I was raised in Jackson, Mississippi and spent my summers in Gulf Shores. This was 30+ years ago! It was beautiful back then. Then Hurricane Camille hit in 1968 and its never been the same. I lived in New Orleans in the early 70's and used to ride my bike from Metairie to the French Quarter on the levees. I hope this hurricane is downgraded. I have lots of family and friends that live along the Gulf Coast including my parents and a sister. In the late 80's I lived in Winston-Salem, NC and when Hurricane Hugo hit South Carolina, the high winds came that far inland and destoyed my neighborhood with high winds, flooding and took the roof off my house. these things can move inland for 100s of miles and create havoc. Take care everyone and stay safe. Bekki