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Tropical Wave Becomes Depression This Weekend

jpeak — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:57:09 +0000

Fort Myers, Florida- The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical depression advisories at 11 am on the tropical wave heading our way. Forecast paths put the center of this disturbed system through the Florida Straigts bringing mostly rain and wind to Southwest Florida Friday and Saturday. It will move out by Sunday.

Hurricane Predictions 2010

jpeak — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:58:36 +0000

The News-Press recently published a report on the 2010 hurricane predictions, that was released by the forecast team at Colorado State University. The Colorado State University team is led by pioneer forecaster William Gray, who has been forecasting hurricanes for 27 years. The team predicted that we would have an above-average 2010 hurricane season.

Overall, the CSU prediction called for 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes. This report is based on the Atlantic basin, which includes all tropical storms and hurricanes in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

A tropical storm becomes a hurricane when its sustained wind speeds surpass 74 mph.

Is your home protected?

Hurricane Kit

Parker — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:23:50 +0000

In the event of a hurricane or any tropical storm related disaster, it is recommended that you keep an emergency supply kit on hand. For those of us located on the coastline of Florida, it is especially important that you have such a kit handy at all times. A powerful storm can leave the areas that it hit devastated. Being prepared for such an event can literally mean the difference between life and death for you and your family. Below you can find the items that are recommended for a basic Hurricane Supply Kit:

Water, one gallon per person per day for at least three days(72 hrs) for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three day supply of non – perishable food items
A battery powered or hand crank radio NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
Flash light and extra batteries
First aid kit. The more comprehensive the better
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation in the event of plumbing, sewage or septic issues
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. They will also come in handy for numerous other situations
Can opener for canned food

The above listed items are the most basic of necessities. You may also want to consider storing the following items as well:

Prescription meds and glasses
Infant food and formula
Pet food and extra water for pets
Important documents (Insurance, bank accounts, id etc…) It;’s a good idea to place these items in a water proof container.
Cash or travellers checks
Emergency reference materials (first aid books etc…)
Sleeping bag or blankets for each person.
Complete change of clothing
Household chlorine bleach. If diluted with nine parts water, it can be used as a disinfectant.
Fire Extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Hygiene supplies
Paper plates, cups and disposable utensils
Paper and pencil
Books games and puzzles or other activities for children.

Most of the information from this list was found in the Lee County All Hazards Guide for 2009 –2010.

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Hurricane Damage

Parker — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:38:44 +0000

Most of us who live in wind or hurricane prone parts of the country know that there are 5 categories for the strength of a hurricane. What a lot of us don’t know is what the wind speeds for each category is. Below you’ll find the wind speeds associated with each category as well as a brief description of conditions that occur in each category. This is known as the Saffir-Simpson Scale and assigns the 5 categories based on both wind speed and damage potential.

Tropical Storm – 39 – 74 mph.

Category 1 – Winds of 74 – 95 mph.

Storm Surge 4-5 feet above normal. Damage to signs, unanchored homes, shrubbery and trees. Minor coastal flooding.

Category 2 – Winds of 96 – 110 mph.

Storm surge 6 – 8 feet above normal. Some trees blow down. Damage to some doors, windows, and roofs. Flooding to piers. Considerable damage to mobile homes

Category 3 – Winds of 111 – 130 mph.

Some structural damage to residences and utility buildings. Mobile homes destroyed. Flooding near coast destroys small structures. Flooding may come well inland

Category 4 – Winds of 131 – 155 mph.

Some complete roof structure and curtainwall failure. Major beach area erosion. Inland flooding.

Category 5 – Winds of 156 and up.

Major damage to many structures. Buildings and roofs blown away. Major and severe flooding events. Massive evacuations of residences could be required.

References: www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/basics/saffir_simpson.shtml