If you live in an area where you suspect lengthy power outage after the storm makes landfall, then I would consider just plugging it into the generator after the storm is over and during cleanup. However, if it's just for the couple of days during landfall, and you don't anticipate lengthy times without electricity, I would just shock the heck out of it ahead of time, and then leave it alone and deal with the aftermath. I think you have less chance of harm to the pump by not using during the full force of the storm, because you don't run the risk of debris blowing into the pool and blocking the skimmers or something punching a hole in the liner and emptying too much water, running the pump dry.

I see that the predictions are taking a more westward turn in regard to where landfall will happen--I'd love to see it go west just a bit more (away from Louisiana!!!) We're all having nightmares about Katrina.....

Janet