary shelters and providing transportation for them.  They are also prepared to provide water/food immediately after the storm subsides.  Once area damage is accessed and it is secure to bring in volunteers.......the network is in place to bring work crews in to help with any structural repairs homes in the area may need. 

It is sad.....so many have struggled in the area since Katrina.  Many are still waiting to put their lives back in order and now that hope dims once again.  But the folks of Mississippi are strong.....they are spiritual....they consider their entire state "family". 

Intermittently , all last night & today, extremely strong wind & raining  in sheets. I have a son working in Tampa (not w/the convention), talked to him around noon time, he said a little sun, very little rain.

500 plus flights out of Miami were cancelled yesterday. 

Just listening to the Weather Channel...they said the rain bands from Isaac are projected over 375 miles east of the actual eye of the storm.  They are now talking about tornado damage in Vero Beach, Fl which is on the East Coast of Florida above West Palm Beach

I live NE of Tampa and NW of Orlando.....we've been getting rain much of today, steady breeze.....tornado watches continue.  Right now the sun is trying to peek out!  But we are due for rain through tomorrow.  Isaac is a huge storm system.

They have just issued a coastal flood advisory for Tampa.