wrote in message
...
And on a purely personal note, if you have any choice at all, do not
attempt to
ride something like this out if there is the _slightest_ chance of being
in the
path

fair advice, although it should be noted that geography plays a huge role
here. For instance, your locale, Rick, in Southern Miss, seems to fall prey
to the effects you noted earlier, about effects from storm surge and high
winds wreaking inland havoc. Those folks on the Outer Banks are out on a
freaking barrier island(close to being a sand bar at some points) and as
such, can get absolutely blasted by sheer wave effects. Those of us who have
homes on the Eastern Shore of Delmarva tend to fare pretty well, as the
vegetation tends toward smaller stuff, less prone to wind dangers to man,
and the un-built upon barrier islands protect us, even though only a few
miles inland. That said, I hope all who encounter this, or any hurricane
take sensible precautions and come out safe.
Tom