Posted on 09/04/2017 2:02:19 PM PDT by NautiNurse
While thoughts and prayers are with our Texas FRiends and neighbors, we are at the peak of the Atlantic Tropical Storm season. Hurricane Irma continues its trek from Cape Verde across the pond and toward the Hebert Box (see below). People with interests in the Southeastern U.S. and Gulf of Mexico should be alert to the forecast path updates for this powerful storm. It is important to note that the average NHC track errors are about 175 and 225 statute miles at days 4 and 5, respectively.
Hurricane Irma originally had a small wind field. In the past 24 hours, however, the wind field has expanded with hurriance force winds up to 40 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds up to 140 miles from the storm center.
FL Governor Rick Scott reminds Floridians: Families should take time today to make sure you have a disaster plan and fully-stocked Disaster Supply Kit. Florida residents from West Palm Beach to Tampa Bay are heeding the alert. Store shelves are emptying of bottled water.
Mash image to find lots of satellite imagery links
Public Advisories
NHC Discussions
NOAA Local Weather Statements/Radar San Juan, Puerto Rico
NHC Local Weather Statements/Radar Miami, FL
NHC Local Weather Statements/Radar Key West, FL
Buoy Data Caribbean
Buoy Data SE US & GOM
Hebert Box - Mash Pic for Tutorial
Credit: By J Cricket - Modification of map from Wiki
The area/track of Charlie in ‘04. So far, we’re ok in Lakeland. But, it’s only Wednesday!
However, the entire FL peninsula is within the cone of uncertainty. Don’t focus on the models. They change with every run.
new 12z GFS model hot off the presses...........
more SW,,then a quick north turn to just a few miles east of miami
a hair west then the previous run
all of SE florida gets the north or northwest eye WALL
Getting alerts that Hillsborough Schools (Tampa) closed Thursday and Friday. Polk and Manatee schools closed Friday. No word yet on Pinellas schools.
My husband just had to go to 6 gas stations in Oldsmar/East Lake area before he could find gas for my car.
Those buoy readings bottomed out at 921 millibars.
According to that map, Irma should encounter the mountain range in the El Yunque area. Wonder if will diminish Irma’s power?
I remember helping my in-laws board up in Melbourne for Floyd (which ended up staying off the Fla. coast). When we evac’d, the whole town was eerily quiet... like a ghost town.
Virgin Gorda is getting smoked as we type according to that loop. They might not even get an eye wall break.
Pinellas - Thurs/Fri
Hillsborugh - Thurs/Fri
Pasco - Fri only
Prayers for all in the path of Irma!
Stay safe, FReepers!
Thanks for local update. Good info. We’re currently trying to figure gasoline consumption logistics for a round trip to Stuart FL tomorrow to pick up my mother.
Slight jog to a nw heading there at end.
Good luck. My husband finally found gas and said people were cutting in line, tempers were flaring, etc. Be safe out there.
UT cancelled classes thru Monday.
Maybe your dog was picking up a bit of your pre-storm angst?
In Centex we were out of gas for three days but the prices never went up. Anti-gouging laws work on prices... but not supply.
Lee County Schools closed tomorrow and Friday as well.
12 PM AST: Position Update...
Core of Irma heading toward the Virgin Islands... 18.3 / 64.2W / 185 mph / WNW 16 mph #prwx #usviwx
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