I'm in Central Florida and the winds are still relatively calm as of right now... light rain. But we're in the middle of the path so hopefully we do get too much rain and wind.
It appears the storm surge is really flooding downtown Naples. 126mph winds on Captiva. This is a continuous live feed from 2 stations in Ft Myers.
Actually, Ive seen that many times during normal weather. We have several friends with condos much higher up. It is a bit unnerving the first time you see it.
There was always land, tho much of it was swamp land. Cape Coral is bordered by the Caloosahatchee River on the east and south and Matlacha Pass and ultimately the gulf is to the west. The developers (Gulf American) came in, cleared the land of virtually all vegetation, dredged canals and used the dredged material for fill. They then sold lots as waterfront property to folks up north, often sight unseen and thru rather questionable high-pressure sales practices. The same folks developed Marco Island, south of Naples. I worked one summer in Cape Coral during the mid 70s, putting in seawalls. I always hated the area, no trees, no real downtown, just ugly sprawl, but it is now one of the fastest growing areas in the country especially for retirees.
So far I see DA weather observers standing in the middle of parking lots trying to stand in 140 mph wind. I am going to throw the red flag on this whole event. It is early but I do not see anything close to the wind speeds their claiming and the tidal surge I will wait to see. I think this cake got baked way too long.
I tried to wash some clothes this afternoon before possibly losing water. The washing machine finished with water still in it, plus it flooded half the utility room floor. I take it that this is an ill omen.
I’d like to see a channel start making fun of others….. As you can see from the carnage behind me, the storm is raging. I am dry, as I sought shelter, and am not a dumb arse standing in the wind and rain in a silly helmet while getting struck with a traffic cone or a branch.
My cousin in Cape Coral sent me a video at noon-said winds were 100 mph. They live in a 2nd floor condo and are riding it out.
