he's up against. >> but we have to expect that water -- atlantic water is going to get over both the frontal and the primary dune and get to at least lake park. >> reporter: storm surge isn't the only threat. he has the local lake drained to accept what could be record-breaking rain. >> do you think all of that's going to be enough? >> i hope so. i know hope's not a -- not much of a game plan, but at this point in time, take every measure you can. >> reporter: there is another critical decision this weather commando has made. he's leaving. you don't see that as the captain abandoning his ship? >> no, you know, from my background in special operations with, yes, i can get the sense how that might read. >> reporter: but he also knows he told everyone to leave. >> it doesn't set a good example. >> reporter: what do you think you'll find when you come back? >> we're going to lose beach. and structural damage in the island. it's my hope that we can accept that and rebuild from that. but loss of life is intolerabli.