My island routinely receives evacuation instructions during a bad hurricane coming our way. Preceding Charlie in 2004, we were told that storm surge would be 18 feet -- Ed says we'll go into the attic (we are 9 ft. above sea level). I said is there a way out? He says no. I said I'll take my chances swimming down Island Avenue and try to avoid the power lines. We didn't leave. We are protected by mangrove islands and barrier islands. The warnings of 18 feet were very misinformed. We had some minor flooding at the lower end of the island. Tornados were the worst because they ripped roofs off and pushed trees into houses. We lost our pool cage and a few roof tiles. Ed refused to evacuate because he wanted to be here to save the house and because evacuating with animals is involved. We got through okay. Here we are.

We just had a downpour for a half hour--can I borrow a boat?

It is very sensible to do it this way. I am reminded of the houses in
Louisiana that are built on stilts in the swamps to allow water to run
underneath them.

In that bottom photo, is that a boat parked under the balcony?? I guess we have to believe you about the flooding!

I'm going to a workshop about elevating buildings above the flood on the 17th. In a year or so, I hope I'll be able to post a picture of my own shack (red log cabin) sitting up high.