Isaac approaches: West Boca

As Tropical Storm Isaac approaches south Florida, many in West Boca are getting active. Early in the week I was in Lowe’s where they were putting out all kinds of hurricane-related displays. There was a big display of generators and multiple displays of 5-gallon gas cans (I bought three). They were selling bottled water near the door – a very good deal with 2 32-packs of 16.9 oz bottles for $7.50. I’m not sure if that deal is still on.
There are reports of people starting to put their hurricane shutters in place. I myself am planning on closing the shutters that require a ladder sometime today. Many people are filling their gas tanks and taking other common sense steps to prepare for a rough few days.
For Republicans and others thinking of heading to Tampa for the Republican National Convention, Isaac may discourage a few. On the current path, West Boca will be getting substantial wind and rain from the storm on Sunday if not earlier. Even the rains last night and today could arguably be attributed to Isaac.
West Boca, like the other western communities in Palm Beach County, is generally safe from any storm surge because we are so far inland. Storm surge mostly affects areas east of I-95. Predictions suggest we will get a lot of rain and some strong winds, but on current models the brunt of the storm should miss us. Nevertheless, those models are far from perfect so people are being extra careful and even stocking up on survival food, should the worst come to the worst.
If conditions get really bad the safest place is probably your home. But if necessary, West Boca Community High School (on the far west end of Glades Road) is an official hurricane shelter. There’s a lot of information on the Palm Beach County hurricane page.
The Home Depot and Publix at 441 and Glades both have generator power, and so does the Lowes at Palmetto and 441, as well as the Publix markets at Sandalfoot, at the Reserve (Clint Moore at 441), and in Loggers Run Plaza (far west Palmetto Park).