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

[nwctwx]

The weather there sounds like it did during the leadup to Isaac's storm..

The anitcyclone over the system should keep the dry air out. Especially if the storm gains a good bit of strength. The gulf has plenty of available moisture. It should be moving fast enough, but storms often gain some dry air from land downsloping off Mexico and continental air coming off TX.

[LikeLight]

I imagine the Navy ship tied up at the Convention Center in N.O. would have to get out of Dodge to ride out any possible storm at sea. There goes the mobile command post for the entire N.O. emergency operation (I think that's where the Admiral's office/home is).

And of course, the Navy hospital ship would need to get out of port as well.

[nwctwx]

http://euler.atmos.colostate.edu/%7Evigh/guidance/atlantic/early1.png

Sometimes it switches to another image... they go through 4 (just change the final number). Rita is currently on 1.

[Clemenza]

[rodguy911]

The 35 storm was a 5 tore up the railroad and devestated the area.

[jslade]

3-You CANNOT have too much ice.

No truer words have ever been spoken. Let's here it for Happ Hour.

[Dane]

I haven't seen this mentioned but if there is a run on batteries and flashlights, get some candles.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

I'm stumped...... who were you?

Been here on the SouthWest side of Houston (really outside of Houston) for a little over a year - first experience with a scare like this though.

[NautiNurse]

Are you staying for this one?

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Wow, you know your stuff!

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Very good idea - thanks -

[SouthTexas]

LOL, ya ever think the reason some don't take the warnings seriously is because of the mass INFLUX of media INTO the affected zones?

[rodguy911]

Thanks we are hangin in. My neighbor has a 15 kv generator if it gets bad tomorrow,.It will run the a/c as well as cool the beer.Necessities of keys living.

[Tarheel]

Another suggestion(Hugo survivor here)

Make sure the dirty laundry is done

A hand can opener

The block of ice idea back up this thread--these big blocks of ice take longer to melt as opposed to cubes therefore keeping the frig /freezer colder, longer.

[Rocky]

Thanks for the links to the storm surge maps.

[onyx]

I had unexpected company and missed Asman and all the news!
Now my dear, draling husband has the TV: football.

[RDTF]

If you have a laptop computer make sure it is charged up - you'll have at least 2 hours battery life and can get to the internet thru dial up if the power is out but the phones still work.
And make sure you have a cheap regular phone, not a cordless. No need for power.

[jslade]

Well, after 3 canes over my house last year and no power I grew to love land lines.

[mystery-ak]

My hubby's in NO along with thousands of other NG...they are living in tents...so far, he has heard no news on what they plan to do with all these troops...someone better decide on what to do, it takes time to pack up camps and move out..

[onyx]

Last time, you were BBQing. I'll never forget that...lol.