Hurricane Charley - Disney - Lake Buena Vista, Florida - August 13, 2004

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http://www.stormchasingfever.com/logs/viewchase.php?id=17 - In addition to the video, check out the Hurricane Charley storm chasing log summary with SPC graphics, video & photos

I was lucky to document Hurricane Charley from Chatham Square apartment, Disney, that struck southern Orange County (20 miles south of Orlando, east of I-4) Florida. Originally forecasters on August 12th predicted Charley would make landfall near Tampa Bay as a strong category 2.

By mid-morning on the 13th, the situation became tense as Charley began to make an early right turn. Tampa Bay would be spared but had his sights set for the Port Charlotte Harbor and made a beeline toward the Orlando Metro. While emergency management officials were scrambling to prepare final evacuations they were dealt with another blow as Charley unexpectedly strengthened from a category 2 to a strong category 4 storm with winds sustained at 145 mph in a matter of 3 hours.

Charley's speed, tight inner circulation and the flat terrain of Florida, caused the storm to remain at hurricane strength over the inland peninsula causing extensive property and tree damage. Power was out for weeks, gas shortages were common and Disney World/Universal Studios were closed costing both attractions lost revenue in the millions.

Charley was the 5th strongest hurricane to hit the U.S. and ranks as the most powerful hurricane to hit the Orlando metro area since Hurricane Donna in 1960.

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Science & Technology

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