Lifelong Floridian here. Got a few comments about the last 7 days or so.
I began on Wednesday of last week to prepare - not for the hurricane but for the idiots, which I find is much more necessary than for winds and water. You can really spot the people who a) Aren't Natives, and B) Do nothing but watch the national news media. These are the idiots running out to by 50 gallons of gas and extra food that will be wasted. It's quite amazing the lack of common sense, planning and preparation I've witnessed recently.
A comment on the strength of the storms... Does anyone factor in the fact that technology has increased dramatically in the ability to measure and monitor these storms? Even 25 years ago most of the data gathered about active storms were probably from buoys and older technology from Hurricane Hunter aircraft. What is the measurement altitude of the "Maximum sustained winds?" If it's not less than 50 feet is it really significant to the possible damage to property? I think it's likely that the wind speeds data we see today isn't exactly equivalent to what data was available years ago.
I'd like to see the data provided to our citizens always include a graphic showing how far out the damaging winds are from the center. Visually, all people see is the "cone of uncertainty" and are oblivious to how far the 74 mph+ winds extend. When Dorian was at its strongest - 185mph - winds of hurricane strength (74+) only extended out 30 miles from the center. I never saw any info as to how large of an area the 185mph winds extended. I think thats pertinent info.
EXAMPLE:
One thing is certain in my mind though, if I lived on the beach, my biggest concerned would always be the storm surge. Nothing is going to stop that wall of water.
My prayers and my monetary donations will be for the victims in the days ahead.