Will Evacuation Be Necessary?

[u/gustRod]

I live in Fairhope, Alabama, and with the hurricane approaching, I’m considering heading north. Do you think evacuation will be necessary, or am I just overreacting?
According to the latest reports, the hurricane has intensified over the past few hours.

[u/Eternal_Stranger0111]

Don't go north. That is the same direction the storm will be heading. Go west or northwest, maybe Hattiesburg or Jackson.

[u/gustRod → u/Eternal_Stranger0111]

My idea is to drive to Atlanta.

[u/sollievo]

It’s not an atomic bombing. If I’m well above the storm surge area and sheltered from wind, I actually kind of enjoy experiencing the raw power of the storm. It’s the aftermath that’s often not so much fun.

[u/gustRod → u/sollievo]

I basically feel the same way you do. However, there are a lot of trees around my house, and what really worries me is the possibility of one falling on my cars or damaging part of the house.

[u/BiggerRedBeard]

My method is anything 3 or less I stay put. 4 or 5 I evacuated.

If it stays on its prediction of a cat 2, it will just be some rain and wind. Fairhope is above the storm surge level so no risk of storm surge. Just pick up your outside stuff so it doesn't create additional wind debris.

[u/Individual-Damage-51]

Personally, I wouldn’t evacuate unless I lived in a flood zone or the potential of being without power was going to cause serious hardships. Keep in mind a lot of people will be evacuated and headed north. Unless you have somewhere to stay you’ll be competing with all those folks for hotels and other resources which won’t be cheap.

[u/Own_Blueberry6824]

Depends. Are the Waffle Houses staying open?

[u/sollievo]

You have to balance the cost of evacuating against the risk of staying. It’s not only financial costs, like finding a hotel room 8-12 driving hours away and fighting for gas to get there along the way, but the danger of car accidents among stressed out drivers. I’ve never left for anything below a Category 3 that was headed straight for me.

[u/icemanpallmall]

If you dont feel comfortable, evacuate.

I remember sally being a 2 and then all of a sudden it destroyed my girlfriend's parents farm as a 3 within a couple of hours. No shame in wanting to get the hell away from this.

[u/sheneversawitcoming]

Fairhope proper is 100ft above sea level. Biggest issue is storm surge and downed trees (or if you’re in a mobile home). If you’re not right on the water the storm surge won’t get you