i thought the storm had passed over us, realizing it was just the eye when the rain and wind picked up again was a chilling moment.
I remember when Charley, Frances and Jeanne all impacted me when I was living in Valrico, FL. I don't remember which one it was that took out the water line, some roof shingles, and bottom walls of our stilt home, but I do remember going out while the eye was over our house to the street with a couple of wrenches to turn off the county water line. We lived on a lake and the access to it was about a foot underwater and I kept feeling around for the water meter and shutoff valve, hoping not to encounter a water moccasin or something worse. Then the eye passed and I wondered why I even moved to Florida. I felt very fortunate our damage was so limited compared to others.
Now, years later, perhaps in part because I am old and worry a lot more, I was almost in panic mode seeing Ian change course and heading towards Lakeland where we currently live. To me, part of the scariest effects hit while the hurricane is over and we are in total darkness without power.
We were fortunate that our damage here was limited to flattening several trees and a lot of cleanup from downed oak tree limbs.
I am too old to move again but am upgrading what I can afford to against hurricanes.
All the best to those who suffered the wrath of Ian and stay safe and patient during the rebuilding process.
