I'm under a serious Hurricane threat from Florence ...

[Judy, USMC]

PLEASE think good thoughts for me. I've been through 5 hurricanes & 3 typhoons. Never a category 4. I'm already prepared with everything I need to hunker down. I'm on a 35ft hill so no fear of flooding ... and enough food/ water/ gas for the generator. But the path is so close. 140 mph at the eyewall is unimaginable to go through. Time for some serious decisions to be made. If you are a prayer warrior please include me.

On a lighter note my machines are already in the van if I decide to head out!

[KPH]

Lifting prayers now and will continue to lift prayers for friends and family in NC.

[Mimi_Howard]

Add me to the warrior squad. Please don't hesitate to leave if there is doubt for your safety.

[MRoy]

I'll be praying for you. Don't take any chances or cut it too close to head for safety.

[Mischiefkat1]

Judy, you as well as every one else in harms way are in my prayers. Lost my house to Charlie and my roof to Irma. Know exactly what this is all about. Safe travel for you and everyone who decides to evacuate. prayers & blessings to all. Kathy

[auntiemern]

Hugs and prayers for sure...I am so worried about you...please do whatever it is that will keep you the safest. I understand that USMC mentality, but please my very df...stay safe, above all else.

[Suzette]

My prayers are with you. We are inland SC, but still in for some wild weather after landfall. I am keeping everyone who is in this monster's path in my prayers.

[Caroline T.]

Be safe Judy! You and all our forum friends on the East coast will be in our thoughts and prayers.

I have family in South Carolina as well as Virginia Beach, so if this storm stays on path, they should be OK, but as we who have been thru many hurricanes, these storms can turn with little warning, so I'll be watching it closely and praying for all to get thru it safely.

[Doloris]

I say head for Chicago and return after the retreat. Nothing you do there will change the outcome and you will be safe. We all worry about you and everyone else on the east coast. This is gonna be a bad one. Good luck whatever you do

[Judy, USMC]

I thought of that Dolores - but there's a protective mentality that sets in. If I were in an area prone to flooding I'd be long gone. I've lived in the field with no electricity for extended periods. I've completely set up and prepared to weather through this. But if I left I wouldn't know what's going on. If there was damage to the house there's no one to protect/repair it. There would be no way of knowing if I had to report it. This house has survived a Cat 3 (Fran in '96) and several smaller ones. FOR ME - would just feel better to miss a retreat if needed than to live in Limbo. Thanks for the good luck wishes. Fingers crossed.