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

[Chasaway]

Maybe she'll suggest that they hold off on the super-duper re-invacuation of NOLA.

You know of course, that our guy Nagin's made that an important part of his mic time...

[BurbankKarl]

So I have a question...when the hurricanes turn and head for the cruise ships used for housing, are they going to leave the people on when they head to sea? Some of those people would have had their first helicopter ride, first airplane ride, and first cruise ship ride in a little over a month?!?

[abb]

Well, she didn't talk for very long. But she sure as hell looked motivated this time...

[Dane]

Wow, that's a lot more retired names than I thought there would be.

Thank you both for being so fast with the information.

[scott0347]

about 45 secs apart, good shooting pardner :)

[Dog Gone]

There's a huge amount of dry air over Texas and even over Houston right now. It was nasty hot today, but not humid.

While dry air feeding into a hurricane will weaken it, I'm not sure that's the scenario. That high that is protecting Houston will move NE according nearly all the models. Dry air won't feed into Katrina.

It will get out of her way.

[Chasaway]

"...motivated..."

GREAT word! Wonder what motivations she's got? She's got more stuff goin' on in her head than a blender at La Paletera.

[Local reference...use Smoothie King if unfamiliar]

[Dog Gone]

And charge your cellphone before the storm. It may not do any good if the towers are flattened, but if they're not, having a fully charged phone will be important.

[yield 2 the right]

Yep, take longer w/ the added info ;>)

[OC_Steve]

More excellent suggestions. I just put some Tupperware jugs filled with water in the freezer. Also started putting the ice from the ice maker in garbage bags and storing them in the freezer (might as well put the ice-maker to use). I plan to use it 24x7 between now and Friday. I am thawing some hamburger to make spaghetti to empty the freezer.

This is my first Hurricane after moving to Texas from California so all the advise on this board is welcome. I am out in Cypress so wind and rain are my main concerns. They have the power lines around here buried but the ones outside the community are all above ground and with the construction going on I figure one good tree and zappo no power.

[SouthTexas]

Long day, but I'm back. Was in your fair city most of the day and after the late morning update, there seemed to be little concern.

Your question: The Kenedys, Sharptons, Algore and company seem to want to give all the credit for creating and controlling hurricanes to our President, so I think he would be the one to contact. Do keep in mind that there are many down here still praying for rain and these issues really need to be weighed out and discussed. Maybe we can form a Congressional committee and come up with a compromise or solution.

[jslade]

I bought my hard line phones at Radio Shack for 10 bucks each. Still use them.

[yield 2 the right]

Welcome!!

[floriduh voter]

Hopin' that Rita's not a wench or a witch with a b. It's time to get provisions ready in case she makes a hard left.

I downloaded google earth. I haven't used it yet but I can see my house from space w/that download.

[NautiNurse]

Yes, the ships would most likely sail with pax aboard. Good observation on all the firsts for the NOLA evacuees.

[abb]

Like the mayor of Amity island once said. "you say barracuda and people say, 'what, what?' You yell 'shark' and...."

All you got to do now is say "hurricane" around Gov. Blank O and she gets it.

Proof that anyone CAN be taught..

[Doc Savage]

Come on baby, Daddy needs a new condo...............!

[floriduh voter]

As long as Nagin stays out of Florida, I think I'm good.

[floriduh voter]

I'm looking for a nice tracking map that refreshes. Have you seen one? If so, pls advise.

[DocRock]

I would recommend a Big Berky. I just linked one of the first sites I found that carries them, so shop around. I did and saved close to $40.00

I have owned one of these since the attack on Sept. 11 and I highly recommend it.


Click the pic