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.
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.
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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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