Frankenstorm...Yikes!

MommyLiberty5013

So my BFF is visiting her Dad in Charleston, SC but she resides in Richmond, VA. She and her husband have been traveling by car with their two sons both under 2 years of age.

Should they stay in SC longer to hopefully avoid the brunt of the storm or should they head home to RIC and face the high winds/bad storms that will still hit Richmond even though it's 1 1/2 hours from the coast?

What would you do?

catsareniice1

MommyLiberty5013:

So my BFF is visiting her Dad in Charleston, SC but she resides in Richmond, VA. She and her husband have been traveling by car with their two sons both under 2 years of age.

Should they stay in SC longer to hopefully avoid the brunt of the storm or should they head home to RIC and face the high winds/bad storms that will still hit Richmond even though it's 1 1/2 hours from the coast?

What would you do?

If I were them I would definitely stay in SC longer and lay low (until the storm is over if possible). Hope they have a safe journey. 

LexiLupin

That would depend for me on whether there was a chance of getting caught in the storm while driving with 2 little kids in the car. If so, I would certainly stay in SC if possible.

EllaHella

That's a tough call.  Do they have supplies already at home?  It will be a scramble to return and stock up.  Also, do they have anywhere to go if it does get bad and they loose power for days?  

I am 2 hours of Richmond and an hour from the Bay.  We have the option of heading 8 hours south to the family farm or staying in place with a toddler and dog. 

We decided to hunker down but we also have buried lines are rarely loose power.  We aren't in immediate danger (ie on the coastline) so I would rather stay home to tend to any damage that occurs. 

I am fairly confident that I-81 will clear within a day or two of any significant weather (based on previous blizzards).  We can handle a few days if we have to but have an escape if we need it. 

ETA- can they get back before Sunday?

MommyLiberty5013

EllaHella:

That's a tough call.  Do they have supplies already at home?  It will be a scramble to return and stock up.  Also, do they have anywhere to go if it does get bad and they loose power for days?  

I am 2 hours of Richmond and an hour from the Bay.  We have the option of heading 8 hours south to the family farm or staying in place with a toddler and dog. 

We decided to hunker down but we also have buried lines are rarely loose power.  We aren't in immediate danger (ie on the coastline) so I would rather stay home to tend to any damage that occurs. 

I am fairly confident that I-81 will clear within a day or two of any significant weather (based on previous blizzards).  We can handle a few days if we have to but have an escape if we need it. 

ETA- can they get back before Sunday?

Supplies: Doubtful. I tried to encourage a "prepping push" over the summer with her b/c I love her to death, but she didn't persue it.

I will pass on the ideas of staying in SC. Her mom is in RIC also as is her brother, and her DH's family is there too. So, I'm sure they are torn as what the right course of action is.

There home is absolutely surrounded by tall trees, which freaks me out.

I was in RIC for Hurricane Isabel...not fun.

EllaHella

I would stay.  They have family that can help with their home if there is damage. 

Also, they have no supplies.  I am on the DC Nest Refugees offboard and the other ladies are reporting empty shelves at Target already.  They were full when I was there this morning.  I needed dog food and wasn't going to fight panic for it. 

I am listening to the local news for updates.  I will let you know if they change anything.  As of now it is aimed at the Bay for landfall on Tuesday but the bad weather starting Sunday.

Maryland and Virginia have both already declared a SOE ahead of the storm.