After having the misfortune of having to ride out Alicia, there were several things I learned about hurricanes
1. If you can get out of the way, do it. It was without a doubt the spookiest 24 hours I spent in my life. The building I was in downtown was large but it swayed back and forth like a boat. The wind noise was truely incredible.

2. Be prepared for a lot of damage. Driving home the next morning up Main street, I saw lots of windows blown out, but I also saw entire blocks of buildings turned into trash heaps. It looked as if someone had taken a bulldozer to them and left the debris in a big pile.

3. After the storm, be prepared for hot hot windless days and nights. If was as if the air had stopped moving. Without electricity for fans or AC, it was even more stifling

4. If you can get dry ice for your frig and freezer, do it

5. I know it is probably too late, but a portable generator after the storm is a life-saver.

if we don't fly, we'll ride out the storm in the northwest part of town

4. If you ride out the storm , I suggest you fill your bathtubs with water. You will need this for all sorts of things like flushing the toilet if you lose water pressure. (Of course I presume that you don't live near a bayou and are at risk for flooding)

Finally, I would suggest that if you are already out of town, stay out and don't come back to rescue the car. IMHO, it just isn't worth it.
I am not trying to be alarmist. These are things that experience taught me. Fortunately, I now do not live in the gulf coast, but I pray for all of those who do.