Well, all I can think of is Charley 8/13/04...and the moment of horror I felt when I knew it was headed for us (and NOT Tampa, as the misguided, incompetent Weather Channel kept saying right up until our power went out). On top of that, it went from a cat. 2 to a 4 within 30 minutes. I was absolutely terrified. What I felt can't remotely compare to Katrina and what these people must be feeling. Thank GOD they have had some warning, unlike we did.

We have learned one dear lesson: pay attention to nhc.noaa.gov's satellite imagery (which lets you see the live satellite picture, not some "5:00pm advisory, here's where we think it's headed" crap), so you can tell on your OWN where the thing is headed. It's amazing how different the forecast points are from where the hurricane actually goes. The unfortunate folks in Punta Gorda & Port Charlotte would have been evacuated, had the Weather Channel made an accurate prediction.

Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox now...it just pays to do your own homework on this stuff. My prayers are very much with everyone in Katrina's path. Please, be safe!!!!