I'm not enough of a weather geek to know what that's all about - can someone knowledgeable break it down? Help a sister out! ;)
"AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS HURRICANE"
COASTAL STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 15 TO 20 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS"
"RAINFALL TOTALS IN EXCESS OF 25 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE AFTER RITA MOVES INLAND."
Add
HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 85 MILES = 170 mile circle of spinning winds of 70mph+
Not much to decipher here, I think.
Actually, it's written in pretty plain English. THEY JUST LIKE TO YELL ON THESE BULLETINS. If you don't let that intimidate you, you should be OK. Basically, they're expectin winds of 150 mph, 8-15 inches of rain with totals of up to 25" depanding on where you are. The storm surge is expected to be 15-20 feet. And it's big. There'll be an update at 4 PM Central time.
The storm is a very powerful and large hurricane that will cause extreme damage to coastal areas, and may cause significant inland wind damage and flooding. If you live anywhere near where she is headed, and you have not already evacuated, get out now.
How was that? :o)
Summary: Put the coastline in the rear view mirror and don't stop until you see the Rockies, the Appalachians, or a sign saying "Welcome to Saskatchewan."
}:-)4