We were in almost the exact same situation with Hurricane Charley. Planning for years to throw off the dock lines to go cruising October 2004. Hurricane Charley shows up Friday, August 13 ... direct hit, Cat 4 hurricane over our marina. No communications for 3 days after Charley went through other than Weather Channel, which didn't look good for Punta Gorda. LUCKILY, our boat was spared and we were able to leave within a few weeks of our original plan.
We're sending good thoughts your way and hoping you have the same experience! GO AWAY IRENE!!!
Jan & David