'When It Hits, It Hits': Hurricane Dorian Anxiety Up For Some, Not So Much For Others
DEERFIELD BEACH (CBSMiami) – Residents in Northern Broward County are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. They could see some of the fringe effects of Hurricane Dorian.
Sunday afternoon, it was hard to tell there was a storm roughly 100 miles away as beachgoers partied and enjoyed a gorgeous afternoon on the sand.
Many people were looking to escape the anxiety we have all felt this week.
"The wind is blowing. The music is playing. And we are just going to enjoy ourselves. And then run home," said Broward resident Dyane Mercante, while enjoying a hurricane party this Labor Day weekend. "The calm before the storm."
Many people were simply looking for an outlet after a week of worry and preparing.
Five miles inland, it is a much different story.
Florida Power in Light is staging crews at the Boca Town Center Mall.
Some 16,000 workers have been mobilized statewide including out-of-state contractors.
It is the largest pre-storm workforce ever in the company's history.
FPL says due to the uncertainty in Dorian's track and intensity, it is impossible to predict how many FPL customers may lose power.
The company is urging customers to not make assumptions about Dorian's track and intensity, finalize safety precautions and prepare to be without power.
Even if Florida doesn't take a direct impact, we anticipate significant effects, including powerful tropical storm-force winds, possible tornadoes, storm surge and flooding from this slow-moving storm. These effects will create challenges with trees toppling, debris and vegetation blowing into our lines, which may require crews to repair large parts of our energy grid," said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL.
Unlike the past week, fuel can be found everywhere. There is no one running to top off. Some gas stations are actually choosing to close up until Dorian passes.
As the warning alerts flashed Sunday, some chose to ignore them and take a break from the non-stop preps.
"When it hits it hits. We are all ready at home," said Broward resident Tyrone Clary.
Sunday was a picture perfect day.
As it wound down though, the Chapmans closed up their shutters, choosing to leave the coastline and wait out Dorian, the most intense and perhaps the slowest storm in recent memory.
"It doesn't look like it's moved. It is just getting bigger and bigger. That's it. Like I said it's like being spanked by your father. I'm waiting. I'm waiting for dad to get home. And he hasn't come home yet to punish me. Just hurry up and come home so I can get this over with so go back to work," said Michael Chapman.
For the most part those who were going to prepare have done so.
A handful remain, curious, just how close is Dorian going to come.
"First hurricane. I'm excited for it. So we'll see how it goes," said Deerfield Beach resident Derik Conjar.
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