Not to put out any negative vibes, but I watched news programs that forecast Katrina would be a CAT2 by the time it hit Louisiana. They can never be SURE but usually they are close. I really hope it is a CAT2 or lower when it strikes Florida. However, the problem with a CAT2 or Cat3 is that many people will ride out a CAT2 or CAT3 hurricane (having done so myself numerous times) and tend to become complacent. Hurricane winds are like tornadoes in some ways (some spawn tornadoes as well) in that you never know where the strongest gusts will strike. If you happen to have a strong gust strike anything in your area - it will be gone. I have seen the damage look similar to a tornado - a house demolished and yet next door nothing...


>I was worried for you down there when I saw it became a Cat 5 overnight. They are saying it will be Cat 2 when it hit Florida...still powerful, but much better than a Cat 5. I'll be watching it's path and keeping you in mind.
>
>>Thanks for the info! <bg>
>>
>>We've already had our customary BRP meeting yesterday and we are already preparing. As of this morning is a Cat 5 and has the lowes pressure ever recorded for a storm.
>>
>>Where does it actually hit in Florida is not yet known but we'll know a lot more by tommorrow when it gets close to make the turn to the northeast.
>>
>>
>>Current predicted path (anywhere within the cone):
>>http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/084935.shtml?5day