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Hurricanes

Tracking Hurricane Nigel

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Hurricane Nigel, a powerful natural phenomenon, can bring significant disruptions. Staying informed is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore why it’s essential to track and forecast hurricanes like Nigel, offering you real-time updates and valuable insights.

Hopefully you followed along as we tracked Hurricane Franklin.  We intend to do the same with Hurricane Nigel.

Understanding Hurricane Nigel

Before we jump into tracking and forecasting, let’s grasp the basics. Hurricane Nigel is a tropical cyclone with fierce winds and heavy rain. It can wreak havoc on communities, making preparedness vital.

Live Tracking Tools

A. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is your go-to source for tracking hurricanes like Nigel. They’re the experts in monitoring these storms. Here’s how to make the most of their resources:

  • Visit the NHC website (nhc.noaa.gov) for real-time updates.
  • Explore interactive maps that show Nigel’s current position and forecasted path.
  • Sign up for alerts to stay informed of any changes.

B. Weather Apps and Websites

In today’s tech-savvy world, weather apps and websites are invaluable. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Download reliable weather apps like The Weather Channel, AccuWeather, or Weather Underground.
  • Visit trusted websites like weather.com or wunderground.com for comprehensive information.
  • Configure the apps to send you push notifications about Hurricane Nigel’s progress.

Forecast Models

A. Hurricane Prediction Models

Forecasting Hurricane Nigel’s path and intensity relies on prediction models. Here’s a quick overview:

  • Meteorologists use various models like the GFS and European model to predict the hurricane’s future.
  • These models take into account factors like atmospheric conditions and historical data.
  • Understand that while these models are accurate, they come with some level of uncertainty.

B. Understanding Weather Jargon

Weather forecasts often use complex terminology. Let’s simplify it:

  • “Eye of the storm” refers to the calm center of the hurricane.
  • “Wind speed” measures how fast the hurricane’s winds are blowing.
  • “Storm surge” is the rise in sea level caused by a hurricane’s winds and low pressure.

Safety Tips During Hurricane Nigel

Your safety is paramount. Here’s what to do when Hurricane Nigel approaches:

A. Evacuation Orders

  • Always heed evacuation orders issued by local authorities.
  • Know your evacuation route and safe shelters in advance.
  • Monitor the news and official sources for updates on evacuation orders.

B. Emergency Kits

  • Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and first aid supplies.
  • Customize your kit for your family’s needs, including medications and important documents.
  • Regularly check and replenish your kit to ensure readiness.

C. Protecting Your Home

  • Secure loose items and trim trees to prevent damage from strong winds.
  • Use sandbags to protect against flooding if you’re in a vulnerable area.
  • Consider installing hurricane shutters or plywood to shield windows.

Conclusion

In conclusion, staying informed and prepared during Hurricane Nigel can make a significant difference in your safety and well-being. Remember, your safety is a priority, so share this article with your loved ones to help them stay informed too!

Additional Resources

For more information and real-time updates, check out these official resources:

FAQs

Q1. How often should I check for updates during Hurricane Nigel? A1. It’s a good practice to check for updates at least every few hours, especially when the hurricane is approaching. Pay attention to official sources like the National Hurricane Center and local authorities.

Q2. What should I include in my emergency kit? A2. Your emergency kit should include water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, important documents, medications, and any necessary items for infants, elderly family members, or pets.

Q3. Can I rely solely on weather apps for tracking Hurricane Nigel? A3. While weather apps are helpful, it’s essential to diversify your information sources. Combine apps with official websites and local news broadcasts for a comprehensive picture of the hurricane’s progress.

Hurricane Idalia | Path, Effects, and More

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Hurricane Idalia

Tropical storm Idalia hit Florida at a devastating speed of over 125 mph, causing destruction in its path. The major hurricane swept into Georgia and South Carolina too.

This article will cover everything there is to know about Hurricane Idalia today.

About Hurricane Idalia, Florida

Idalia Hurricane – Path

Hurricane Idalia was a Category 4 hurricane that drew a path across several parts of the United States, particularly Florida. It happened during the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. According to Belond Thomas of Perry, “all hell broke loose” when Idalia made landfall. Storm surge warnings and hurricane warnings were issued back on August 28, 2023, for portions of Florida’s Gulf coast; two days before it made landfall.

It made landfall on Wednesday morning, August 30, 2023. According to news sources, people could expect heavy flooding rain to continue on Wednesday night. Later on August 31, Idalia moved off the northeastern South Carolina coast to emerge into the Atlantic Ocean.

Idalia transformed into a post-tropical cyclone while moving to North Carolina. Then, on September 2, the storm hit Bermuda after a tropical storm watch was issued a few days prior. As the storm moved closer, the watch became a tropical storm warning.

Finally, Idalia absorbed Tropical Storm Gert and went off the coast of Atlantic Canada for a few days.

How the Idalia Tropical Storm Affected Florida and Other Nearby Areas

Florida was one of the areas that was affected the most. Governor Ron DeSantis placed 33 counties under a state of emergency on August 26. He added 13 more counties a couple of days later.

This section will go over the most important facts surrounding the hurricane and the tropical storm force winds that came with it.

Idalia made landfall at approximately 7:45 AM on August, 30. It was a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of about 125 mph. The hurricane then crossed into Georgia with wind speeds of 90 mph and weakened to a tropical storm by nightfall.

Unfortunately, the storm caused extensive damage where it passed. The high winds that came from the hurricane blew off roofs, snapped tall trees, and shredded signs as the eye moved inland. Even though no deaths related to the hurricane were confirmed in Florida, at least one person was confirmed dead in Georgia.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, at least two people died in separate weather-related crashes before Idalia’s landfall.

The hurricane was forecast to move along South Carolina’s coast and off North Carolina’s coast by Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, Idalia also spawned a tornado that touched down in the South Carolina city of Goose Creek. The winds that came from that tornado flipped over a car. At least two people sustained minor injuries.

North Myrtle Beach, Edisto Island, and Garden City reported ocean water spilling onto beachfront streets and flowing over dunes on Wednesday night. When the tornado hit Charleston, the storm surge topped the seawall located downtown.

It sent ankle-deep water into nearby neighborhoods and streets. Preliminary data mentioned that the high tides that happened on Wednesday evening reached over 9.2 feet, which was over 3 feet above regular tide levels. They were also the fifth-highest reading in Charleston Harbor since 1899.

Fortunately for Florida residents, Idalia’s hurricane blew into the state’s “nature coast,” which is known for being rural and far from crowded tourist areas or metropolises. Many were worried that Idalia would wreak havoc as Hurricane Ian did last year.

Still, the hurricane caused enough damage to worry residents. About half a million people in Florida and Georgia lost power. The heavy rains caused by Idalia partially flooded Interstate 285 (Tampa). Furthermore, a few power lines were toppled onto Interstate 75’s northbound side. People in Perry experienced torn-off siding, blown-out windows, and other consequences.

Businesses, homes, and boat docks in Steinhatchee were unfortunately swallowed up by water. These were about 20 miles south of the area where Idalia made landfall. About 5,500 National Guardsman and rescue crews started a search-and-recovery task by looking for anyone in distress, clearing toppled trees, and inspecting bridges.

According to Kevin Guthrie, the director of Florida’s Department of Emergency Management, the rescue teams could take longer to fulfill their duties due to the Big Bend area’s remoteness. On the other hand, Idalia was considered an unprecedented event by the National Weather Service in Tallahassee.

There was a power outage before the eye of the storm arrived in Tallahassee. Besides a giant oak tree splitting in two and covering the governor’s mansion’s yard with debris, the city itself didn’t experience any direct attacks.

Valdosta, Georgia, was affected by Idalia’s winds. The person who died in this area was hit by a fallen tree as he was clearing another tree out of the road. According to Ashley Paulk, Lowndes County Sheriff, at least two other people were injured when that tree fell.

Jonathon Wick, a resident, mentioned that he didn’t take the hurricane seriously until he woke up Wednesday morning to howling winds. He had to rescue his nephews from a trampoline located in his backyard. There, the water level rose to Wick’s knees. As he was getting into the driver’s seat, a tree toppled right in front of the car. Fortunately, it didn’t fall directly on it.

Bottom Line

Due to the hurricane’s effect, over 30,000 utility workers in Florida gathered to start making repairs. On Wednesday afternoon, more than 900 flights got canceled in Georgia and Florida. Airports in those areas planned to resume operations later that day or on Thursday.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Idalia was 15 miles north-northwest of Charleston by 11 PM on Wednesday. Its wind speed was approximately 21 mph. Later, Bermuda residents received a warning of a “tropical storm” hitting the area later.

Florida, North/South Carolina, and Georgia received the full support of President Joe Biden’s administration on that same Wednesday. He made a call to the governors of each state to show support and approve a major disaster declaration for a few counties.

Hurricane Categories | Full Overview

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Hurricane Categories

A hurricane is known for causing extensive damage to an area. These natural disasters are measured in strength, and that strength is measured in categories.

How Is a Hurricane’s Strength Measured?

The National Hurricane Center has information on the scale used to measure a hurricane’s strength, which is the SAFFIR-SIMPSON Hurricane Wind Scale. It bases the ranking on the hurricane’s maximum sustained wind speed. This page explains the five categories surrounding hurricanes and how to identify which one an area is experiencing.

Category One

A category 1 hurricane will have sustained winds at 74-95 miles per hour. This type of hurricane doesn’t tend to cause major damage to structures compared to the rest. People can expect damage to tree foliage, shrubbery, unanchored mobile homes, and poorly constructed signs or structures.

The storm surge goes from 4′ to 5′ above regular tide levels. People can also expect inundations in low-lying coastal roads, as well as minor pier damage. Some very dangerous winds could cause some damage to power lines/poles, causing power outages.

Category Two

Category 2 hurricanes involve “extremely dangerous winds” that can cause considerable damage. A few homes can sustain major roof/siding damage. People can also expect fallen trees to block numerous roads.

It features winds of 96-110 miles per hour. The storm surge goes from 6′ to 8′ above regular tide levels. Power outages can last for several days once the storm passes. It’s possible that shoreline residential areas and low-lying areas may need evacuation.

Category Three

Category 3 hurricanes have winds from 111 to 130 miles per hour. It’s considered to cause “devastating damage” to even well-constructed framed homes. They can sustain severe damage. Trees can snap and block numerous roads, and it’s possible for a power outage to last for a few days or weeks.

People can expect mobile homes to get destroyed. Small buildings could also get structural damage. Storm surge can go from 13′ to 17′ above regular tide levels. Residences within 500 yards of the beach and/or single-story properties on low grounds within 2 miles of shore may need to be evacuated.

Category 3, 4, and 5 are considered “major hurricanes.”

Category Four

This tropical storm can cause “catastrophic damage” to roofing materials, doors, and windows. Small buildings can expect complete failure of the roof. People can expect trees and signs to be blown down, as well as power poles downed. Storm surge can go from 13′ to 17′ above regular tide levels.

Fallen power poles and/or trees could isolate residential areas, and the damage and power outages could cause the area to be uninhabitable for weeks or months. Category 4 wind speeds go from 130 to 155 miles per hour.

Category Five

Category 5 hurricanes involve wind speeds greater than 155 miles per hour. As in the previous category, people can expect catastrophic damage. This includes the destruction of framed homes and commercial/industrial buildings, total roof failure, wall collapse, and more. Small homes could be blown away or overturned.

Storm surge will be more than 18′ above regular tide levels. Fallen power poles and trees could isolate residential areas. Residential areas on low grounds within 5-10 miles of shore may need to be evacuated as soon as possible.

Hurricane Lee

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As we begin the second week of September, we are finding ourselves tracking the Hurricane Lee flight path.  As of this morning, here’s what we’re seeing according to Weather.com.

The Hurricane Lee flight path has a lot of uncertainty at this point, but it would be wise to take precautions and stay on top of the Hurricane Lee flight path as these types of storms are very unpredictable and could change at moments notice.  Here’s a current snap shot of what it looks like:

Hurricane Lee

Hazardous surf and rip currents can be expected all week in New England and the Eastern seaboard, and this storm is tracking to hit later this week and through the weekend.

When Will Hurricane Lee Hit Land?

According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Lee will is heading north and will create rainfall to the Southeast and run parallel to the East coast and NOT hit land.  It’s important to follow the news as the path can and will change but as of today this is current information.

hurricane lee landfall

On the bright side, Hurricane Lee was a category five hurricane just last week, but it’s since been downgraded to a category three hurricane.

Florida will get rough surf but most likely will be unaffected by Hurricane Lee.  As always, follow your local news for more updates on Hurricane Lee and it’s path.

Tracking Hurricane Franklin: Live Updates and Forecast

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Let’s start with the basics. Hurricane Franklin is a formidable tropical cyclone that can have a significant impact on communities in its path. It’s crucial to understand the importance of real-time tracking and forecasting during such events. Our goal here is to provide you with the latest updates and forecasts for Hurricane Franklin, ensuring you’re well-prepared.

Understanding Hurricane Franklin

Hurricane Franklin: A Quick Overview

Before we dive into tracking and forecasting, let’s get to know our hurricane a bit better. Franklin is no ordinary storm; it’s a tropical cyclone with fierce winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for severe damage. Knowing what you’re up against is key.

Why Tracking and Forecasting Matter

Tracking and forecasting hurricanes are not just fancy weather terms. They are vital for preparedness and safety. These efforts help us predict where a hurricane is headed, how intense it might become, and when it might make landfall. That information is priceless.

The Role of Weather Agencies

National Hurricane Center (NHC)

The National Hurricane Center, or NHC, is our guiding star when it comes to tracking hurricanes like Franklin. They’re the experts in this field, and here’s why you should pay attention:

  • The NHC provides us with up-to-the-minute data on Hurricane Franklin’s location, intensity, and forecasted path.
  • Their experts continuously analyze the storm’s behavior and issue official updates and advisories.

Local Weather Agencies

While the NHC covers the big picture, local weather agencies play a crucial role too:

  • Local meteorologists provide specific information tailored to your region.
  • Follow updates from local news channels and weather websites for precise details relevant to your area.

Real-Time Tracking Tools

Online Resources

When it comes to tracking hurricanes, the internet is your best friend. Here’s how to make the most of it:

  • Visit reliable websites such as the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) or your local weather agency’s site for real-time updates.
  • Learn how to interpret hurricane tracking maps and forecasts for a better understanding.

Mobile Apps

In today’s mobile world, you can track hurricanes right from your pocket. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Download trustworthy weather apps like The Weather Channel, AccuWeather, or Weather Underground.
  • Customize the apps to send you push notifications when there are important updates on Hurricane Franklin.

Understanding Hurricane Forecasts

Forecast Models

Let’s talk about how experts predict where Franklin is headed:

  • Meteorologists use various forecast models like the GFS and European model to create forecasts.
  • Keep in mind that while these models are highly accurate, there’s always a margin of uncertainty, especially for long-term predictions.

Interpreting Weather Data

Understanding a hurricane forecast can be a bit like deciphering a secret code. Here are some key terms:

  • The “eye of the storm” is the calm center of the hurricane.
  • “Wind speed” tells us how fast the hurricane’s winds are blowing.
  • “Storm surge” refers to the rise in sea level caused by the hurricane’s winds and low pressure.

Safety Precautions

Now, let’s talk safety. When Hurricane Franklin is on the horizon, it’s time to take action:

  • Always heed evacuation orders issued by local authorities. Your safety comes first.
  • Prepare an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first aid supplies, medications, and important documents.
  • Secure your home by following recommended measures such as trimming trees and using sandbags if necessary.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, staying informed during Hurricane Franklin can be a lifesaver. Remember, knowledge is power. Share this resource with friends and family so they can stay safe too.

Additional Resources

For more in-depth information and real-time updates, check out these official resources:

FAQs

Q1. How often should I check for updates during Hurricane Franklin? A1. It’s a good practice to check for updates at least every few hours, especially when the hurricane is approaching. Pay attention to official sources like the National Hurricane Center and local authorities.

Q2. What should I include in my emergency kit? A2. Your emergency kit should include water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, important documents, medications, and any necessary items for infants, elderly family members, or pets.

Q3. Can I rely solely on weather apps for tracking Hurricane Franklin? A3. While weather apps are helpful, it’s essential to diversify your information sources. Combine apps with official websites and local news broadcasts for a comprehensive picture of the hurricane’s progress.

The National Storm Damage Center provides everything you need to prepare for and recover from severe storm damage.