MU82, get the waders out

[tower912]

No, this is not political.    Be safe down there.   I hope you are on high ground.    Florence is not to be confused with the actress who played Mrs. Brady.   This one looks like a bitch. 

[Archies Bat]

I'm a little closer to the coast than 82, but am not worried because the liquor store got in a shipment of Basil Hayden Dark Rye and Two by Two Rye this week.

[jsglow]

Ditto.  And how 'bout a shout out for the first responders?  Millions leave, a select few get orders to rush in.

[barfolomew]

I'm a little closer to the coast than 82, but am not worried because the liquor store got in a shipment of Basil Hayden Dark Rye and Two by Two Rye this week.

In that case, don't float away before the storm even hits!
Stay safe all.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Make sure you take the Devil's Night tree decorations off the neighbor's tree

Be safe.  Scary stuff.

[tower912]

My daughter got her first job and I am driving a U-haul to suburban Baltimore this weekend.   Cool.   I will now get to cross 'drive a light, slab sided truck through gale winds and driving, flooding rains' off of my bucket list.   

[Archies Bat]

My daughter got her first job and I am driving a U-haul to suburban Baltimore this weekend.   Cool.   I will now get to cross 'drive a light, slab sided truck through gale winds and driving, flooding rains' off of my bucket list.

Good luck.  That will not be any fun.

[chapman]

I'm a little closer to the coast than 82, but am not worried because the liquor store got in a shipment of Basil Hayden Dark Rye and Two by Two Rye this week.

Alcohol is also my plan for sustenance.  The grocery store shelves emptied out yesterday, and I wasn't standing in line for an hour to buy some chips and a can of tuna.

[Archies Bat]

Alcohol is also my plan for sustenance.  The grocery store shelves emptied out yesterday, and I wasn't standing in line for an hour to buy some chips and a can of tuna.

While I did buy a few items at the grocery store yesterday, the only water left was seltzer (although I had bought several cases of water over the weekend).  The Virginia ABC store was also packed with like minded people.

[Jockey]

Make sure you take the Devil's Night tree decorations off the neighbor's tree

Be safe.  Scary stuff.

That is funny.

[MU82]

Thanks, tower (and others) for the good wishes.

In Charlotte, which is well inland, the forecast is mostly for a couple days of heavy rain and 30+ mph winds. Could be some flooding and power outages. Unpleasant, but if that's what it ends up being it won't be as bad here as it will down toward the coasts.

I will be rooting for Archies and others to get through this with minimal problem. And yes, I have also stocked up on my favorite libations to help see Mrs. 82 and me through!

Make sure you take the Devil's Night tree decorations off the neighbor's tree

For us heathens, every day is a holiday!

[jesmu84]

I genuinely hope this passes without any significant loss of life or property.

And I certainly hope no tragedy comes from NC's decision to allow developers and officials to ignore science related to coastal building.

[Archies Bat]

It looks like it is going a little further south so we will miss the brunt of the storm, but the SC/NC border area will likely take a hit.  The mandatory evacuations for this storm have been quite extensive all down the coast, so hopefully most folks in that area are out of harms way.

[Benny B]

I genuinely hope this passes without any significant loss of life or property.

And I certainly hope no tragedy comes from NC's decision to allow developers and officials to ignore science related to coastal building.

Wow... nothing like an impending tragedy to bring out the passive-aggressive political exploitation in people, a|na?

[jesmu84]

Wow... nothing like an impending tragedy to bring out the passive-aggressive political exploitation in people, a|na?

Science isn't political.

[Benny B]

Science isn't political.

Indeed, but context is.  Perhaps I'm jumping to conclusions here, but I don't think you're implying that somehow the coastal developers in NC are the cause of the hurricane... so could you elaborate on what manner of tragedy you're hoping won't happen as a result of NC's dumbassery and/or whatever NC is doing differently than other coastal developers up and down the Atlantic coast?

[Goose]

Be safe, all scoopers in the Carolina's

[jesmu84]

Indeed, but context is.  Perhaps I'm jumping to conclusions here, but I don't think you're implying that somehow the coastal developers in NC are the cause of the hurricane... so could you elaborate on what manner of tragedy you're hoping won't happen as a result of NC's dumbassery and/or whatever NC is doing differently than other coastal developers up and down the Atlantic coast?

You had it mostly correct in your first post.

I hope no one is greatly effected by the hurricane, whether life or property. Further, I hope no one is put in undue harm's way because of a decision by the state to ignore scientific-based recommendations on coastal development.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

nm

[Jockey]

Wow... nothing like an impending tragedy to bring out the passive-aggressive political exploitation in people, a|na?

You really gotta make everything political?

[Benny B]

You had it mostly correct in your first post.

I hope no one is greatly effected by the hurricane, whether life or property. Further, I hope no one is put in undue harm's way because of a decision by the state to ignore scientific-based recommendations on coastal development.

Let me ask again... what is it that NC is doing/ignoring?

[GGGG]

Let me ask again... what is it that NC is doing/ignoring?

Well I'm not sure what NC is specifically doing, but allowing over development in coastal wetlands and on barrier islands is a reason why these storms get so expensive.

And the federal government subsidizes this through both the flood insurance program and the use of disaster funds.  Now I think those are both good programs IMO, but they should also be implemented with good land-use policies. 

[Lennys Tap]

Science isn't political.

This made me smile.

[Benny B]

Well I'm not sure what NC is specifically doing, but allowing over development in coastal wetlands and on barrier islands is a reason why these storms get so expensive.

And the federal government subsidizes this through both the flood insurance program and the use of disaster funds.  Now I think those are both good programs IMO, but they should also be implemented with good land-use policies.

I do recall having seen something - in fact, it may have been on Scoop where I saw the link posted - within the last few years about how either FEMA or NFIP is being gamed by certain property owners along the coasts.  Coupled with legitimate claims that are being denied by the programs, and there's no arguing that things are a mess.

To the extent that owners/developers are over-building, in cost or quantity, in high-risk areas, is it unfair to ask why NFIP and FEMA are subsidizing these activities, be it in whole or part?   If someone builds a multi-million dollar residence right on the coast in hurricane alley, why should that be insured - again, in whole or part - by taxpayers?

I find it hard to sympathize with people who knowingly put life or property in harm's way and then claim to be the victim when disaster - inevitably - hits.  As far as I'm concerned, science has nothing to do with it, and this isn't a NC problem by any stretch, it's a problem up and down the coasts.

[jesmu84]

I'll bow out of this thread.

We can discuss science or other topics somewhere else.

Benny, I sent you a PM.

[MU82]

Here is the latest Charlotte Observer article on the hurricane:

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article218127865.html?#emlnl=Afternoon_Newsletter&id=bWlrZW5hZGVsQHNiY2dsb2JhbC5uZXQ=

It looks like we in Charlotte will be spared anything too horrific, but we should get a good soaking, some flooding near bodies of water, some wind damage, perhaps some power outages, etc.

Of course, the direction could change, the storm could strengthen, the storm could stall and sit right on top of a region, etc.

As the S.C. governor said: "As we have been predicting, the hurricane is unpredictable."

You know ... I predicted he would say that!

[ZiggysFryBoy]

I do recall having seen something - in fact, it may have been on Scoop where I saw the link posted - within the last few years about how either FEMA or NFIP is being gamed by certain property owners along the coasts.  Coupled with legitimate claims that are being denied by the programs, and there's no arguing that things are a mess.

To the extent that owners/developers are over-building, in cost or quantity, in high-risk areas, is it unfair to ask why NFIP and FEMA are subsidizing these activities, be it in whole or part?   If someone builds a multi-million dollar residence right on the coast in hurricane alley, why should that be insured - again, in whole or part - by taxpayers?

I find it hard to sympathize with people who knowingly put life or property in harm's way and then claim to be the victim when disaster - inevitably - hits.  As far as I'm concerned, science has nothing to do with it, and this isn't a NC problem by any stretch, it's a problem up and down the coasts.

NFIP limits coverage to $250,000 for homeowners and $500k for commercial.  If you need higher limits on flood coverage, you have to go to private insurance, and that's not subsidized by the tax payer.  Read:  Excess market isn't cheap.

[MU82]

On my first work visit to the SF area, I had a day off so I took a ride around 17 Mile Dr, where Pebble Beach, Cypress Point, other big-time golf tracks and lots of zillion-dollar homes are.

I was taken in by the beauty of much of the drive, but I also couldn't believe how close some houses were to the Pacific Ocean.

I'm thinking: "Well, this place has a devastating earthquake every few years, but some of these people are building $10 million houses on stilts practically leading right into the ocean?"

Craziness.

[Jockey]

Here is what Jesmu was referring to in his post

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/north-carolina-sea-level-rise-hurricane-florence_us_5b985a87e4b0162f4731da0e

There are many other articles about what the state did, but this one ties it together with the current situation.

[jesmu84]

South Carolina is not evacuating prions in the "red zone." Should they be required to?

[dgies9156]

NFIP limits coverage to $250,000 for homeowners and $500k for commercial.  If you need higher limits on flood coverage, you have to go to private insurance, and that's not subsidized by the tax payer.  Read:  Excess market isn't cheap.

Tell me about it!

My thoughts to MU82. Be safe and stay dry.

Same to everyone else in the Carolinas this week. Been there, done that with our Florida home.

[StillAWarrior]

South Carolina is not evacuating prions in the "red zone." Should they be required to?

I think it depends an awful lot on whether the inmates (and staff) are at risk.  I have absolutely no idea if they are or not.

[Benny B]

South Carolina is not evacuating prions in the "red zone." Should they be required to?

For a second there, I thought you were re-entering the thread with the vengeance of an evil Bob Barker clone leading the militant wing of PETA... that is, until I realized "prions" it was a typo (thanks to SAW) and not a reference to saving the whalebirds.

Answer is clearly no.  Obviously, prisons are built to a construction standard exponentially greater than your typical residential or commercial building that naturally make them able to withstand hurricane-force winds and rain events, both physically and an emergency power generation.  There's hardly anything within the cells that are prone to flood or surge damage, and any ongoing IAQ threats (e.g. mold) are a non-issue since cells - by design - can be easily, quickly and systematically disinfected after the storm has passed.

In all honesty, the safest place during a hurricane - other than 1,000 miles away - is probably a prison, closely followed by a 911 call/dispatch center or emergency services building.

[jesmu84]

For a second there, I thought you were re-entering the thread with the vengeance of an evil Bob Barker clone leading the militant wing of PETA... that is, until I realized "prions" it was a typo (thanks to SAW) and not a reference to saving the whalebirds.

Answer is clearly no.  Obviously, prisons are built to a construction standard exponentially greater than your typical residential or commercial building that naturally make them able to withstand hurricane-force winds and rain events, both physically and an emergency power generation.  There's hardly anything within the cells that are prone to flood or surge damage, and any ongoing IAQ threats (e.g. mold) are a non-issue since cells - by design - can be easily, quickly and systematically disinfected after the storm has passed.

In all honesty, the safest place during a hurricane - other than 1,000 miles away - is probably a prison, closely followed by a 911 call/dispatch center or emergency services building.

Ha. My bad.

While I understand what you mean about the building itself, I would say they are at risk. Check out what happened with Katrina:

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/5gjdxn/hurricane-katrina-was-a-nightmare-for-inmates-in-new-orleans-829

[Benny B]

Ha. My bad.

While I understand what you mean about the building itself, I would say they are at risk. Check out what happened with Katrina:

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/5gjdxn/hurricane-katrina-was-a-nightmare-for-inmates-in-new-orleans-829

I think everyone would agree that Katrina was a cluster-f all the way around.  But what's the alternative?  It's not like there's an empty prison sitting somewhere waiting to receive inmates, and you're sure as hell not going to let everyone out on the promise they come back when the storm is over.

That said, I understand where you're coming from.  I'm sure the risk to the public of releasing inmates would inevitably lead to a massive payday for trial lawyers.

[Spotcheck Billy]

IMO it's difficult to look to Katrina for comps as so much of what happened in NOLA was the result of the levees failing causing flooding vs. other hurricanes with a storm surge that will recede.

[MU82]

Tell me about it!

My thoughts to MU82. Be safe and stay dry.

Same to everyone else in the Carolinas this week. Been there, done that with our Florida home.

Thanks, my friend.

I am going to start serious storm preparations in about an hour, when I will meet my buddies for our weekly Thursday gathering at the Carolina Beer Temple. Must properly lubricate the brain before the shyte hits the fan!

[dgies9156]

Thanks, my friend.

I am going to start serious storm preparations in about an hour, when I will meet my buddies for our weekly Thursday gathering at the Carolina Beer Temple. Must properly lubricate the brain before the shyte hits the fan!

You are welcome Brother MU.

Enjoy your contributions on Scooper. See you when the storm passes. My thoughts are with you and your family and friends down there.

[MU82]

Latest forecasts say we probably will get more rain than originally thought, could be a foot or more.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't at least a little worried that we'll suffer some pretty bad water damage. That, combined with possible extended power outages due to the rain/wind mix, would be most unpleasant.

Trying to stay prepared and positive. I know that, in the long run, we're a lot more fortunate than many.

[Archies Bat]

Latest forecasts say we probably will get more rain than originally thought, could be a foot or more.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't at least a little worried that we'll suffer some pretty bad water damage. That, combined with possible extended power outages due to the rain/wind mix, would be most unpleasant.

Trying to stay prepared and positive. I know that, in the long run, we're a lot more fortunate than many.

Good luck.  Keep us up to date if you have power/internet.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

My aunt and uncle in Myrtle Beach evacuated a few days ago.
My cousin in Myrtle Beach spent yesterday posting photos about great surfing waves and today about buckling down.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWGcXhAxrhw

{Can someone embed this?}

Archie and 82 out for a liquor store run, apparently.

[Archies Bat]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWGcXhAxrhw

{Can someone embed this?}

Archie and 82 out for a liquor store run, apparently.

I'm pretty sure he used to play soccer.

[MU82]

Storm downgraded to a tropical depression because the winds are not as severe. It's pouring, though, and expected to come down in sheets most of the day. Still a little worried about flooding, but our yard and the surrounding environs seem to be absorbing everything so far.

The other good news is that the storm has picked up a little speed, so it's moving more quickly away from areas rather than just sitting over them for extended periods. Hopefully, this will reduce flooding in any one region and will keep more people safe and dry.

On another site I frequent (an investing site), lots of posters seem disappointed that more people haven't died ("only 14 so far - big deal"), and that there hasn't been more devastation overall. Their reaction would be funny if it wasn't so d-baggy.

[tower912]

More will be found dead.  Thankfully, most evacuated.  Enough didn't that the number is sure to increase.  Maria's death toll escalated over time.

[Archies Bat]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWGcXhAxrhw

{Can someone embed this?}

Archie and 82 out for a liquor store run, apparently.

Actually, the guy's last name is Davison.

[Dr. Blackheart]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWGcXhAxrhw

{Can someone embed this?}

Archie and 82 out for a liquor store run, apparently.

<a href="https://youtube.com/v/oWGcXhAxrhw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://youtube.com/v/oWGcXhAxrhw</a>

[jesmu84]

More will be found dead.  Thankfully, most evacuated.  Enough didn't that the number is sure to increase.  Maria's death toll escalated over time.

Fake news

[MU82]

My latest storm update:

We live in the Charlotte suburb that got soaked the most Sunday: 10.4 inches. Lucky us!

But I am very happy to report that as of now, not a drop of water got into our house. The areas of our lot I feared most for flooding did a great job of absorbing the worst that Mother Nature could throw at it. Plus, as a very pleasant surprise, we didn't lose power at all. (Unfortunately, that let me watch my Panthers lose; fortunately, it let me watch the Patriots lose, too!)

There are numerous streets in our area closed by flooding, fallen trees, etc, and my wife isn't sure she will be able to get to work tomorrow. But that's a small price to pay compared to those who weren't as fortunate.

Thanks again to those who wished us well.

[brewcity77]

Fake news

Depends on your definition of fake news. The counts did go up as more victims were discovered, and the failures by the government to restore the infrastructure led to more deaths.

I think the latter part is the real issue. Of course people were going to die in the storm, but the job of the government in a situation like that is to get things back up and running ASAP so that the death toll isn't exacerbated by circumstances that are reparable. That the death toll increased due to government inaction is pretty damning, in my opinion.

[MU82]

Depends on your definition of fake news. The counts did go up as more victims were discovered, and the failures by the government to restore the infrastructure led to more deaths.

I think the latter part is the real issue. Of course people were going to die in the storm, but the job of the government in a situation like that is to get things back up and running ASAP so that the death toll isn't exacerbated by circumstances that are reparable. That the death toll increased due to government inaction is pretty damning, in my opinion.

The island was largely without power 8 months after the hurricane. Can you imagine if that had happened in Palm Beach County (home of Mar-a-Lago)?

[Benny B]

The island was largely without power 8 months after the hurricane. Can you imagine if that had happened in Palm Beach County (home of Mar-a-Lago)?

Has Palm Beach County been neglecting on infrastructure as a result of spending more than its receipts since the early 70's?  I don't see how one can logically place the blame on current AHJ's for something that began spiraling nearly five decades ago.

Interesting how nobody ever calls the city engineer or planner who approved their home's building permit when their house doesn't flood in a hurricane.

[MU82]

Has Palm Beach County been neglecting on infrastructure as a result of spending more than its receipts since the early 70's?  I don't see how one can logically place the blame on current AHJ's for something that began spiraling nearly five decades ago.

Interesting how nobody ever calls the city engineer or planner who approved their home's building permit when their house doesn't flood in a hurricane.

Fair point.

So maybe a D+ instead of an F. But surely not an A+.

[Benny B]

Fair point.

So maybe a D+ instead of an F. But surely not an A+.

Does anyone get D's anymore?  Seems like most grades awarded these days are P/F.

i.e.
Are your lights on?  Pass
Are they off?  Fail
Were they on but now they're off?  Fail
Were they off but now they're on?  Fail
Did they flicker momentarily?  Abstain
Did they flicker momentarily causing you to have to reset that damn clock on the stove?  Fail