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A Late Season Tropical Threat

 

 

 

# 5919

 

Since it has been chilly the past couple of mornings here in central Florida, it can be hard to remember that there are another 5 weeks left to the 2011 Altantic Hurricane season.

 

Hurricane season runs through the end of November.

 

It was just 6 years ago today that category 3 Hurricane Wilma struck south Florida, doing considerable damage to Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Naples, and the Florida Keys while contributing to deaths of at least 35 people.

 

While it is too soon to tell if Tropical Storm Rina – forecast to intensify further – will affect the U.S. mainland, interests in the western Caribbean and all along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico need to keep an eye on this system.

 

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While occurring far less frequently than do August and September storms, October hurricanes have a nasty habit of paying Floridians a visit.

 

Most form this time of year in the same general area as Rina sits right now, where the water temperatures are still toasty and wind shear is light, both of which are conducive to intensification. 

 

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October Tropical Climatology – NOAA 

 

Rina has a long way to go before it could affect the Gulf coast - and a number of obstacles to overcome -  but history tells us not to be complacent.

 

Interests who may be impacted by this storm should follow the forecasts on the National Hurricane Center’s website.

 

 

And as my good buddy Cliff reminded me last week, it doesn’t have to be a tropical system to wreak havoc. No-Name Storms can deliver a sizable punch as well.

 

The ‘93 Superstorm – while not a hurricane – delivered hurricane force winds to the west coast of Florida and piled up a 7 to 12 foot surge tide, before tracking up the eastern seaboard as an unforgettable March blizzard.

 

Before it expired over the north Atlantic, this `no-name storm’  had claimed more than 300 lives and caused more than 6 billion dollars in damage from Cuba north to Canada.

 

All of which illustrates why those of us who went through her (I was aboard my 36’ sailboat, trying to keep her from being battered against the pilings at our marina) keep a wary eye on the weather year round.

 

Regardless of the season, everyone should have an emergency plan and preparations already in place to deal with a variety of threats. Storms, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and tornadoes can happen anytime, and practically anywhere.

 

Ready.gov urges all Americans to follow these 3 steps to better preparedness:

 

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GET A KIT

MAKE A PLAN

BE INFORMED

 

And for those who live in areas where tropical storms are a threat, I would invite you to download the NOAA, FEMA, and American Red Cross updated preparedness guide for the 2011 tropical season.

 

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