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Date: 27 May 2018. Storm and Hurricane Info Links.

© janice142
 

As the hurricane season is beginning a mite early I needed to find my online links for storm information. This article provides the ones I use. It is a convenience piece for me that I believe you may find helpful too. I have also provided easy access to storm information previously posted on my website.
 

The best website I have found as far as a one-place-has-all is Mike's Weather Page aka Spaghetti Models. ↓

http://spaghettimodels.com



With each storm I learn new lessons. Hopefully my
experiences can help you avoid some of the things I did wrong.
 

First storm article published 17 January 2014: Beryl Lessons. In it I describe a tropical storm on the east coast of Florida. I show how several boats were effected by the winds and currents. At anchor we did not all ride the same. Our vessels were not laying in the same direction.


During Beryl boats pointed every which way. Being careful not to anchor too closely together is important.


Last year I endured Hurricane Irma. It was not pleasant. I am still riled by the whole fiasco. Yes, I know I am safe. So too is Seaweed. That does negate partially the Rant found in the
Hurricane Irma Saga (11 September 2017) treatise. Life afloat is not always cocktails at sundown. The Hurricane Irma articles certainly show a less positive side of my character.


Lies on multiple fronts definitely effected my sense of humor. The worst part about being lied to is knowing someone thought you were not worth the truth.
 

I did lose one subscriber (ouch) as a direct result of the Irma articles. On the other hand, two new folks signed up. If you would like an email each time I post a new article simply write me an email and ask to be included. Me: janice@janice142.com Thanks!


In the Bahamas my friend Irene adjusted her lines through tide changes prior to Irma's arrival.


What I should have done: Two or three days prior to Hurricane Irma's landfall I should have taken my anchor out via Seaweed and planted it mid-canal.
 

I also should have been smart enough to realize the storm was not going to be too bad in my area. The signs of doom nature provides were not present.
 

There were no seabirds flying inland. None.


I am well aware this system cannot be considered scientific. It is based on lore handed down through generations of mariners and decades of personal observation.


That said, from the time I was a little girl we judged storms by the seabirds. Seeing frigatebirds flying inland was a sure-fire sign that a big storm was incoming. Getting to safe harbor was Very Important. Frigatebirds spend much of their lives at sea. When they decide the weather is too foul to stay offshore, it is going to be bad. Very, very bad.
 

 

Aboard Seaweed, I have one book that I use for identifying birds. It is a smaller Golden Guide, called Birds of North America. This is my only bird reference book. It is worth retail prices.
 

Affiliate link

Birds of North America: A Guide to Field Identification (Golden Field Guide Series)

These are FRIGATEBIRDS

Note the forked tail feathers.

 


Thus far, I have seen no frigate birds. Indeed the wildlife seems to be behaving normally. That's why I am not too concerned with Alberto at this point. Of course like all boaters, I'm keeping my eye on the weather.
 

A new baby has arrived, and she is cute.

Storm Alberto has not stopped the manatees from visiting.
 

Most mornings and evenings I listen to the Wx channel on my VHF radio. When a disturbance occurs with potential to form a storm I go on alert. I study forecasts, predicted storm tracks, and surge reports. Links for all these and more are found on Mike's Weather Page aka Spaghetti Models.


Additionally, an old salt I know was loads smarter than I during Hurricane Irma. Cap'n Tom is a skeptical sailor. When the newsmen on television were saying how awful Irma was in Key West, Tom was watching people walking on Duval Street (downtown Key West) drinking beer via Webcams.


This is Cap'n Tom holding one of his handmade chains:


Should any storm be forecast to hit America, I will look for webcams. Tom's method shows what is really happening. Webcams do not care about ratings. They will not work once the power fails. Until that point I will be able to contrast what is shown on television versus on-the-scene from locals.
 

Having a tablet allows me to see a whole 'nother world. Mine is a Verizon and gosh, it's wonderful. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to have a screen that fits into my purse and tells me so much. It is a true blessing.


During the last hurricane I was able to watch television broadcasts via YouTube. The Verizon tablet was amazing. I cannot imagine life without a tablet now.


Without a doubt I am totally spoilt. These gizmos are incredible...



 

Here the rains are arriving. It's been steady all night long. Though not torrential, the rain is continuing unabated. As for me, I am watching Mike's Weather Page.


Update, because I didn't get this posted last night: It has been balmy here today with lots of winds and only sporadic rain showers. Therefore I opted to do laundry while possible.
 

When I spoke with my friend Irene, she too had done her washing. I suspect that is a woman thing. I know I like having everything clean and dry. It is a good feeling to know all is tidy and put away.


My lockers are full too. Even if I cannot get to the grocery store for a couple weeks, I am a-okay.


All's well aboard Seaweed. I wish the same for you and yours. Be safe.
 

 

Addendum from my friend Cap'n Kim in Carrabelle: This one has on the right side toggles for more info: wind, waves, currents, etc.:

https://www.windy.com/?rain,29.747,-85.032,5,i:pressure 
The link shows prevailing wind directions which would be most helpful for sailors. It's a great addition.
Thanks Kim!
Kim says: Of course you are watching the C-Quarters web cam!!
http://www.mycarrabellecra.com/webcam/  
Kim: miss ya!  Stay safe!
Thanks for the new-to-me windy.com link Kim. It's cool. Thanks so much for your note too.


I'd love to hear what you do when a storm is impending.
Do you keep more items on hand than normal during hurricane season?
 

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