Norske Fred and his wife defy the authorities’ evacuation order – news Norway – Overview of news from various parts of the country

Norwegian Fred Larsen and his wife sit in a laundry room in a house in Florida. They live in Cape Coral, Florida, about ten miles south of Siesta Key where the hurricane made landfall. The authorities have issued evacuation orders to everyone in the area. The couple has ignored it. – We debated it a lot in the morning. But we have lived here for 34 years and been through 12-13 major hurricanes. The house has done well. Now it is too late to leave the place. Fred Larsen and his wife have chosen to stay in the Cape Coral house despite being asked to leave. The house is, among other things, secured with hurricane protection. Photo: FRED LARSEN Larsen says they also have neighbors who have stayed behind. – A decision just has to be made. We have always been here during all the other hurricanes. So we have to hope for the best. While news is talking to him, Fred is told on the phone that tornadoes are on the way, and that the couple must seek refuge. They have received several such calls in recent hours. Listen to the tornado warning here: In recent days, Norwegian Fred Larsen and his wife have tried to secure the property in Cape Coral as best they can against the ravages of the hurricane. Photo: FRED LARSEN The problem is that they have no basement to hide in. – We are betting on the laundry room because it is in the middle of the house. It’s probably the safest thing we have. The wife is sitting there now, I’m standing outside. It’s not very pleasant. news spoke to Fred Larsen again around 03.30 on Thursday night Norwegian time. Then he was relieved that the hurricane had hit land somewhat further north than first thought. – The water in the canal outside has risen quite a bit, but it is going well for now. The current comes and goes, says Larsen to news. The boat is hoisted as far ashore as possible. The authorities fear that the sea may rise to four metres. Photo: FRED LARSEN Considering moving The couple have prepared for what lies ahead. They have aluminum sheets covering the windows and have fixed all loose objects. – That is what is most dangerous, the loose objects that come through the air at 150 km an hour, says Larsen. – Are you afraid for your own safety now? – No, not really. After all the hurricanes we’ve had, I guess I’m not really. Nevertheless, the development has an impact on him. Larsen says extreme weather is coming more and more frequently. It’s only been two weeks since the last hurricane devastated the area they live in. Now they are unsure what to do with their home. – It is stressful. You have to think carefully, do you want to continue living here? That’s what we think about the most, moving from here after 34 years. This is how the property looked after a hurricane two years ago. Photo: Private Published 10.10.2024, at 03.36 Updated 10.10.2024, at 03.53



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