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Hurricane Ophelia Update

wkittle — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:13:23 +0000

Hurricane Ophelia rapidly intensified to a Category 2 hurricane overnight, centered on this Friday morning over the Atlantic Ocean almost 700 miles south-southeast of Bermuda. Some additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours. Ophelia will turn to the north later today with an increase in forward speed. On that track, the center will pass east of Bermuda on Saturday. A Tropical Storm Watch issued by the Bermuda Weather Service continues for that island nation.
Tropical Storm Philippe continues to move northwest over the Atlantic Ocean, centered about 1150 miles east-northeast of the Leeward Islands. A turn to the west-northwest at a slower forward speed is expected later today or tomorrow. Some strengthening is possible today, followed by weakening late Saturday or Sunday. Philippe is not a threat to any land areas.
Over the eastern North Pacific, Hilary has weakened to a tropical depression. It’s centered more than 700 miles west of the southern tip of Baja, California, and should become a remnant low later today.
Get the latest on the tropics, including forecasts and graphics, on the NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov

Hurricane Irene – Category 2

kdugas — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:17:50 +0000

HURRICANE IRENE ADVISORY NUMBER 13
NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL092011
1100 AM EDT TUE AUG 23 2011

…IRENE APPROACHING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS…

SUMMARY OF 1100 AM EDT…1500 UTC…INFORMATION
———————————————–
LOCATION…20.5N 71.0W
ABOUT 70 MI…110 KM S OF GRAND TURK ISLAND
ABOUT 50 MI…85 KM NNW OF PUERTO PLATA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…100 MPH…160 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 12 MPH…19 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…980 MB…28.94 INCHES

Hurricane Irene – Category 1

kdugas — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:48:31 +0000

LOCATION…19.2N 67.5W

ABOUT 105 MI…170 KM WNW OF SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO
ABOUT 70 MI…115 KM NE OF PUNTA CANA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…80 MPH…130 KM/H

The government of the Bahamas has issued a hurricane warning for the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Southeastern Bahamas.

Summary of watches and warnings in effect…A hurricane warning is in effect for…* North coast of the Dominican Republic from the Haiti border Eastward to Cabo Engano * Southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands

A hurricane watch is in effect for… * North coast of Haiti from le mole St. Nicholas eastward to the Dominican Republic border * central Bahamas

A tropical storm warning is in effect for…* Puerto Rico…Vieques and Culebra * South Coast of the Dominican Republic from South of Cabo Engano Westward to the Haiti Border * all of Haiti

Discussion and 48-Hour Outlook
——————————
At 1100 am…The Center of Hurricane Irene was located near Latitude 19.2 North…Longitude 67.5 West. Irene is moving toward the West-Northwest near 13 Mph…20 Km/H…and this motion is expected to continue during the next 24 To 48 hours. On This Track the Core of Irene should be passing just to the North of Hispaniola later today and early Tuesday and reach the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Southeastern Bahamas late Tuesday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 80 Mph…130 Km/H…with higher gusts. Irene is a Category One Hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. Strengthening is forecast during the next few days.

Hurricane Force Winds Extend Outward Up To 30 Miles…45 Km…from the center…and Tropical Storm Force Winds extend outward up To 185 miles…295 Km to the Northeast of the center.

Minimum Central Pressure Estimated From A Reconnaissance Plane Was 988 Mb…29.18 Inches.
Source: NWS – NOAA

Tropical Storm Bret brushes the East Coast of Florida

kharper — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:50:43 +0000

Churning about 150 miles off the eastern coast of Florida, Tropical Storm Bret will pose little threat to the U.S. mainland this week as it is expected to remain well offshore.

The season’s second named storm, upgraded from a tropical depression late on Sunday evening, is meandering around the northern Bahamas this morning.

Grand Bahama, including the city of Freeport and Great Abaco, will experience bands of heavy rain today, along with wind gusts that could approach tropical storm force (39 mph or greater).

Read more on this developing weather story here.

*Source – AccuWeather.com

Tropical Storm Calvin forms

kharper — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:42:09 +0000

While a system in the southwestern Atlantic will likely only ever be a rainmaker, waters south of Mexico in the eastern Pacific have produced Tropical Storm Calvin.

A broad area of tropical moisture will continue to pulse at times the next few days as it drifts in a northerly path towards Florida. According to Tropical Weather and Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski, “There is no low-level circulation, and while surface pressures are falling, they are not crashing.”

Read more about this weather development here.

*Source – AccuWeather.com

Hurricane season is here ~ Are you prepared?

kharper — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:57:53 +0000

History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.
Hurricane hazards come in many forms, including storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards. Download the Tropical Cyclone Preparedness Guide for more information. But remember, this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense. Get the facts now…before the storm!

We’ve been in the hurricane-protection business for a long time, so we know what works best to protect homes and businesses in Southwest Florida. Smart Companies’ experts have the experience and top-notch skills to make your property safe and sound with technologically advanced certified protection. It starts with a quick call or e-mail to schedule a free, no-obligation storm-protection evaluation to determine which products will work best for your Florida home or business. Call us today at 239-278-9092 or Toll Free at 888-962-7283.

* Source - NOAA

Tropical Storm Arlene makes landfall!

kharper — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:20:58 +0000

Tropical Storm Arlene, the first tropical system of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, plowed ashore in Mexico early this morning, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the northeastern part of the country.

The center of the storm came ashore at Cabo Rojo, Mexico, or just to the south of Tampico, around 4:00 a.m. central time, packing estimated maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, with higher gusts.

There was a possibility that the storm could have reached hurricane status (winds of 74 mph or stronger) in the few hours prior to landfall; however, this did not come to fruition.

Regardless, bands of heavy rain with embedded thunderstorms will continue to lash northeastern Mexico, and even part of South Texas, into Friday, even as winds unwind.

Read more about this weather development here.

*Source Accuweather.com

Beatriz to Become a Hurricane in the Eastern Pacific

kharper — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:53:52 +0000

This Monday morning finds a strengthening tropical storm Beatriz over the eastern North Pacific Ocean about 245 south-southeast of Manzanillo, Mexico. Beatriz is expected to become a hurricane today, and hurricane watches and warnings are posted along a portion of the south Mexico coastline.

Follow the latest advisories from National Hurricane Center at www.hurricanes.gov.

It’s that time of year again ~ Hurricane season!

kharper — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:26:37 +0000

These violent, tropical cyclones are some of the most dramatic, damaging and potentially deadly weather events. And as you have seen in recent months, we can’t predict what Mother Nature has up her sleeve, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

Hurricane Preparation Tips
•    Do a run-through installation so you know what it takes to completely secure your home.
•    Make sure all hurricane protection works, and check that you have all the parts for installation.
•    Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
•    Have a family plan in place that addresses where everyone will meet, in case you are separated.

If a Hurricane is Likely in Your Area
•    Secure your home, engage storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
•    Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
•    Turn off propane tanks.
•    Ensure you have a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
•    Listen to the radio or watch TV for information.
•    If possible, monitor these websites: National Hurricane Center & Storm Prediction Center.

Evacuate Under the Following Conditions
•    If directed by local authorities to do so, and be sure to follow their instructions.
•    If you live in a high-rise building — hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
•    If you live on the coast, in a floodplain, near a river or on an inland waterway.
•    If you feel you are in danger.
•    If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, close all interior doors; secure and brace external doors; keep curtains and blinds closed; take refuge in a small interior room on the lowest level or lie under a sturdy object such as a table.
Should you have any questions about your home’s hurricane readiness, please contact us. Also, if you need service or parts before a storm hits, call us at (239) 278-9092 or Toll Free at 888-962-7283.

Protecting your boat during a storm

kharper — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:00:47 +0000

The key to any kind of hurricane preparation is an early start. Boats can be repaired or replaced; people can’t. It’s cliché but often forgotten in the rush to ready for a storm, particularly when preparations weren’t made in advance. Allow time before the storm to evacuate or take care of house and family needs first. Should there still be ample time before the storm approaches, securing your boat as much as possible may protect your investment.

Preparing for a hurricane – 72 hours prior:

If you live or boat in an area prone to hurricanes or heavy weather, know your local and national weather sources and monitor them continuously.

Remove small boats from the water and move them to a secure location. Ensure the trailer and boats are secured above likely flood areas. Remove all loose items. Ensure the boat is tied securely to the trailer. Contact local marinas and ask for advice. The marina operators are knowledgeable and can advise you on the best methods for securing your boat.

If your boat is too large to be removed from the water, move it to a safe haven well before the storm approaches. You should know where safe havens are in the area where you boat. Use extra fenders, even used tires, to protect your boat. Double up mooring lines, secure all hatches, take down the mast if possible and remove all loose items from the vessel. Secure everything.

Drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures prior to a storm. They are generally authorized to remain closed up to eight hours prior to the approach of gale force winds of 34 knots or greater and whenever an evacuation is ordered. Because of the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners should seek early passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.

Preparing for a hurricane – 24 hours prior:

Boaters and coastal residents can get storm and hurricane information from VHF marine radios, commercial radio and television stations and newspapers, or NOAA weather radios.

The public should check with their local Coast Guard sector for an up-to-date status of local ports.

Never forget that storms move quickly and are unpredictable. You can always replace a boat; you cannot replace a life.

Preparing for a hurricane – vessels in the storm:

Do not go out to sea in a recreational boat to “ride out” a hurricane. All mariners are advised to stay off the water.
If you are unable to evade a storm, ensure you wear a life jacket and know how to activate your distress signaling devices. Rescue and assistance by the Coast Guard and other agencies, however, may be severely degraded or unavailable immediately before, during and after a devastating storm. If you are in a vessel and you see signs of heavy weather, seek shelter. While en route to shelter, secure the boat and prepare passengers for possible rough water, heavy rains and high winds. Have all aboard put on life jackets. Do not let passengers below deck remove life jackets.
If you think the boat may sink, it may be best not to have passengers below deck at all. Keep passengers above deck and attached to safety lines.
By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.
If you get into trouble, call for help immediately. Ideally, you should have an EPIRB on board in addition to a marine radio. Keep in touch with the Coast Guard or anyone else you can reach so someone knows your location and assistance can be sent if needed.
Carry life rafts on board large vessels. If the vessel sinks, board the life raft, stay with it and tether passengers together. Keep moving slowly to keep circulation and body temperature up and avoid overexertion.

* Source – US Coast Guard