Living in Virginia Beach, it seems like every year we have a big scare like this, and we've been lucky enough to have near misses the entire 14 years I've lived here. One came close enough a few years ago for us to leave town for a few days.

Here's hoping that sucker takes a turn, Jimbob.

stay safe---are there any shelters nearby? are you up high?

I'm staying in a hotel at the moment, and I think there's a map around here telling me where the nearest shelter is. If it says on it's current course, I'll start making plans. None of the locals seem too worried, though.

"None of the locals seem too worried, though".

No shit, that's why the fucking award is named after them.

RUN LIKE HELL, MAN!

:)

Heh true.

maybe ask the hotel staff, just to be sure?

they're used to them, probably, like Florida people are. if Category 5 is the same as it is for hurricanes, that's the strongest. Are they saying it'll hit at 5 or weaken?

take you time to get basic provisions- water, flashlight, bourbon. And listen to the warnings!

Darwin! In my mispent youth I spent a month in Dawin, working construction and overstaying my visa. In the 80s at least, Darwin was a rough and colorful town. One of my clearest memories is a fashion show on the pedestrian mall. Some upscale store thought to fly in models from Sydney and set up a catwalk outside so Darwin could see the latest fashions. But drunks spilled out of nearby bars and started shouting "Show us yer tits!" a the models. It went downhill from there...

In the 80s at least, Darwin was a rough and colorful town.

It seems a bit more civilized now. Although I haven't been to any bars yet...

That storm is producing 195mph winds. For we yanks in the audience.

Yikes, Jimbob - I hope it skirts you. You guys have not had the best of luck with the big storms this year. Be careful, and keep us posted!

. for your liver.