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

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

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?

No matter what you are told, there is no mandatory evacuation law at the state level unless it went through last session and I missed it. Cities may be able to do it but I'm not sure. You will have at least local flooding where you are if the storm hits around here.

[Lorraine]

The nutcase has serious control issues.

[Willie Green]

All jokes aside do not take this lightly. I've seen very bright newcomers to the area go into a storm unprepared.

Thank-you.
Your tips HAVE been very helpful...
I may have to stock-up on some foodstuffs,
but I'm due to go grocery shopping Wednesday/Thursday anyway.
We'll know better how this storm is tracking then.
I'm pretty well stocked on all the other emergency items (propane, first aid, ammo, batteries, etc. etc.) I even have a top-notch water filter with my camping gear that can supplement our needs if the water stored in jugs/sinks/bathtub runs out.

The house is solid, but I also have the option of holing up with either of my two brothers who also live in the area. And I'm the one who is most likely to talk THEM into getting in the car and getting the heck out of here if things start looking serious. I don't believe in taking chances that I don't have to.

[humblegunner]

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

She's stubborn, she ain't leaving her house.

She wouldn't like it here anyway.

I'm not cat-proofed.

[Dog Gone]

DG, did you lose power in Katy then?

I was living in Midland at the time. I got the info about Cypress from co-workers in the Houston office.

The suburbs of western Houston and even Sugar Land are less likely to lose power than the older sections of town and the heavily wooded areas, simply because there are fewer overhead power lines for trees to fall on.

But it's still a distinct possibility. The transmission lines are exposed as well as all the substations. If the power stays on, life remains bearable. With no AC, no FR, no ice, no TV, it gets real, old real quick.

[backhoe]

And if it doesn't hit Texas, the looney left will say it was Halliburton and Bush's oil friends that stopped it, and sent it to LA, or wherever?

Do I have a graphic for you...

[Flyer]

Tip #429: Keep up with laundry this week so you have a full stock of clean clothes.

[Ditter]

Thanks for the storm surge maps. Our ranch is in risk area 4. The writing is too small for me to read what that means but it could be worse.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

My neighborhood loses power everytime someone makes a left turn at the corner............ I have no doubt we'll lose power........;^)

[Flyer]

Does Buffalo Bayou ever threaten you, or are you up hill from it?

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

I'm already thinking ahead on that one - tshirts and plenty of towels

[RDTF]

LOL!

[shield]

I lived in Sugar Land, we didn't lose power. My brother lived in Katy, he didn't lose power. As far as Katy is concerned, I lose power a lot now. I never had that kind of problem in Sugar Land. I'd say Sugar Land will stay lite up...Katy will not.

[Stat-boy]

"No matter what you are told, there is no mandatory evacuation law at the state level unless it went through last session and I missed it. Cities may be able to do it but I'm not sure. You will have at least local flooding where you are if the storm hits around here."

Just passed, 2005 Regular session, HB3111--evacuation may be ordered by a mayor or the county judge, and if there is a conflict, the county judge decision will govern.

By the way, you can see our evacuation routes here:

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/Hurricanemaps/GalvestonStudyAreaMap.pdf

[sheikdetailfeather]

Orlando WFTV news just said Key West could experience Cat 3 to Cat. 4 winds!

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

I'm in between the two places - new development - near Pecan Grove

[DAVEY CROCKETT]

Beer in the US needs to be cooled Willie, think in terms of no electricity for days. Scotch on the other hand ........

---

I live in northwester NC and I am in no danger at all, but I am thinking about buying a bottle of Scotch just to watch this thread.

GOD'S Blessings and Prayer To ALL in Harms way!

(before I drink the Scotch).

[Flyer]

tshirts and plenty of towels

Gee, you already got in trouble for inviting all the guys over, now you tell us your storm apparel is t-shirts and towels.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Yikes!