Tropical Storm Rita Live Thread

NHC - NOAA ^ | 18 September 2005 | NHC - NOAA

[NautiNurse]

Tropical Storm Rita has developed from TD 18 in the Atlantic Ocean. TS Rita is currently located north of Hispaniola, the eastern tip of Cuba, and ESE of Nassau, Bahamas. Hurricane watches and warnings are in effect for portions of Florida. Check for local weather statements.

The following links are self-updating:

Public Advisory Currently published every 3 hours 5A, 8A, 11A, 2P, etc. ET
NHC Discussion Published every six hours 6A, 11A, 6P, 11P
Three Day Forecast Track
Five Day Forecast Track
Forecast Models
Buoy Data SE Florida
Current Weather Warnings and Watches for Florida

Images:

Storm Floater IR Loop
Visible Storm Floater Still (only visible during daylight hours)
Color Enhanced Atlantic Loop
Florida Radar/Sat Loop Caution: Broadband users only!
Miami Long Range Radar Loop
Key West Long Range Radar Loop
Miami Experimental Radar Still Image
Key West Experimental Radar Still Image

Streaming Video: (coverage may be intermittent)
WFOR-TV/DT Miami (WMP) - http://dayport.wm.llnwd.net/dayport_0025_live"
WSVN-TV/DT Miami (WMP) - mms://216.242.118.141/broadband

Other Resources:

Florida East Coast Surf Reports Lots of great info here, including surf cams
Central Florida Hurricane Center
Hurricane City

Category	Wind Speed	Barometric Pressure	Storm Surge	Damage Potential
Tropical Depression	< 39 mph < 34 kts			Minimal
Tropical Storm	39 - 73 mph 34 - 63 kts			Minimal
Hurricane 1 (Weak)	74 - 95 mph 64 - 82 kts	28.94" or more 980.02 mb or more	4.0' - 5.0' 1.2 m - 1.5 m	Minimal damage to vegetation
Hurricane 2 (Moderate)	96 - 110 mph 83 - 95 kts	28.50" - 28.93" 965.12 mb - 979.68 mb	6.0' - 8.0' 1.8 m - 2.4 m	Moderate damage to houses
Hurricane 3 (Strong)	111 - 130 mph 96 - 112 kts	27.91" - 28.49" 945.14 mb - 964.78 mb	9.0' - 12.0' 2.7 m - 3.7 m	Extensive damage to small buildings
Hurricane 4 (Very strong)	131 - 155 mph 113 - 135 kts	27.17" - 27.90" 920.08 mb - 944.80 mb	13.0' - 18.0' 3.9 m - 5.5 m	Extreme structural damage
Hurricane 5 (Devastating)	Greater than 155 mph Greater than 135 kts	Less than 27.17" Less than 920.08 mb	Greater than 18.0' Greater than 5.5m	Catastrophic building failures possible

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Ok, that made me laugh....thanks

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

No and yes......... ;^)

I've had better.......and I'm not referring to my husband.........

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

XSmommy just called me a hussy for inviting everyone to spend the weekend here! lol

She didn't realize I meant for defense........ ;^)

[Flyer]

Now you made ME laugh!

[humblegunner]

Gunner are you in the flood prone area?

Nope, I'm smack on top of the only real hill in town.
It floods all around but not here. During Alicia I could walk 200 yards
and see 30 feet of water on Memorial drive, but was able to navigate in & out another way.

My Mom, however lives in Pearland which is basically a rice field.

She might have some trouble.

[nuclady]

Good to see you back!!! Know you are studying, but hope you will have SOME time for us on the forum...... :))

[johnb838]

fill the bathtub. vry full, don't want to run out.

[No Blue States]

Im too far north can you score me a plasma tv? ;o

Looking at this loop and others, Rita seems to have lost her form the last few hrs. Not that it matters much this far out for Texas, but others in her path such as KW and FL.

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/gmex-vis-loop.html

[xsmommy]

i would never call you a loose piece of change out here in the public....

[Dog Gone]

I stopped on the way home at the grocery store, and it was already picked over. Most of the batteries were gone, and most of the bottled water. Some of the pricier brands were still there, though.

Until Houston moves out of the forecast bullseye, it's going to be an adventure.

[Txsleuth]

IF Rita hits TEXAS....I will be the first to stand up and say that Bush had nothing to do with it!!!

I heard today that Jesse Jackson is forming a Katrina families group...like the 9/11 Families group..that wants the same kind of million dollar settlements that the 9/11 families got, for NOT suing the airlines...

WE have got to get everyone to stand up and say enough is enough!

Everyone that is in the path of Rita has GOT to take responsiblity for themselves and their families...and NOT blame others.

[Flyer]

My Mom, however lives in Pearland which is basically a rice field. She might have some trouble.

There will be no problem for her. She gets your bed, you sleep on the couch.

[xsmommy]

hey! never thought of that, whyisa will not only be permitted to loot, but will get free cash $ from the gov't! girl, get me a debit card, i am jonesing for a new lou voo bag!

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Yeah, I'm thinking you should get your Mom up to your hill.

[nuclady]

You love snow-- good, will you come over to my house and shovel my 50 foot boardwalk once or twice a day? I get the driveway done by a plowman, so you wouldn't have to do that. :))

[IMABUSHY]

Thanks nuclady. I feel right at home already.

[RDTF]

If it hits Texas the looney left will say that Bush spent too much time helping his brother in Florida

[aBootes]

Goodness! I didn't mean to attract official attention! I do like to lurk there, but he is a character, for sure. I see that he has offered an apology to coriolas and upslope.

Please don't worry about anything I've said, because it is really an excellent resource and I've learned a great deal just by lurking

[Miztiki]

I live in Pearland also, right off 518 halfway between 228 and 35. We just moved here in December.

If they suspect a direct hit will they issue a mandatory evacuation, or is that only for areas further south? My biggest concern is all the big, old trees around our house. How much of an issue would flooding be?

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Hey - I'll get in line twice for the Red Cross relief Money, ok? I might need a plasma tv too!