Just for the record. Most goverment conferences are scheduled during off seasons in most states. Unfortunately not only was it hotter then he** it was also hurricane season in Florida at that time.
Originally Posted by cordelli
Only the Pentagon would schedule a conference in the middle of hurricane season in the middle of the hurricane zone in the country.
Also, I dove north in an attempt to drive back home to DC. Once I hit MCO area (to check on my mother) I needed gas but there was no gas to be gotten.
It turns out that if underground gas tanks are empty the pressure from the hurricane collapses the tanks rendering them useless and unable to be refilled. From Hurricane Charlie a lot of the tanks were in that condition. The stations with gas were either closed to keep their tanks partially full for the hurricane so they wouldn't collapse or were rationing gas to the point of collapse. I found one station but they were limiting pumps to 5 gallons which made me go back to calling the airlines again.
on 9/2, I did call AA, DL, UA, US, Spirit and Independant before leaving FLL and all said they didn't have anything for 9/2 or 9/3 to anywhere. On my way I did book a one-way flight in F on UA MCO-SFO for $1866 and later got the flight to IAD.
One positive was that Hertz's policy is to waive the different drop off point fee during natural disasters. Hertz gets props from me saving me at least $300. It probably benefits them because most people are taking their vehicles out of harms way. I didn't even mind paying the $3.xx per gallon after that.
All that matters is I made it out. Just thought that the price of ticket was excessive.
As far as the weather channel information. It was the same on the local channels, the radio and the 1P desk. I'll take that over heresay on here or anywhere else.