Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
Open Roads Radio forum for Ham, Amateur Radio and RV camping


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 08-22-2012, 11:51 PM   #1
NN5I
Carl, nn5i
 
NN5I's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 1,441
Default Dealing with Isaac

Well, here I am in Central Florida, with Hurricane Isaac due to visit in about four days. Advice?

For example, if I don't run off northward -- not planning to -- what precautions should I take? I plan to have full tanks (water, diesel, propane) and empty tanks (black, grey). That way if power goes out I'll have plenty available runtime on the generator and plenty endurance of all sorts.

When expecting a blow, should I leave the leveling jacks down (for added stiffness against being moved by wind) or up (for a wider footprint, since the tires are farther apart than the jacks)?

How about other stuff I don't think of because I'm new to full-timing?

All advice, all thoughts welcome.
__________________
-- Carl
NN5I is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 06:07 AM   #2
W5DOK
Old Member
 
W5DOK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: In Gods country
Posts: 253
Default

Carl, There is no such thing as being safe in an RV during a hurricane. I've been unfortunate to have been in a couple and the energy in a storm is unbelievable. Best advice is to get the hell out of there. In case you stay, good luck.
Doc
W5DOK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 11:21 AM   #3
wa8yxm
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Mobile, on the road
Posts: 1,139
Send a message via AIM to wa8yxm Send a message via Yahoo to wa8yxm Send a message via Skype™ to wa8yxm
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by NN5I View Post
Well, here I am in Central Florida, with Hurricane Isaac due to visit in about four days. Advice?

For example, if I don't run off northward -- not planning to -- what precautions should I take?

There is basically one way (Actually several variations on it) to be safe in an RV during a hurricane..

It's called Nebraska (Wisconson, Northern Michigan,, And so on).
wa8yxm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 06:52 PM   #4
N3LYT
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Maine
Posts: 709
Default

High ground inland.
N3LYT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 07:28 PM   #5
NN5I
Carl, nn5i
 
NN5I's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 1,441
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by wa8yxm View Post
... Nebraska (Wisconson, Northern Michigan,, And so on).
... but not Kansas. They have tornadoes in Kansas, as Dorothy and Toto discovered. If I got carted off to Oz, I'd have to get a new callsign, starting with VK. Even without a number and more letters, that's still lots more dits and dahs than I have now.
__________________
-- Carl
NN5I is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 07:34 PM   #6
WD8QBQ
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 279
Default

The attitude of not leaving does not make sense. You have the warning and the ability to go.

If you must stay find an open field, somewhere that doesn't have material that can blow against you, including a rush of water.

Go to the local hardware and purchase 8 of the large screw in anchors and enough chain to attach each of your four corners with chain over the axle, at each corner, connect each of two anchors spaced at that corner of your RV.

Your windows may blow out and you may not be covered by insurance.

If you are in the path and you stay you are foolish.



JIM
WD8QBQ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 07:34 PM   #7
NN5I
Carl, nn5i
 
NN5I's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 1,441
Default

With each update at NOAA, the predicted track moves a little more west, farther away from where I am (Clermont, FL, as you can see on http://APRS.FI ). So I'll just watch vigilantly, but likely won't see much from it.
__________________
-- Carl
NN5I is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 07:44 PM   #8
Radio
Administrator
 
Radio's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fayetteville, GA, USA
Posts: 3,017
Default

We don't want to find your trip report in the "Not Good News" forum.

I figure 48 hours in a Walmart parking lot is about as much trouble as trying to prepare for the storm. And a point was made that I hadn't thought of...flying debris. Why risk tearing up a perfectly good motorhome?
__________________

KU4OJ "Wade" Ships Captain, CFO, Chief Engineer
KG4DQQ "Kathy" 1st Officer, Navigator, Best Friend
2007 F-150 SuperCab - 2009 Rockwood 8280SS
Lot's of mostly Kenwood stuff

Radio is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 08:00 PM   #9
NN5I
Carl, nn5i
 
NN5I's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 1,441
Default

I haven't decided to stay; I haven't decided to go. I haven't decided. I've got more than half a week to decide. But these remarks help; they incline me to go north more readily, and sooner, if it looks like good ol' Izzy is coming after all.

I have canceled a planned trip to Delray Beach this weekend for a Judo tournament in which some friends will compete. That's 200 miles south, and thus 200 miles farther from apparent safety. Monday, if still in Clermont, I'll find out how they did, and whether they used what little I've taught'em as a visiting instructor.

I have weathered 'canes before. Back when Miami was still part of the USA, I lived there (and in Orlando too) and went through a couple of'em. Can't remember their names, but they probably forgot me too.
__________________
-- Carl
NN5I is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 10:50 PM   #10
KF5BET
Senior Member
 
KF5BET's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Lafayette, LA
Posts: 507
Default

Carl:
There is actually a "good" and "bad" side of the storm. The eastern side is the bad side because of the rotation of the storm. Right now, Florida is on the bad side. So far I am still on the good side.

If I were you, I would seriously think about heading north, even if its just a hundred miles or so. If you decide to leave, please leave early as you don't want to be stuck on the interstate with all of the other cars.

Good luck and keep us posted.
__________________
Galen - KF5BET
Crysti - "the CHIEF"
Abbi - KF5BEW dd
Kendra - KF5FYS dd
Maggie - Cat chaser
2005 F250, 1996 Nomad
KF5BET is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2012, 11:46 AM   #11
NN5I
Carl, nn5i
 
NN5I's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 1,441
Default

The Eastern side is the bad side, usually, because the storm rotates counterclockwise and that portion of the storm that is on the east and northeast of center has been over open water when the storm approaches the eastern coast of a continent. In this case, Isaac will be coursing up the west coast of Florida, about 100 miles offshore, and any portion of the storm that comes to Central Florida will have been over land for about 200 miles; so the general rule may not apply with its usual strictness.

In open ocean in the northern hemisphere, this is also the case, because the airmasses on the eastern side are coming north and have been over waters to the south, which typically are warmer; while the airmasses on the western side are coming south and have been over cooler waters to the north.

Still, it looks to me as if Central Florida isn't going to see much from Isaac. If I were in Pensacola or Mobile, though, I'd head out now.
None of that reduces the wisdom of your advice to be ready to head north; and I am, and will be, ready to do just that.
__________________
-- Carl
NN5I is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2012, 12:33 PM   #12
wa8yxm
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Mobile, on the road
Posts: 1,139
Send a message via AIM to wa8yxm Send a message via Yahoo to wa8yxm Send a message via Skype™ to wa8yxm
Default

I liked the Kansas comment. Hey, I am allowed to have a guest here in Michigan,, Now I do recall one monster Hurricane that made it all the way to Detroit (I'm north of Detroit) but by the time it got there we called it "Scattered Showers" and it did no damage. Not even a downed twig.

If you want to come visit let me know when and I'll let you know where.
wa8yxm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2012, 10:45 PM   #13
NN5I
Carl, nn5i
 
NN5I's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 1,441
Default

Thanks, YXM. Will the offer still be good next summer, when it'll be godawful hot in the South and nice and cool in Michigan?

Of course, someone would have to spring for the $1000 worth of diesel --
__________________
-- Carl
NN5I is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2012, 10:50 PM   #14
TXiceman
Senior Member
 
TXiceman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Near Houston, TX
Posts: 553
Default

The thing has wheels for a reason, crank it up and GO. having lived through several hurricanes, you do not want to be in the path of one in any RV.

I sure do not want to see a posting for you in QST as an SK.

Ken
__________________
KE5DFR
2013 HitchHiker Champagne 38RLRSB, 2012 F350 Dually crew cab, 6.7L,
Mobile- Yaesu FT857D w/ Lil' Tarheel II antenna and Larsen dual bander, Turbo Tuner.
Base unit...Kenwood TS480HX, LDG AT200 Pro tuner, Eagle One Vertical and Windom 80 meter dipole.
Standard Schnauzer..her call is K9WOOF
TXiceman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2012, 10:16 AM   #15
KF5BET
Senior Member
 
KF5BET's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Lafayette, LA
Posts: 507
Default

Starting to watch Isaac with more interest this morning. That sucker keeps creeping west....dang it.
__________________
Galen - KF5BET
Crysti - "the CHIEF"
Abbi - KF5BEW dd
Kendra - KF5FYS dd
Maggie - Cat chaser
2005 F250, 1996 Nomad
KF5BET is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2012, 11:04 AM   #16
NN5I
Carl, nn5i
 
NN5I's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 1,441
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by KF5BET View Post
Starting to watch Isaac with more interest this morning. That sucker keeps creeping west....dang it.
And you're in Lafayette.

I've lived in Florida for a total 31 of my 71 years, and I've been watching hurricanes most of that time.

It's my observation that the predicted track almost always moves west as the storm approaches -- concluded long ago that that's a systematic error in the prediction models. Isaac was projected to come ashore at Panama City, then (later predictions) in Pensacola, then Mobile. The current projection has it coming ashore at Biloxi or maybe Pascagoula in several more days. Me, I'd bet it'll be west of there, and Lafayette is certainly west of there. I'm betting on anywhere between N'Awlins and Galveston, with Lafayette as the likely bullseye. I'd move. Here in Clermont (a little west of Orlando) I no longer expect anything but a blustery day or two, no worry.

I have a friend in Lafayette. Jeff Miller runs a Judo club there. Know him? Haven't heard from him in a while.
__________________
-- Carl
NN5I is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2012, 04:15 PM   #17
KF5BET
Senior Member
 
KF5BET's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Lafayette, LA
Posts: 507
Default

No, not really into judo. Sorry.

I just saw the update at 4pm. Looks like it keeps moving west. Now New Orleans is in the discussion. Good thing the generator was just checked out.

Guess I'll head out to the backyard and start to see what needs to be secured (good thing I just cleaned out the garage).

Probably wont be leaving. The truck is still not repaired so no way to haul trailer

We will hunker down here or possibly bug out to the north if it looks like it might get to cat 3 or more.
__________________
Galen - KF5BET
Crysti - "the CHIEF"
Abbi - KF5BEW dd
Kendra - KF5FYS dd
Maggie - Cat chaser
2005 F250, 1996 Nomad
KF5BET is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2012, 09:47 AM   #18
NN5I
Carl, nn5i
 
NN5I's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 1,441
Default

Nothing but rain in Clermont; no significant wind. It's much gentler than our normal daily summer thunderstorms.

Currently it looks like Isaac is going to center-punch Red Stick (aka Baton Rouge), so in Lafayette you're going to be close. Be safe.
__________________
-- Carl
NN5I is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2012, 10:38 AM   #19
W5DOK
Old Member
 
W5DOK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: In Gods country
Posts: 253
Default

Hurricane net control freq is 3.890. Will be activated tonight at 6PM. Hams outside the affected area are requested to not transmit on the freq unless asked by net control.
W5DOK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2012, 04:40 PM   #20
One Country Boy
Senior Member
 
One Country Boy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Wewahitchka, FL
Posts: 1,204
Default

Hi Fellers,

I've been watching Isaac for several days. For awhile it appeared it was headed straight for my QTH, now it appears as though Galen has the bullseye on his back.

We got our first rain band a couple of hours ago. We've had a little blow from time-to-time but nothing serious. Carl, you should be OK in Clermont now. There is always the worry about tornadoes. Unpredictable, and travel quickly. You never know what these hurricanes will do once they are in the Gulf. The scientist have gotten very good and predicting the paths but after getting up into the Gulf, they can do funny things. I recall on in years passed that went west, paralleling the panhandle's coastline. Once it got out off the coast of New orleans, did a 180 and came right back along the same path and went in around Perry, FL. Looks as though we will be on the east side (bad side) of this one, but hopefully far enough out we'll only get rain and some winds.

NN5!, when you talk about leaving, it's best to do it early. The traffin tends to get bottled necked if you wait too long. You certainly do not want to get caught on the road, stuck in traffic. Another consideration is driving that very high-profile vehicle. Lot's of wind resistance on that machine.

The genny is ready to go here and I have several containers of non-ethynol gasoline. Hopefully we will not need it, but I strongly expect we will. Our ground is already saturated with all the rain we've had and living in these rural areas, the trees are likely to fall on the power lines. I found plenty of size D batteries for our lanterns. Most place were sold out of the "D Cells". We will fill the bath tubs to flush the johns and I have several cases of bottled water. We have no gas appliances in the house and will have to run the genny to pump water from our well and heat the water for showers. It will also keep our freezer collection frozen. Hopefully any failures will not take long to get us back on-line. I think we are ready.

Keep intouch Galen. I sent you a message on Face Book checking on you.

73 for now guys.




__________________
Jim ~ W4EWA
One Country Boy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:44 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
×