Dorian has been downgraded to a Cat 4. Actually, he is 1 mph under a Cat 5.
We live on the border between Polk and Osceola counties, Polk side, in the Kissimmee area, one mile from the county line. We went to a tropical storm watch late yesterday. Osceola is in a tropical storm warning since last night. All our prep was done by Thursday. Yesterday the roads were pretty empty of traffic. All the Labor Day activities planned for the community are cancelled. All the amenities, pools and our 3 restaurants are closed until further notice. Our Veterans club sponsors Flags Over Solivita. No flags up this weekend. Our CERT team, of which we are members, have been on alert since Friday. Mobilization, if needed, will be after the storm passes. Area schools are closed thru at least Wednesday.
A small shift to the west and we will be looking at higher winds and maybe more intense rain bands. Late tonight should be the start for us with late Tuesday thru Wednesday being the brunt of the storm. Shore line counties from West Palm Beach up to Flagler and Volusia (Daytona Beach area) counties are under a hurricane warning.
Neighbors were helping neighbors yesterday to clear lanais of furniture and other potential projectiles. Already organized our cul-de-sac for food if we loose power. Out comes my camping stove, Dutch ovens, cast iron skillets, coffee pot and the like. One gas grille ready to join in. We'll wing the menus if needed. And for a little levity, we have plenty of wine, beer and hard stuff!
The State of Florida has done its job. Over 28,000 utility crews have been organized and staged around the state. Tolls on almost all roads have been suspended. Mandatory evacuations have been started in the store line communities with the highest storm threat.
To all in Dorian's path, stay safe and God Bless.