I haven't seen any updates from Dominica this morning but I'm guessing they are in bad shape.

It's tough to say for sure but there is a chance that Maria stays just off the east coast of Puerto Rico and spares them a direct hit. It does look like the Virgin Islands (both U.S. and British) are going to get pounded. But if Maria stays east of Puerto Rico, it's not as big of a storm as Irma and the truly dangerous winds are fairly tight so it may not be catastrophic for Puerto Rico. It will be bad but the death toll might be lower if they luck out a bit. Either way, Wednesday will be their day of reckoning. I think I may have mentioned today in an earlier post. At least that will give those islands an extra day to prepare (although the Virgin Islands are so small that it's tough to do much to avoid a full-on hit).

These type storms have been happening decade after decade. It's just that now theses areas and barrier islands are inhabited and have built expensive homes, resorts ...... Chicken Little where are you???

(09-18-2017 05:51 PM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  http://joannenova.com.au/2017/09/hurrica...verywhere/

Good read.

Lot's of interesting stuff there. Never heard of that site, thanks for posting.

(09-19-2017 10:57 AM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  I haven't seen any updates from Dominica this morning but I'm guessing they are in bad shape.

It's tough to say for sure but there is a chance that Maria stays just off the east coast of Puerto Rico and spares them a direct hit. It does look like the Virgin Islands (both U.S. and British) are going to get pounded. But if Maria stays east of Puerto Rico, it's not as big of a storm as Irma and the truly dangerous winds are fairly tight so it may not be catastrophic for Puerto Rico. It will be bad but the death toll might be lower if they luck out a bit. Either way, Wednesday will be their day of reckoning. I think I may have mentioned today in an earlier post. At least that will give those islands an extra day to prepare (although the Virgin Islands are so small that it's tough to do much to avoid a full-on hit).

Compounding schit, a lot of the people from some of those smaller places Barbuda, Culebra, St Martin and others had evacuated to Puerto Rico to take shelter. They're still there, a lot of them anyway.

Their Governor did say the codes in PR are pretty tight/strict (maybe they have to comply with US laws?), so they can withstand things a bit better, but still.

Another deadly storm hitting these islands.


And Mejico City has another whopper of an earthquake... Wow.

(09-19-2017 11:10 AM)South Carolina Duke Wrote:  These type storms have been happening decade after decade. It's just that now theses areas and barrier islands are inhabited and have built expensive homes, resorts ...... Chicken Little where are you???

If I were going to build something down there, the living area is going to be elevated 12-15' and it is going to be cinder blocks. Then you really tie down the roof with best methods possible.

(09-19-2017 10:57 AM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  I haven't seen any updates from Dominica this morning but I'm guessing they are in bad shape.

It's tough to say for sure but there is a chance that Maria stays just off the east coast of Puerto Rico and spares them a direct hit. It does look like the Virgin Islands (both U.S. and British) are going to get pounded. But if Maria stays east of Puerto Rico, it's not as big of a storm as Irma and the truly dangerous winds are fairly tight so it may not be catastrophic for Puerto Rico. It will be bad but the death toll might be lower if they luck out a bit. Either way, Wednesday will be their day of reckoning. I think I may have mentioned today in an earlier post. At least that will give those islands an extra day to prepare (although the Virgin Islands are so small that it's tough to do much to avoid a full-on hit).

Puerto Rico is expecting it to be pretty bad on the south and east sides of the island.

(09-19-2017 04:19 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(09-19-2017 10:57 AM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  I haven't seen any updates from Dominica this morning but I'm guessing they are in bad shape.

It's tough to say for sure but there is a chance that Maria stays just off the east coast of Puerto Rico and spares them a direct hit. It does look like the Virgin Islands (both U.S. and British) are going to get pounded. But if Maria stays east of Puerto Rico, it's not as big of a storm as Irma and the truly dangerous winds are fairly tight so it may not be catastrophic for Puerto Rico. It will be bad but the death toll might be lower if they luck out a bit. Either way, Wednesday will be their day of reckoning. I think I may have mentioned today in an earlier post. At least that will give those islands an extra day to prepare (although the Virgin Islands are so small that it's tough to do much to avoid a full-on hit).

Puerto Rico is expecting it to be pretty bad on the south and east sides of the island.

Yup. They may be taking their first real ground zero hit in something like 85 years. Pretty remarkable, really. Considering where they are.

This how you build, even in USA hurricane zone.

(09-19-2017 04:39 PM)SuperFlyBCat Wrote:  This how you build, even in USA hurricane zone.

Protects you against average hurricanes, but a Cat 4 or 5 is going to ravage anything.

One of the big country singers, I forget which, commented on his house that was built with top of the line materials in the USVI being devastated by Irma. I'm sure it withstood the storm better than an average home, but it apparently received substantial damage.

(09-19-2017 05:03 PM)Niner National Wrote:  

(09-19-2017 04:39 PM)SuperFlyBCat Wrote:  This how you build, even in USA hurricane zone.

Protects you against average hurricanes, but a Cat 4 or 5 is going to ravage anything.

One of the big country singers, I forget which, commented on his house that was built with top of the line materials in the USVI being devastated by Irma. I'm sure it withstood the storm better than an average home, but it apparently received substantial damage.

post that if you can find it. thanks

In that photo, I'd be worried still about storm surge and flooding. The building may do okay but unless it's at the top of a hill (and I do see a little brush above the home), it still looks susceptible to flooding. Even if they're well away from the coast, that's a huge killer in the hurricane.

Puerto Rico isn't going to be spared unfortunately. Maria making landfall this morning as an extremely dangerous cat 4 (it did go down from cat 5 but is there much difference between 165 and 180 mph winds?). And it's hitting the east side of the island which is less hilly and unfortunately San Juan will get a direct hit. That's 600K people (maybe more if people are sheltering there), which probably makes it the largest city to get a direct hit from a hurricane in this very busy month of major hurricane activity.

(09-20-2017 05:36 AM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  In that photo, I'd be worried still about storm surge and flooding. The building may do okay but unless it's at the top of a hill (and I do see a little brush above the home), it still looks susceptible to flooding. Even if they're well away from the coast, that's a huge killer in the hurricane.

Puerto Rico isn't going to be spared unfortunately. Maria making landfall this morning as an extremely dangerous cat 4 (it did go down from cat 5 but is there much difference between 165 and 180 mph winds?). And it's hitting the east side of the island which is less hilly and unfortunately San Juan will get a direct hit. That's 600K people (maybe more if people are sheltering there), which probably makes it the largest city to get a direct hit from a hurricane in this very busy month of major hurricane activity.

Like I said in my prior post the first floor is vacant, storage/garage. Living area is above that.

No doubt I'll piss some people off with this statement, but it's my opinion. I have a very difficult time rationalizing people who intentionally build homes in areas that are in areas with high hurricane activity. Also, can't rationalize the logic to build homes in known flood plains as well. Anyone who suffers severe damage from a bad hurricane or epic flood should be helped out...HOWEVER, they have to rebuild in an area that is NOT IN A HURRICANE ZONE OR ON A FLOOD PLAIN!!!

Rebuilding people's homes in the exact same places that were seriously damaged will likely result in them needing more assistance later when the next one hits. I feel bad for those living in the islands who have no choice but to live there. But in the U.S., we should know better.

(09-20-2017 08:01 AM)miko33 Wrote:  No doubt I'll piss some people off with this statement, but it's my opinion. I have a very difficult time rationalizing people who intentionally build homes in areas that are in areas with high hurricane activity. Also, can't rationalize the logic to build homes in known flood plains as well. Anyone who suffers severe damage from a bad hurricane or epic flood should be helped out...HOWEVER, they have to rebuild in an area that is NOT IN A HURRICANE ZONE OR ON A FLOOD PLAIN!!!

Rebuilding people's homes in the exact same places that were seriously damaged will likely result in them needing more assistance later when the next one hits. I feel bad for those living in the islands who have no choice but to live there. But in the U.S., we should know better.

I get what you are saying but folks have lived along the coast since the beginning of civilization. You want folks to stop building/living on the coast then make insurance unavailable. Not saying I agree with that, but that would do it, IMO.

(09-20-2017 08:46 AM)VA49er Wrote:  

(09-20-2017 08:01 AM)miko33 Wrote:  No doubt I'll piss some people off with this statement, but it's my opinion. I have a very difficult time rationalizing people who intentionally build homes in areas that are in areas with high hurricane activity. Also, can't rationalize the logic to build homes in known flood plains as well. Anyone who suffers severe damage from a bad hurricane or epic flood should be helped out...HOWEVER, they have to rebuild in an area that is NOT IN A HURRICANE ZONE OR ON A FLOOD PLAIN!!!

Rebuilding people's homes in the exact same places that were seriously damaged will likely result in them needing more assistance later when the next one hits. I feel bad for those living in the islands who have no choice but to live there. But in the U.S., we should know better.

I get what you are saying but folks have lived along the coast since the beginning of civilization. You want folks to stop building/living on the coast then make insurance unavailable. Not saying I agree with that, but that would do it, IMO.

What if the insurance companies weren't allowed to spread the risk? Still make insurance available but make make it astronomical. Why do people in Wisconsin have to partially foot the bill for a hurricane in Texas?

(09-20-2017 08:52 AM)Dasville Wrote:  

(09-20-2017 08:46 AM)VA49er Wrote:  

(09-20-2017 08:01 AM)miko33 Wrote:  No doubt I'll piss some people off with this statement, but it's my opinion. I have a very difficult time rationalizing people who intentionally build homes in areas that are in areas with high hurricane activity. Also, can't rationalize the logic to build homes in known flood plains as well. Anyone who suffers severe damage from a bad hurricane or epic flood should be helped out...HOWEVER, they have to rebuild in an area that is NOT IN A HURRICANE ZONE OR ON A FLOOD PLAIN!!!

Rebuilding people's homes in the exact same places that were seriously damaged will likely result in them needing more assistance later when the next one hits. I feel bad for those living in the islands who have no choice but to live there. But in the U.S., we should know better.

I get what you are saying but folks have lived along the coast since the beginning of civilization. You want folks to stop building/living on the coast then make insurance unavailable. Not saying I agree with that, but that would do it, IMO.

What if the insurance companies weren't allowed to spread the risk? Still make insurance available but make make it astronomical. Why do people in Wisconsin have to partially foot the bill for a hurricane in Texas?

From my understanding hurricane insurance isn't cheap as is and then folks have to add flood insurance. Granted, lots of those folks can afford it so they'll pay the high rates. I believe after the NC hurricane in the 90s (I forget which one) an insurance company or two decided either to cancel or not underwrite insurance policies along the coast. As far as distributing the costs, same goes with all insurance. I wish I didn't have to pay for crappy drivers but I do, etc.

(09-20-2017 08:01 AM)miko33 Wrote:  No doubt I'll piss some people off with this statement, but it's my opinion. I have a very difficult time rationalizing people who intentionally build homes in areas that are in areas with high hurricane activity. Also, can't rationalize the logic to build homes in known flood plains as well. Anyone who suffers severe damage from a bad hurricane or epic flood should be helped out...HOWEVER, they have to rebuild in an area that is NOT IN A HURRICANE ZONE OR ON A FLOOD PLAIN!!!

Rebuilding people's homes in the exact same places that were seriously damaged will likely result in them needing more assistance later when the next one hits. I feel bad for those living in the islands who have no choice but to live there. But in the U.S., we should know better.

Yes

We're still feeling the impact of Irma. A tree fell down the street this morning, knocking out power for some people (not us fortunately). They expect some weakened trees to continue to fall.

(09-20-2017 08:46 AM)VA49er Wrote:  

(09-20-2017 08:01 AM)miko33 Wrote:  No doubt I'll piss some people off with this statement, but it's my opinion. I have a very difficult time rationalizing people who intentionally build homes in areas that are in areas with high hurricane activity. Also, can't rationalize the logic to build homes in known flood plains as well. Anyone who suffers severe damage from a bad hurricane or epic flood should be helped out...HOWEVER, they have to rebuild in an area that is NOT IN A HURRICANE ZONE OR ON A FLOOD PLAIN!!!

Rebuilding people's homes in the exact same places that were seriously damaged will likely result in them needing more assistance later when the next one hits. I feel bad for those living in the islands who have no choice but to live there. But in the U.S., we should know better.

I get what you are saying but folks have lived along the coast since the beginning of civilization. You want folks to stop building/living on the coast then make insurance unavailable. Not saying I agree with that, but that would do it, IMO.

True, out of necessity people lived along the costs in the earliest civilizations - especially in regions with an arid interior. However, in the modern world (at least in the first world) people live along the coasts for the luxury of doing that. At least the majority of people do that. Add in the U.S. has a very hospitable climate away from the coasts and you really have zero excuse aside from wanting to live that coastal climate life. It's not a need to live there - it's a want.

(09-20-2017 11:42 AM)miko33 Wrote:  

(09-20-2017 08:46 AM)VA49er Wrote:  

(09-20-2017 08:01 AM)miko33 Wrote:  No doubt I'll piss some people off with this statement, but it's my opinion. I have a very difficult time rationalizing people who intentionally build homes in areas that are in areas with high hurricane activity. Also, can't rationalize the logic to build homes in known flood plains as well. Anyone who suffers severe damage from a bad hurricane or epic flood should be helped out...HOWEVER, they have to rebuild in an area that is NOT IN A HURRICANE ZONE OR ON A FLOOD PLAIN!!!

Rebuilding people's homes in the exact same places that were seriously damaged will likely result in them needing more assistance later when the next one hits. I feel bad for those living in the islands who have no choice but to live there. But in the U.S., we should know better.

I get what you are saying but folks have lived along the coast since the beginning of civilization. You want folks to stop building/living on the coast then make insurance unavailable. Not saying I agree with that, but that would do it, IMO.

True, out of necessity people lived along the costs in the earliest civilizations - especially in regions with an arid interior. However, in the modern world (at least in the first world) people live along the coasts for the luxury of doing that. At least the majority of people do that. Add in the U.S. has a very hospitable climate away from the coasts and you really have zero excuse aside from wanting to live that coastal climate life. It's not a need to live there - it's a want.

I agree; however, folks are free to choose if they want to live at the coast and choose to take the associated risks. If they can afford the risks, then I'm by no means the person to tell them they can't live at the beach.