# Hurricane Matthew Check-In Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 4, 2016, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640 "2016-10-04T17:14:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/not_what_you_d_expect/32/3246_2.png) [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/21 "2016-10-05T01:23:48Z")
I have family in Florida and in North Carolina. I’m worried about them. Be safe everyone. ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/22 "2016-10-05T01:50:37Z")
Frankly I’m hoping it does track west enough to cancel work…I could use a 3.5 day weekend… ---
**Author:** ![Buttercup\_Smith](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buttercup_smith/32/473_2.png) [@Buttercup\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buttercup_Smith)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/23 "2016-10-05T02:11:53Z")
Amen on a day off or two. ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/24 "2016-10-05T02:28:19Z")
Down in Ft Myers. Will no doubt get a bit of rain and maybe some wind, but not really a threat barring a major change in direction. ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/25 "2016-10-05T02:30:33Z")
> [@garygnu](#): > > I’m on the West Coast, so obviously not in danger. But it’s hard for me not to notice and follow news of this one because, well, let’s just say my real life name isn’t “gary” like my user name here. You think that’s bad, I could have bought a ton of T-shirts in on Bourbon Street for my fiancee. I really should have bought one. I mean, how often do you get a chance to buy a T-shirt that calls your SO a bitch and not get in trouble? No danger here, either. After sitting through Irene and Sandy in upstate NY, I’m glad to be back in a desert where any hurricane is no longer a hurricane and just some wanted rain. But I’ve got family and friends potentially in the path, so I’m paying attention. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/26 "2016-10-05T07:31:19Z")
Anyone in southern Florida might want to prepare for a double whammy. [One forecast model](https://pbs.twimg.com/tweet_video/Ct-nZyOXgAEtE7Y.mp4) (video) has it making a big loop and coming back again. Or maybe Earth is just going to have a permanent Great White Spot. ---
**Author:** ![LouisB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 8:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/27 "2016-10-05T08:33:37Z")
I’m on the west coast of Florida; I’m hoping for the best but expecting the worst. I don’t plan to leave though; I’ll just ride it out. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/28 "2016-10-05T11:52:10Z")
People living in Merritt Island and other barrier islands in Brevard County must evacuate starting at 3p today. The roads are going to be a NIGHTMARE. ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/29 "2016-10-05T12:16:07Z")
A co-worker’s wife apparently tried to get gas at 3 different stations…each were bone-dry. Ms. Cups bought some water/chips/PB&J/bread etc. yesterday. Other than Hermine a month or whatever ago, I’ve never actually been through a hurricane. Maybe that’s why I’m the only one that’s not worried… ---
**Author:** ![Lacunae\_Matata](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lacunae\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lacunae_Matata)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/30 "2016-10-05T12:32:40Z")
Apparently, several gas stations in coastal Georgia areas are also running out of fuel. I don’t know whether the pipeline break in Alabama last month is still throttling the local supplies, but I’m glad I filled gas cans and topped off the truck’s tank yesterday. A lot of evacuees from Florida and South Carolina are heading to Georgia, so I expect supplies to be limited for a bit. The latest forecast shows the storm slowing down, and lingering on the Florida coast longer - that looks ugly. But maybe it also means that the kids’ homecoming plans won’t be rained out, and just maybe we can stay dry long enough to celebrate my brother’s wedding Saturday evening. ---
**Author:** ![Iggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iggy/32/3364_2.png) [@Iggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iggy)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/31 "2016-10-05T12:41:32Z")
Nine helicopters arrived here in Grand Cayman from the U.S. Southern Command in Honduras yesterday to begin staging for any relief efforts in Haiti. Our usually relatively tranquil airport now has Chinooks, Blackhawks, and Super Stallions lined up along with about eight fixed wing aircraft all awaiting further orders. Quite a sight. Hopefully today they can move on to Jamaica to stage closer to the need. I’ve not seen it mentioned much, but looks like Nassau is right in the projected path. They are the next major population center in line once it has passed over a couple smaller Bahamian islands. ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/32 "2016-10-05T14:51:19Z")
Broward County (South Florida, east coast) checking in here. We’re under a hurricane warning. I’ve lived here for 30 years, and am used to the drill. I have shiny new impact windows and doors, and a good roof I’m also inland Broward, which helps quite a bit. I’ve had my food supplies stocked for the season - I only had to top off my perishables. I have 15 gallons of gas stored in proper contains, and my generator works. I have about 2 and a half propane canisters for my grill. I have a fully stocked wet bar with two beers on tap and plenty of rum, vodka, etc. Freezer is packed with ice and bottles of frozen water. This morning, I brought all my patio furniture and potted plants indoors. I wanted to get that done before any rain comes, so they could stay dry. My company technically closes today around noon, but made it VERY clear that they expect everyone to take care of their home and family as priority. They also brought in pallets of water bottles, so any employees that didn’t get stuff will be able to take some home. (We have a lot of relocated employees, and this is their first storm.) Yesterday, I saw about half the gas stations in the area with lines. I expect it’s much worse today, but I haven’t been out of the house yet. Many of my friends are posting pictures of empty shelves at grocery stores. EDIT: Co-workers are reporting that Home Depot and Lowes are out of propane. I hope this is just a glancing blow, and Matthew goes out to sea. But I’m as ready as I can be. I expect to start getting squall lines tomorrow (Thursday), and overnight Thursday through Friday may be the worst parts. I’ll try to check in if I have power and internet. Stay safe everyone. My best advice is just don’t do anything stupid. Don’t go driving around because it looks fun. Don’t make this the first time you use a chain saw. ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/33 "2016-10-05T15:07:33Z")
Nothing official, but a manager just said we might be working from home tomorrow AND Friday. Not complaining there at all! As for the power going out, I’m not worried about it happening, and even if it does, I would be that I could get power pretty quickly. I’m reasonably confident that I’m on the same grid as Seaworld (given we’re neighbors) and they can’t go without power for too long… ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/34 "2016-10-05T15:19:42Z")
\ Update: Orange County officially in Hurricane Warning as the office’s cell phones just simultaneously freaked out. Orlando is officially in panic mode!\ ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/35 "2016-10-05T15:28:27Z")
I must have missed the Hermine thread because I had no power for six days. Or people thought it was no BFD because it was “just” a Cat. 1. So I’m fine. Thanks for asking. :rolleyes: To everyone else in Florida: be safe. If anyone needs a safe haven, come to the panhandle. Or PM me and I’ll see if I can hook you up with accommodations. ---
**Author:** ![Labtrash](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/labtrash/32/528_2.png) [@Labtrash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labtrash)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/36 "2016-10-05T16:48:15Z")
Looks like it shifted a little, and the giant bullseye over Myrtle Beach has moved away. For the time being, anyways. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/37 "2016-10-05T16:56:59Z")
Looks like the time I spent making travel arrangements for the marketing folks to go to Delray Beach was all for naught. _sigh_ ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/38 "2016-10-05T18:18:25Z")
Leaving at 1:00 PM tomorrow and work is a paid holiday on Friday. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/39 "2016-10-05T19:25:52Z")
We’re supposed to have early release tomorrow at 3p and nonessential personnel are off on Friday. I am essential. No word yet on if I can stay home or get a hotel room close to work. We’re working like mad to get ahead. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2016, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640/40 "2016-10-05T20:54:20Z")
I shut down my branch at noon today and sent everyone home. Charleston, SC here. Or outside. I’m just outside the evacuation zone and lasting it out. Cross your fingers. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-matthew-check-in-thread/767640.md?page=3)