Weather- hurricane watch for east USA

Subject: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Sep 03 - 10:44 PM

well, after the wettest summer in years, we know have Isabel taking aim at us. The latest SWAG (Sophisticated Wild Ass Guess) has the storm sweeping up the coast and hitting somewhere around N. Carolina to N. Jersey, with the DelMarva penninsula and Chesapeake Bay dead center. This could mean LOTS of damage and water and power outages and misery if it doesn't change course.

I, personally, am inland a hundred miles, but a category 4-5 storm would cause some trouble that far and more...so...*sigh*...wait & see and stock up on stuff and check the gutters and don't plan to BBQ on the patio Wed-Thurs..

So...will everyone east of the Mississippi please aim your fans east for the next 4 days and send Lady Isabel out to sea? *grin* "A butterfly landing on a twig in......"

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Sep 03 - 10:45 PM

you see what fear does? I meant to attach a BS (Big Storm) label to this...please move it, Joe & Clones

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Sep 03 - 10:51 PM

ISABEL.

~S~

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 14 Sep 03 - 10:55 PM

Will do, Bill. I'm watching this one. Our weather man says it all depends on a large high pressure area up around NY and a low pressure trough around KY. Whichever gets larger next week will set Isabel's path.

I have several young college-age friends in Charleston and other friends and relatives inland in NC and SC. I was in Charleston just prior to a smaller hurricane, and we watched the waves get larger. People around there still talk about Hugo. I also weathered a small hurricane one year in Nassau. (took pictures of the "official" hurricane nautical flag) Then I was inland in mid Alabama when one went through with 75-mile-an-hour winds. Forget that myth about these things *always* blowing out when they make landfall.

My young friends in Charleston have already made evacuation plans and have a meeting place.

This could be a real disaster...

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Janie
Date: 14 Sep 03 - 11:09 PM

We're starting to track it pretty closely ourselves and to batten down a few of the hatches just so there won't be so much to do in case she does head through here.

If she heads up the Bay the damage will be horrendous because of the population density from Norfolk to Baltimore. Here, Fran caused havoc with wind and Floyd, with water. We are on high ground, and don't worry too much about flooding. We were literally flooded out of West Virginia by the remnants of Gloria in '85, and swore we'd never live on low ground or right on a river again.

Still, there is something really exciting and completely awesome about a big storm like this.

Janie

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 14 Sep 03 - 11:14 PM

Where are you Janie?

Here's a computer model. Note *** not to be used for planning purposes. These predictions change daily.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Sep 03 - 11:26 PM

When I was in 3rd grade, in 1947, we lived in New Orleans, and were flooded out by water blowing over the seawall during a Hurricane...so we moved to Wichita, Kansas...in tornado alley!

I remember looking out the window and seeing palm trees bent into a *U* shape, tops almost on the ground...and the next day, we waded out as the water rose. It got 2 ft. deep in the house. One block away, it was dry. So I, too, have sworn I will never live in an easily flooded place again.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bobert
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 08:32 AM

Well, I talked with my friend, Kitty "Carneigie" West the night before last and she's livin' in Moorehead City, South Carolina which is right there on the ocean... Folks is boardin' up their homes and businesses... I'm not sure the God can aim these things but beeen prayin' He gets this one to make a big ol' u-turn....

Either way, I've got my fan up on the roof, Bill...

Bobert

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 08:49 AM

Some years ago we drove from Indiana to DC, deliberately trying to get there before a hurrican hit -- mighta been Floyd, I only remember that it had a masculine name. We started out around 8 p.m. and hauled it as fast as we could. Come dawn we were on South Mountain and I saw the pearly "hurrican sky". We got to the house and slept through the storm!

Having grown up with tornadoes, I decided than and there that I'd rather live with tornadoes. They're only a few hundred yards wide, and while the damage they do is immense it's not as widespread and there's usually not any flooding to speak of.

Good luck to all, and I hope that it doesn't make landfall. I'll try to get everyone I can to stand outside and fan to the East South East.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Rara Avis
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 09:58 AM

And here's me scheduled to leave for the UK out of Philadelphia on Thursday evening. This could break my 1999 travel time record of 14 hours waiting and waiting and waiting with a bit of flying thrown in as a diversion.

Seriously, I hope Isobel heads out to sea for all our sakes.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 10:13 AM

I'd put our fan on the roof, Bill, but the Rockies are in the way...*sigh* (as you would say:-)

Maybe we could get Spaw to send up a mighty wind of hot air that would just naturally catch the drift and send that puppy back out to sea.

Stay safe, everyone and keep us posted, please!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: harpgirl
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 10:21 AM

We have been downright lucky in Flori-DUH the past few years! I hope this one goes out to sea...

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 10:22 AM

yeah, 'spaw might do it, but I can see the headlines.."property saved, but thousands asphyxiated"

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 10:28 AM

Oh, will Spaw chair this effort and be the posterboy???? Then we could ALL help and be really USEful for a change-- I think I'll just assume the plan is a go, and get Hardi enrolled too.... Put it out through the church grapevine too, get 'em all in on it-- good people all, I know they will want to express their warmest on the occasion!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 10:34 AM

Church bean suppers, all over the country? Eat, then face west! Might work!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: mike the knife
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 10:43 AM

Damned thing is headed right at me...
Doing contingency planning for our stores (20+) in the area... not fun.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 11:07 AM

What is faith without works anyhow? And a chance to moon a hurricane???!! Bring it on!

We'll just declare a feast in honor of our patron saint, of course, St. Spawnian.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 12:06 PM

Oops, have just found out that if it goes back out to sea, saving teh South, then the Maritimes will be in the direct path, SO...we ALL need to give it a bigger POOF so our friends to the North will be safe, too!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 12:22 PM

Where are you, Mike?

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: RangerSteve
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 12:42 PM

The TV weather people have just shown pictures of CHester County, PA. They got hit bad by last nights rain and the flooding is incredible. They, more than anyone, don't need a hurricane on top of what they already got. It doesn't look like last nights flooding will recede by Thurs. when Isabella is scheduled to hit. I hope all you SE PA folks are ok.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Rara Avis
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 02:23 PM

A girlfriend in Chester County (also known as Mudcat epicenter) left her house about 6:30 this morning to take the regional rail into Philadelphia. She arrived at 10 am. I hear schools out that way are closing down.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 02:28 PM

well..we need to remember that Mudcat lives in SE PA! I hope Max in on high ground! If there are problems next weekend, that might be the cause. The weather people are warning people far inland to plan for excess water and power outages.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Tinker
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 02:41 PM

Well, I planned to clean the basement this fall anyway... Floyd left us with about two feet of water in the basement and floating storage bins. Those wonderful bins are not waterproof once they float up and tip over... All fans are definately pointed east...Good luck all.

Tinker

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 03:14 PM

Holy cow...glad that Mudcat is still on, even now!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Amos
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 03:22 PM

Stay dry, Maxie!!!!

A

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 04:37 PM

For interesting info (including information on historic hurricanes to jog the memory), go here:

NOAA National Hurricane Center

and here:

FEMA Tropical Storm Watch

Just in case anyone in the potential path is wondering just what to do, go here:

FEMA Fact Sheet: Hurricanes

A hurricane watch is issued 36+ hours ahead, a hurricane warning is issued 24-36 hours ahead. If you are in the watch area for a Category 4 hurricane (the second most powerful, and Isabel is VERY large and VERY powerful), you should be following the watch instructions as precisely as possible, and planning to evacuate if necessary. If you end up in the warning area, you better be ready to make the run inland, and prepare for some serious problems.

It doesn't appear likely that Isabel will miss the US at this point, and the Chesapeake does appear to be the most likely center at this time.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 08:07 PM

I hate hurricanes worse than anything except maybe George W. Bush. Maybe if we sacrificed GWB to the hurricane gods Isabel would go away.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Janie
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 08:16 PM

Mary,

We live on the northeast Piedmont of North Carolina. We got slammed by Fran, but unless Isabel jogs a tad further west than currently predicted, we will probably get a little too much rain and a little too much wind, but will otherwise be OK. Of course, Fran wasn't supposed to pass right over top of us either. We will probably fare better than the western side of the Chesapeake Bay and the eastern seaboard.

"Fraid there ain't enough beans and fans in North America to blow this one out to sea. I'm worried that when she hits all that hot air around DC, she'll be the first ever hurricane to turn into category 5 over land!

Janie

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 08:18 PM

Bee-dubya, what makes you think they'd accept the sacrifice??

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Donuel
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 09:06 PM

The computer generated track draws a center line right through our town in MD.

Of course this is only the center of the projected track and could gosouth or north of this line.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bobert
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 09:15 PM

Well, last I reported the danged thing had Kitty "Carneigie" West in its sights and now it's got the Bobert in its sights. Hmmmmmmm? Okay?!!?!?!?!.... Hurricanes ripping thru the Shenandoah Valley? Hmmmmmm? Okay, I can do this. Bring everything that ain't nailed down or got roots in and stash 'em in the basement. Fuel fir the generator. Extra beer. Guitars in the basement. 300 feet of 1 inch nylon rope for the double decker bus cottage... Ahhhh, maybe a little smoke fir the basement. Yeah, I can do this... Oh, where to stash the Karmann Ghia???? Hmmmmm? Lots o' trees up here.... And the Spartan trailer? Hmmmmm? Danged....

Well, gonna have the people, geetars, a cooler of cold beer and a little evidence fir burnin' in the basement... Hmmmmm. wonder if I can squeeze the Ghia, tooooo???? Gonna go measure....

Bobert

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Mudlark
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 12:55 AM

Mother Nature on a rampage....stay safe everybody!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Janie
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 08:22 AM

Bobert--Not the basement. Tain't probably gonna be the wind--gonna be the water!!!!

Janie

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 09:14 AM

Called my in-laws in Silver Spring, Maryland last night. They've been through 'em before -- Hazel, Floyd, all of 'em -- and they're going down their checklists: bring in patio furniture and things, extra batteries, flashlights checked, battery radio okay, fuel for the portable stove, some cans of soup, the lot. Being in a "retirement community" their biggest fear is stuff blowing around and water coming in around the windows and patio door, since there's a storm drain that runs boy their patio.

Otherwise, they said the weather today and tomorrow is supposed to be grand, as it so often is before all hell breaks loose.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 09:40 AM

This is one helluva' well organized hurricane.....a true "classic." I don't see any real possibility of it not coming in strong at this point. The photos from the Hurricane Hunter aircraft are just amazing. My best thoughts for all of you over there......

Spaw

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 12:06 PM

I wish I already had the generator I'm planning to get. Since I moved in, every time we've had a storm w/ any blow to it, my power has glitched repeatedly. Maybe this is the time it will stay off!

Hoping not,

bbc

P.S.--It's supposed to hit Thursday night into Friday here. All along my commute this am, I was wondering how many of the surrounding trees might fall & block the roadway. So far, I don't know any alternate routes to work!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 12:10 PM

as of 11 am it is down to a catagory 2 and fading fast...

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: mike the knife
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 12:21 PM

Hi Mary in KY,
I'm in Norfolk, VA. On the edge of the Downtown area- hard on the Elizabeth River. The groud here is saturated from too much rain & my neighborhood floods if someone drops his or her double Latte from Starbucks onto the sidewalk.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: GUEST,Ron Olesko
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 01:47 PM

My basement is still damp from Hurricane Floyd! We lost power for 13 hours during that one and my sump pump could not carry the water out of the basement.   

I am sure this one will miss us because I bought an emergency generator after Floyd and have not had to use it since.

I am also going to buy a snowblower which will insure a lack of snow in NJ this winter!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Rara Avis
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 02:07 PM

I would appreciate that, Ron Olesko. We're in southern NJ across the river from Philadelphia. Our snowblower gave up the ghost just before the final big snowstorm last winter and I can't face a winter of snow shoveling.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 02:49 PM

If you'd like a good look at Isabel, peek here. After September 16, 2003 you can find the picture by going to the "Archives" at the bottom of the page and clicking on the date. (LOTS of great astronomy pictures there, too!)

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: CapriUni
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 12:12 PM

As many of you know, I am right in the path of Hurricane Isabel... 24 hours ago, I was working on the assumption that I would be exacuating to the north... But then, last night, the various newscasters repeated that people should Not evacuate unless ordered to do so, but rather, batten down the hatches and be prepared to camp out at home (to make sure our easily clogged roads remain as free as possible for those who do need to get out, and lower the number of people who potentially become stranded on the roads). And then, that same message was issued by the governor. So that is what we're doing.

Some words of reassurance: Father is with me, and he is now bringing in all loose items from around the house, and locking them in our garage. He is also filling five gallon buckets with water. My larder is well stocked with tuna and canned meats, peanut butter, bread, and powdered milk (and we have manual can openers). I do have an interior bathroom away from all windows. The cats' food and litter boxes are also in this room, so all 4 of us can camp out there, if not in comfort, at least in relative safety). I have batteries and flashlights, and a radio powered with a hand crank (wind the crank 100 revolutions, and it will play for 45 minutes). I live in an area of relative high ground... not the mountains, by any means, but in an area that has never flooded in the 7 years I've been here... That will change after this storm, I'm sure, but it's not like my house is on the beach, wating to be washed out to sea.

I am expecting the power to go out, and I don't know when it will come back on, so if I don't write for several days, assume that that is the reason, rather than assuming the worst...

Oh, and I've also paid all bills for this month, so....

I will write here again, as soon as I can....

Your friend, CapriUni/Ann

PS:

I'll also take this time to issue a song challange. If ever there was ever a storm worthy of a ballad, this is one!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Amos
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 12:31 PM

Gee, Capri -- you have us on tenterhooks waiting to hear how it turns out!! Good luck!

A

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 12:47 PM

Capri, be sure to stay away from windows and flying glass. Even if you are 100 miles from the eye, the winds will break windows and send things flying through the air.

Take care.

(You can always think about writing my story if you get stuck in the dark for awhile.) ;-)

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: jaze
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 01:46 PM

The wind is picking up here near Richmond already. My worry is the tall trees surrounding my house and neighborhood. Was gonna get a new roof last week and decided to see what Isabel does first. It's due to come right thru here with hurricane force winds. I love storms but I'm very leery of this one. Wish us all luck.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: mike the knife
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 02:08 PM

Godspeed Capri- I'm not too far from you- Norfolk to be exact. I'm at work now trying to figure out contingencies for outr stores (20+ locations locally) in the area. Not much fun. I'm surrounded by "mandatory evacuation" areas... we'll see.

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 03:22 PM

I see on the TV that since Pat Robertson's headquarters is right near the landfall (Virgina Beach) that he is organizing an anti-hurricane prayer campaign, to force Isabel back out to sea! Go get her, Pat!

In the meantime, I am covering window wells against heavy rains, charging all the batteries, moving my cars away from trees and setting the candles about the house. Oh, yes..one thing I did buy at the store was charcoal...just in case power is off for several days. (we don't have a gas stove).

Ya'll stay dry & safe!

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: CapriUni
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 03:49 PM

From Mike the Knife -- I'm not too far from you- Norfolk to be exact.

Well, Gee! We're practically neighbors! After this is all over, maybe we should get together... :-)

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Amos
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 03:55 PM

Bill:

As far as I know Pat's not someone to place a bet on as far as bending the ear of destiny...so just as well you back your bet with real precautions!! :>)

A

Subject: RE: Weather- hurricane watch for east USA
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 04:08 PM

Over here in the safety of West London U K all we can do is wish you East Coat catters the very best of luck with the fair Isabel.And if you do blow her out to the East For Gods Sake dont blow TOO hard -We Dont Want her either.