They need to fix the hurricane scale because they're certainly isn't Wind at 150 miles an hour unless you're twenty thousand feet in the air

I'd guess 85-100 sustained. 180 everything would be leveled. Blowing rain looks impressive and that looks scary, no doubt.

National Data Buoy Center -
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/maps/Caribbean_inset.shtml

I'm not downplaying the dangers, but most of it is from flooding and storm surge. 75 mph winds sustained can be catastrophic.

Cat 4 at landfall - Harvey.

Harvey (resized).jpg

Its not really last minute though. This is as early as I've ever seen people prepare, evacuate etc.. Just a lot of people heading North and not many ways to get there.

It looks like I'm going to get a front row seat to see if the winds are what they say they are. I still have a tough time believing it. I more concerned about weeks without power. I hope everyone in it's path stays safe.

One thing that most people are aware of, but maybe not to what extent, is the difference in building codes between here and somewhere like the Caribbean.

Although my home was built in 76, County code requires window and door replacements to meet pretty strict code. New homes would be built with them. Although I'm about 4-5 miles from the coast my replacements must withstand 135 mph for the most part.

Here is my insulated garage door with mandatory reinforcements to meet code. My pins better be safe

IMG_4014 (resized).JPGIMG_4016 (resized).JPG

People woke up after Andrew.

If windows aren't laminated usually it does require the installer to cut 3/4" plywood and install lags or storm shutters. If we were on the coast I believe code is 155 mph in my county.

I still have a few old windows not to code. They seem sturdy, but not sure they could withstand an extreme gust. I boarded one larger one, but hoping for the best otherwise. I'm about 60 feet above sea level here, which is almost a mountain in this area.

We've had some pretty impressive winds over here. PVC fence blew out, but other than that everything is holding up well. I'd guess gusts into the 70s with regular frequency. Tons of rain, no lightning. My dog is really happy for the later.

Art, I wish I was closer. I hope you found someone or more to help you relocate your pins and anything else of value.

Hope you and your family are safe otherwise.