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TNGW1500SE's avatar
TNGW1500SE
Explorer
Jan 22, 2017

Tornado Warning

We're staying in Northern Florida at Suwannee River State Park. This afternoon there is a "High Risk" for tornadoes. We were camped in the campground in the trees in a class A. The trees are 60 feet tall pines and are blowing all over the place. We had a large branch come down and just miss the back of the RV yesterday. I felt uncomfortable under all those pines with the current winds and they're forecast to get stronger later today. Sooo,,, we moved the RV up to a parking lot on the way out of the park. Left or hoses and cargo trailer there. We're in a "day use" area but it's an empty paved parking lot. There must be 100 spaces. It's us and one van so come on down there's room!!! We're parked now out from under the large pine trees. Well.... a campground volunteer came by and told us we'd have to move. She wants us back under 60 foot pine trees in high winds. Rules are rules but I don't feel safe there. The volunteer said that they were all "taking the same risk". She had the Park Ranger stop by and when were told her we were not spending the night (in their "day use" area) she didn't argue much (I wasn't moving anyway) it would take handcuffs. It's stupid to be in those pines. Looks like when these kind of storms are forecast, they wouldn't get their panties in such a wad and would allow people to park in a safer location. Right now the winds are 20 MPH and you can hear branches cracking and falling and we're in a Styrofoam box. Tonight they'll make us move back into the pines. There's a gate to this place and nobody can get in after they close the gate at 6PM. I'd rather stay here away from the trees all night because of the winds. Nobody can get to this lot anyway. They'll make us move!
  • Better off safe!

    If that camp host is on a power trip, the worst thing that can happen is law enforcement comes and will eject you from the park, maybe a ticket for not following instructions of the camp host. That's a lot better and less expensive than damage to your rig, injury or worse.

    If they make it a big deal, like trespass or ban from the park system, call up a local TV station and the State will quickly change it's tune. If it comes to it, remember to keep your temper and tongue in check when talking to anyone and record everything.
  • We left Ft Clinch State Park in northern eastern Florida just below the GA line yesterday instead of today to head south to a less risky area. Today we're at Lake Griffin State Park near The Villages, and the warnings here put us in the "Moderate Risk" for tornadoes region. There's a lot of trees here, but not many really big ones, so we'll hope for the best. A volunteer came by a few minutes ago making sure everyone was aware of the warnings and where the shelters are if needed.
  • rgatijnet1 wrote:
    If you don't feel comfortable, don't move to a dangerous area. If they get too bad at hassling you, leave and go park at WalMart.
    Looking at the weather, it looks like by this evening it will have passed your area. The reports now indicate that about 15 have been killed by these storms. Stay safe.


    We're stuck with high winds today thru tomorrow then it moves out. I'd like to just stay parked here out of the big trees. There's us and three cars in this big parking lot. You could park another 75 cars here in the empty spaces. I tried to call the Florida State parks office but it's Sunday so guess what. They're closed.
  • If you don't feel comfortable, don't move to a dangerous area. If they get too bad at hassling you, leave and go park at WalMart.
    Looking at the weather, it looks like by this evening it will have passed your area. The reports now indicate that about 15 have been killed by these storms. Stay safe.
  • My experience is that they get so many tornado warnings they ignore them.