2012 Advice for Residents of Hurricane-prone Areas

The National Hurricane Center officials are joining with a consumer advocate group to encourage residents to skip taping their windows when a hurricane is heading their way. 

Residents should use proven methods such as hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows, said Bill Read, Director of the National Hurricane Center. "It does not protect your windows. At best, it's an inconvenience. At worst, some people have the illusion that they're safe ... and people can get severely hurt." 

Taping windows can create larger and deadlier shards of glass when winds blow through a home, said Leslie Chapman-Henderson, president and CEO of Federal Alliance for Safe Homes. "You're wasting your time, your money and you're potentially increasing the danger to your home." 

As reported by TBO.com in reference to an AP article dated March 27, 2012.

Future postings will include important postings and safety recommendations.

August 25th: Hurricane Irene's Latest Actions

As of  8:00 ET today, as Hurricane Irene marches toward the U.S. coast, Florida's eastern coast and some central parts most likely will experience only strong winds and heavy rains. The western coast likely won't feel any weather changes from it. 

According to all weather sources, Irene will not make landfall in Florida.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a tropical storm watch for much of South Carolina's coast.

The NHC has issued its first hurricane watch for the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  North Carolina's hurricane watch extends from north of Surf City to the Virginia border. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours.

Its currently location is about 670 miles south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Its maximum sustained winds measured at 115 mph, its movement is northwest at 13 mph.

Irene was located about 65 miles east northeast of Nausau, Bahamas. The government of the Bahamas has lifted the hurricane warning for Southeastern Bahamas.  A warning remains in effect for Central and Northwestern Bahamas.

Update on Hurricane Irene

At 8am ET Wednesday, large Hurricane Irene was located in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean about 335 miles south-southwest of Nassau, which is also approximately 513 miles east-southeast of Miami, Florida.

Irene strengthened overnight and maximum sustained winds have increased to near 115 mph, making Irene a major Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.  Atmospheric and oceanic conditions remain favorable for intensification.

Irene is still moving west-northwest near 9 mph, but a turn to the northwest is expected to occur today as the storm is steered between high pressure in the Atlantic and high pressure over the southern U.S. Computer models remain in agreement and continue to shift east.

Based on the official forecast from the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Irene should move across the entire Bahamas Island chain today and Thursday. The center of Irene is then forecast to move north, passing east of the Florida Peninsula on Friday before moving very close to the U.S. Mid-Atlantic seaboard this weekend.  Even if the center of Irene stays well offshore, rain bands associated with the storm may affect coastal areas of eastern Florida Thursday night into Friday morning.

Tropical storm force winds extend as far as 205 miles from the center of Irene. The chances for tropical storm force winds along the eastern Florida Peninsula are decreasing and are now between 20% and 30% between Daytona Beach and Ocean Reef, with the remainder of the Florida Peninsula at 20% or less chance of receiving tropical storm force winds. Hurricane force wind probabilities are now 1% or less for all of Florida.

A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for marine interests in Florida coastal waters from Flagler Beach to Ocean Reef for the possibility of tropical storm force winds over the waters, mainly beyond 15 nautical miles offshore, on Thursday and early Friday as Irene passes roughly 200-250 miles east of Florida. Tropical storm force wind gusts are possible within 10 nautical miles. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the offshore waters (20-60nm) from Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter Inlet.

There are no watches in effect for land areas across Central or South Florida and no part of Florida is within the 3 day error cone.

In addition, ocean swells from Irene may begin to affect the Florida East Coast beginning tomorrow and continuing through Friday. These swells may produce high waves between 7 and 12 feet near shore and 20-25 feet over the offshore waters. Large battering waves could pose a threat to vulnerable piers and cause beach erosion along portions of the Florida coastline.

Further east, two tropical waves remain in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The southern wave near the Cape Verde Islands is increasing in organization. The National Hurricane Center has a 50% chance of development through the next 48 hours. The northern wave is diminishing and has a 0% chance of development.

More information on Hurricane Irene can be found on the National Hurricane Center's website at www.nhc.noaa.gov.

Hurricane Irene updates and preparedness

The Weather Channel reports Hurricane Irene, the first hurricane of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, now has its sights set on the Bahamas and the U.S. East Coast.  Storm Team 8 Tampa Bay reports Hurricane Irene appears less of a threat to the Tampa Bay area as time passes. It could approach South Florida as a major storm Friday morning, then parallel the state's east coast through Saturday afternoon.  Each new forecast track puts the storm even farther to the east – from the Tampa Bay area.  Stay tuned to weather reports.

For our Tampa Bay area residents,  it's never to late to prepare for severe storms, as the forecast has been known to change in the past.

USA.gov has plenty of resources to assist you in both pre- and post- hurricane situations -- for you, your family, your business, and your pets. 

If you live near the path of a storm, Ready.gov recommends that you:

• Build an emergency supply kit,
• Make a family emergency plan, and
• Stay informed. Follow hurricane warnings and updates at Hurricanes.gov.

Find more information about how to prepare for a hurricane.

Don't let a disaster catch you by surprise -- Be prepared !

Tropical Storm Emily Forms

As of 8am Tuesday, Tropical Storm Emily, the 5th named storm of the 2011 Hurricane Season, was located 245 miles SE of Puerto Rico, which is also 1,265 miles southeast of Miami, Florida.

Although it is too early to tell if Emily will directly impact Florida, there is 20-30% chance that tropical storm winds may reach the East Central and Southeast Florida coastline by Sunday.  The rest of the Florida Peninsula has a 10-20% chance of tropical storm force winds while the Florida Big Bend has less than a 10% chance. 

Currently, there are no watches or warnings issued for the Florida coastline. The National Hurricane Center shows Emily moving across the northeastern Caribbean Sea today, impacting Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti) later on Wednesday, then may curve northwest toward the Bahamas by Friday.

It could gradually strengthen. It only has a 12% chance of reaching hurricane strength before making landfall in Hispaniola Wednesday.  Some computer models show the system moving towards the west while others show becoming stronger and curving north through the Bahamas. Winds are currently near 40 mph and may gradually strengthen. Over the next 48 hours its interaction with land will likely weaken the system. In addition, dry air could surround it, limiting its strength.  There is a 20% chance of strengthening into a hurricane by Sunday.

Additional information on Tropical Storm Emily can be found at www.nhc.noaa.gov.

Tropical Storm Don not to impact Florida

Tropical Storm Don is not expected to impact Florida, but watches have been issued for central and southern Texas coastline.

This morning the National Hurricane Center reported it should move west across the Gulf of Mexico for the next 24-36 hours, then inland near Corpus Christi, Texas, late Friday night or early Saturday morning.   

The official forecast and all computer models keep it within tropical storm intensity until landfall. 

There is only a 14% chance for TS Don to reach hurricane strength in the next 36 hours.  

Additional information can be found at www.nhc.noaa.gov.

Possible Formation of Tropical Cyclone Could Bring Heavy Rains This Weekend

Thunderstorm and shower activity associated with a broad low pressure disturbance over the eastern Gulf of Mexico has slowly organized today. As a result, the National Hurricane Center has indicated a 40% chance of tropical cyclone formation within the next 48 hours.

Currents in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico will likely steer the system northward. Computer models are forecasting that the low will move slowly north over the day or two before moving inland over northern Florida.  While most models show this disturbance stays weak due to some dry air and moderate wind shear in the Gulf of Mexico, there is a chance that wind shear will weaken in the region over the next 24-48 hours which may provide a small window of opportunity for the disturbance to further organize before moving inland.

Regardless, tropical moisture from this system will help generate some much needed rainfall across the state through the weekend.

Always remember additional information on flooding can be found at:

• Florida Health's website (when wells are affected), and
• National Flood Insurance Program's website.

KIDS GET A PLAN! TEENS, HELP YOUR FAMILY STAY SAFE!

The Florida Division of Emergency Management has a website for KIDS. It is full of information to help kids learn about, and prepare for, Florida's summer weather. It's called "Kids Get A Plan!"

Choose material by grade reading level [K-5] or [6th Grade+].

Parents and teachers will find storybooks with guides to help teach young children safety, while at the same time helping them become better readers. Check the K-5 Grownups category.

Kids up to grade 5 learn by playing, reading, and downloading activities and books:

• Stories - click to read, hear, and play stories. You can even click some words that may be new to you, like "weather radio" or "energy", or listen about clouds, thunder, and lightening.
• News - Kid Science In The News
• Downloads - download & listen to audio books; print coloring pages, books, & characters; even get screen savers and wallpapers for your computer right at home.
• Activities - play the 30/30 Rule, take the Whiz-Bang Weather Watching Wonder Quiz, build your own disaster Kit from cabinets in your home, and use a Firewise Simulator to protect your family & home from wildfires.
• Contest - Videos & Posters
  
  • Radio Disney's 2011 Winners
  • 2011 HS Winner video "When the Storm Hits"
  • 2011 MS Winner video "Generate Some Smarts"
  • Floods Happen
  • Rappin-Build-A-Kit for American Red Cross
  • Your Pet Needs a Plan
  • Tornado Tube & Lighting and Thunder demos
  • Submit your own video or poster for 2012

FOR GRADES 6 AND ABOVE, click here and then [6th Grade +], or visit website "Hazardous Weather: A Florida Guide". Here teens learn about topics Floods, Tornadoes, Lightning, Thunderstorms, Hurricanes, Temperatures, Rip-Currents, Wildfires, and Boat Safety.

So go ahead! Check out the stuff available to help ALL KIDS get ready for our Florida summer weather! Click here to go the the "Kids Get A Plan" website, pick an age, and . . . .

BE SMART !     BE SAFE !     BE A SURVIVOR !

Stay Connected with Smartphones

The National Weather Service posted as of 10:00pm CDT June 30th, the remnants of tropical storm Arlene are dissipating over the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico.

STAY CONNECTED with FEMA mobile sites:
* Twitter: http://mobile.twitter.com/fema
* Facebook: http://m.facebook.com/fema
* YouTube: http://m.youtube.com/fema

FEMA has a mobile app available during times of disasters for smartphone users.
To apply for individual assistance, smartphone users should take the following steps:
1. Go to m.fema.gov and click “Apply Online for FEMA Assistance” which redirects to FEMA partner site DisasterAssistance.gov.
2. Under "Apply for Assistance Immediately", click on “Start Registration.” A page will prompt you to answer a simple question to prevent against software viruses.
3. You then will fill out the registration form to apply for assistance, which states it takes approximately 18-20 minutes.

Hurricane Season begins June 1st

From the NOAA website, noaa.gov...The Atlantic basin is expected to see an above-normal hurricane season this year, according to the seasonal outlook issued by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center – a division of the National Weather Service.

Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season, which begins June 1, NOAA is predicting the following ranges this year:

12 to 18 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which:

6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including:

3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher)

Each of these ranges has a 70 percent likelihood, and indicate that activity will exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

“Now is the time, if you haven’t already, to get your plan together for what you and your family would do if disaster strikes. Visit ready.gov to learn more. And if you’re a small business owner, visit www.ready.gov/business to ensure that your business is prepared for a disaster,” added Craig Fugate, FEMA administrator.

Hurricane impacts are not limited to the coastline; strong winds and flooding rainfall often pose a threat across inland areas along with the risk for tornadoes.

Next week, May 22-28, is national Hurricane Preparedness Week. To help prepare residents of hurricane-prone areas, NOAA is unveiling a new set of video and audio public service announcements featuring NOAA hurricane experts and the FEMA administrator that are available in both English and Spanish. These are available at http://www.hurricanes.gov/prepare.

Hurricane Season ended on 11/30

According to NOAA the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season, which ended 11/30, was one of the busiest on record.

In the Atlantic Basin a total of 19 named storms formed – tied with 1887 and 1995 for third highest on record. Of those, 12 became hurricanes – tied with 1969 for second highest on record. Five of those reached major hurricane status of Category 3 or higher.

“As NOAA forecasters predicted, the Atlantic hurricane season was one of the most active on record, though fortunately most storms avoided the U.S. For that reason, you could say the season was a gentle giant,” said Jack Hayes, Ph.D., director of NOAA’s National Weather Service. Information from the NOAA website.

A Summary of Tropical Weather in the North Atlantic Region through Sept 30, 2010

NAME DATES MAX WIND (MPH)
----------------------------------------------------
H ALEX 25 JUN-2 JUL 105
TD TWO 7-8 JUL 35
TS BONNIE 22-24 JUL 40
TS COLIN 2-8 AUG 60
TD FIVE 10-11 AUG 35
MH DANIELLE 21-31 AUG 135
MH EARL 25 AUG-5 SEP 145
TS FIONA 30 AUG-4 SEP 60
TS GASTON 1-2 SEP 40
TS HERMINE 6-8 SEP 65
MH IGOR 8-21 SEP 155
MH JULIA 12-20 SEP 135
MH KARL 14-18 SEP 120
H LISA 21-26 SEP 80
TS MATTHEW 23-26 SEP 60
TS NICOLE 28-29 SEP 40

Straight from Pasco County's Emergency Manager, Jim Martin

Here is the latest on the tropics. We still have 43 days remaining in the 2010 Hurricane Season.

* A low pressure system located in the southwestern Caribbean Sea just east of the Nicaragua/Honduras border, or about 680 miles south of Key West, Florida, continues to produce disorganized, but increasing, shower and thunderstorm activity.

* Atmospheric conditions are favorable for development and the National Hurricane Center is indicating a 30% chance that this disturbance will become a tropical depression or tropical storm within the next two days. The next name in the list is Richard.

* Steering currents in the Caribbean Sea are weak and computer models are in disagreement with the intensity and track of the system.

* The majority of the models suggest that this system may not even reach tropical storm intensity and will move slowly inland or scrape along the coast. However, some models suggest that the system may gain some strength as it stays over the water or re-emerges into the Caribbean around mid-week.

* Hurricane Hunters are tentatively scheduled to investigate the system Tuesday afternoon.
* Elsewhere in the tropics, a tropical wave in the east-central Atlantic has a 10% chance of development within the next 2 days.
* Additional information can be found at www.nhc.noaa.gov.

Fisheries Law Enforcement Updates

NOAA is committed to improving its communications with its constituents and stakeholders, even if it means hearing their complaints. Issues surrounding law enforcement are sensitive, and fishermen may be afraid to come forward to report problems. NOAA already has a web site for the public to provide information involving current investigations or to report possible violations of law (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/cc.html), and an Enforcement Hotline that is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (1-800-853-1964).

In order to provide further protection to anyone who has information regarding enforcement improprieties by NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement or enforcement attorneys, NOAA will establish another hotline – this one specifically to report unfair or overzealous enforcement actions or other breaches of conduct by NOAA enforcement agents or attorneys. This Enforcement Complaint e-Hotline will be a link on the NOAA homepage that will allow stakeholders to report any issues to NOAA management through a specific email address (OLE.ComplaintHotline@noaa.gov) that will go directly to NOAA Headquarters. Any complaints received will be reviewed at Headquarters and, as necessary, investigated further. This should provide fishermen and other members of the regulated community a mechanism for raising issues about NOAA law enforcement without fear of reprisal. NOAA will evaluate the effectiveness of the Enforcement Complaint Hotline after one year to ensure that it is providing an appropriate outlet for enforcement complaints. If it is not working, NOAA will take additional actions to ensure that if the regulated community has issues with NOAA enforcement, they will be heard.
NOAA Proposed Policy on Prohibited and Authorized Uses of the Asset Forfeiture Fund

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act authorizes the Secretary of Commerce through NOAA to pay certain enforcement related costs from sums received as fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property for violations of any marine resource law enforced by the Secretary. Fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property received by NOAA are deposited in an enforcement asset forfeiture fund. The Secretary is proposing a new policy to clearly articulate prohibited and authorized uses of these funds to ensure no conflict of interest- either real or perceived - associated with its use while continuing to promote a sound enforcement program dedicated to conserving and protecting our nation's marine resources. The Secretary requests comments from the public on listed prohibited and authorized uses of the funding and, in particular, expenditures for activities that would promote compliance with regulations promulgated by NOAA.

NOAA: Year-to-Date Global Temperature Ties for Warmest on Record

The first nine months of 2010 tied with the same period in 1998 for the warmest combined land and ocean surface temperature on record. The global average land surface temperature for January-September was the second warmest on record, behind 2007. The global ocean surface temperature for January–September was also the second warmest on record, behind 1998.

The article can be found here from the NOAA site.

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20101015_globalstats.html

Tropical Storm Colin

Tropics Update: August 3, 2010---Page 1
In this update: Tropical Depression #4 upgraded to Tropical Storm Colin in the Atlantic Ocean Forecast tracks and intensity
Latest Information: At 5am EDT Tuesday, Tropical Depression Four in the central Atlantic was designated as Tropical Storm Colin with maximum winds near 40mph.
As of 11am EDT Tuesday, Tropical Storm Colin was located about 840 miles east of the Leeward Islands, which is also more than 2,140 miles southeast of Miami, Florida.
Track Forecast: T.S. Colin has increased again in forward speed, now moving rapidly west around 24mph. A turn back to the west-northwest is expected over the next day or so, but this “wobble” to the west has resulted in a westward shift of the forecast track. Colin is expected to continue moving briskly between 20 and 25mph west-northwest and then more northwest later this week as it is steered on the southwestern side of high pressure in the northeastern Atlantic.

Tropical Storm Bonnie Information from FEMA

FEMA Continues To Monitor Tropical Storm Bonnie, Encourages Americans To Be Prepared

Visit Ready.gov to Learn Simple Steps You and Your Family Should Take

Release Date: July 22, 2010
Release Number: HQ-10-139

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This evening, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced that the tropical depression has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Bonnie with sustained winds of 40 mph, to become the second named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane season. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to monitor the storm and stands ready to support state, territory and local officials in the region and the Gulf Coast to ensure they have the resources to respond should a storm strike. FEMA also is urging everyone in the region to take steps now to ensure they are prepared for possible severe weather.

The NHC has issued a tropical storm warning for the east coast of Florida from Golden Beach Southward, including the entire Florida Keys and Florida Bay and along the west coast of Florida, northward to Bonita Beach. The NHC has also issued a tropical storm watch for the entire east coast of Florida north of Golden Beach to Jupiter inlet, including Lake Okeechobee. A warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours. A watch means that the conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

"We continue to monitor the storm and FEMA personnel continue to work closely with state, territory, and local officials to ensure they have the support they need," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "The most important thing for people living in the area to do right now is to ensure their family is prepared and to follow the instructions of local officials. For more information and helpful tips, anyone can visit www.Ready.gov."

FEMA has life-saving and life-sustaining commodities and supplies strategically located across the country to support states in their response. These supplies, including water, meals, tarps, blankets, generators and other essential items, can be replenished through the national logistics supply chain.

In Florida and locations around the Gulf Coast alone, more than one million liters of water, 1.8 million meals, 70,000 rolls of plastic sheeting, 260,000 tarps, 250,000 blankets, 60,000 cots and 300 generators are available for use as needed. FEMA has conducted resource support planning and preparations with all hurricane-prone states and territories for the current hurricane season to ensure a coordinated disaster response, if needed.

The storm's tract is currently moving west-northwestward toward the Gulf of Mexico. FEMA also remains in close contact with our federal partners at the National Hurricane Center and the U.S. Coast Guard. If the tract continues in that direction, the Unified Area Command will make any decisions regarding the movement of assets and workers involved with the BP Deepwater Horizon Operations.

The National Weather Service remains the source of official severe weather watches and warnings, including flash flooding which can take only a few minutes to develop in the case of heavy rains. Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and surrounding areas have already been receiving heavy rainfall. FEMA encourages all individuals in the region to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for severe weather updates, and to follow the directions provided by their local officials.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Mobile App to Help When Applying for Aid

Applying For Disaster Aid On Your Smart Phone

Using Technology to Meet the Needs of Disaster Survivors

Release Date: July 19, 2010
Release Number: HQ-10-137Factsheet

For the first time, survivors of a disaster will now be able to apply for federal disaster assistance on their Smartphones, making aid more immediately accessible for people after a disaster hits. This new tool, created at the direction of Administrator Fugate, can be accessed directly at FEMA’s new mobile web site m.fema.gov. Financial assistance for disaster survivors becomes available when a disaster has been declared by the President, to include individual assistance.

On average, roughly 40 percent of disaster applicants complete applications online. More and more, when a disaster strikes, survivors are relying on their Smartphones to stay in touch with friends and family. While computers and other means of applying for assistance may not be accessible for survivors right away, Smartphones can help ensure that survivors have immediate resources and information at their fingertips. Smartphone models that will be able to access the new mobile platform include Blackberries, Apple iPhones, and Windows Mobile.

Watch a video of Administrator Fugate www.youtube.com/fema demonstrating the new feature.

APPLYING FOR AID: A SIMPLE HOW-TO

In order to apply for individual assistance, Smartphone users will need to take the following steps:

1. Go to m.fema.gov and click “Apply Online for FEMA Assistance. ”You will then be taken to our partner site DisasterAssistance.gov.
2. Click on “Start Registration.” A page will prompt you to answer a simple question to prevent against software viruses.
3. You then will fill out the registration form to apply for assistance.

TECHNOLOGY AND THE FUTURE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Under Administrator Fugate’s leadership, FEMA is using technology in new and innovative ways: (1) to make FEMA’s resources more user-friendly to the American public; (2) to adapt to new trends in how people receive information during a disaster; (3) to educate the public about disaster preparedness; and (4) to meet the needs of disaster survivors and communities during response and recovery efforts:

* In May, FEMA launched its first mobile site, m.fema.gov. The mobile disaster assistance registration form is one of several improvements FEMA will be making to m.fema.gov. Future improvements will allow applicants to check on their status or update an existing application.

* Administrator Fugate launched his own Twitter account:@Craigatfema, adding to FEMA’s already aggressive online presence on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

* FEMA was named one of the top 10 most prolific federal agencies on YouTube and was one of the first federal agencies to have a presence on Facebook.

* FEMA established relationships with leading technology companies including Google, Microsoft, Verizon, Harris, Facebook, TechNet to help enhance FEMA’s online presence and communications tools.

* In addition to m.fema.gov, FEMA has a FEMA En Espanola web site, the addition of disaster information data feeds to the FEMA.gov web site and a joint State of Tennessee-FEMA Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo) designed to be a hub for community information.

* Under Administrator Fugate’s leadership, FEMA has increased efforts to provide accessible information to our constituents with disabilities, including captioning for stakeholder and constituent teleconferences and providing accessible materials for constituent webcasts.

* Administrator Fugate continues to participate in roundtables and forums that explore how the emerging role of technology in emergency management.

Last Modified: Monday, 19-Jul-2010 10:03:16

Tip

Prepare for hurricane season. Take steps to prevent possible damage when the storm hits by ensuring that your trees and shrubs are well-trimmed.

Tip from CDC

Identify ahead of time where you and your family will go if you have to evacuate.  Make sure that you have local and regional maps in your car if you have to travel unfamiliar roads.