The problem is more complicated than it looks. As a Florida resident for 19 years, I've been through my share of hurricanes including the eye of three category 3 storms passing over my house 2004-2005. You need to understand the geography of Southern Florida. There are two major roadways out of Miami (I-95 and the Turnpike). Both will be a parking lot 24 hours before the storm. If you can get out before then, do it. But, you need to be prepared to run out of gas somewhere south of Jacksonville and realize that the gas stations will likely be out as well. Hotel rooms in central Florida will be eaten up quickly and if you remember the path of Charlie, that's not a great idea anyway.

The forcast track (the cone of death as we like to call it down here) is quite inaccurate until 24 hours before the storm. If I had abandoned ship every time we were in the cone in 2004, I would have spent more time in Geogia than at home during the hurricane season.

That said, I am 5 miles inland and have less to worry about. Those on the water have no choice and generally bug out early.

My advice is to get out as early as your personal circumstances will allow and make provision to carry extra gasoline if you can.

Craig.