![[IMG: Luis; Credit: Norm Nelson, Bermuda Biological Station for Research - http://www.bbsr.edu/~norm]](luis5.gif)
|
The Hurricane Pagethe 1996 season |
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Don't forget to look at the local reports and weather discussions from the Leeward islands' point of view.
Aug 30, 1996 10:30am EDT
I found the following St.Maarten update regarding Fran written by Romeo Chance (Megatropic, St.Maarten's only ISP) on the Palm Beach Post website:
Well Prepared
by Romeo Chance, 8/29/96
Well, it appears that another storm has decided to
bypass our island paradise of St. Maarten.....
Nonetheless, the level of readiness for such events
is high. For Fran, because of the "WATCH" issued
earlier today, several businesses and private homes
on both sides of the island began taking
precautionary measures. People were stocking up on
essentials but there was no "panic" in the
air......everything proceeded calmly......
The Government did not spare any expense on this
one either....preparations and information were
extremely timely. School was canceled early with
the expectation that FRAn would indeed strike. This
cancellation is valid thru tomorrow. So at least
the kids got a long weekend.
Also a contigent of military support was flown in
from our sister Antillean islands...this is all
part of the revised preparedness plans which have
been updated since LUIS last year. All in all it
was a good experience and everyone seemed to be
very prepared.....
We are now looking at GUSTAV although this does not
look like much of a threat to our area at this
time.....we are also closely monitoring the
"factory" which is what we call the east Atlantic
area around North Africa.
Our Internet service
(http://www.megatropic.com/networkIDL/default.htm)
has been lit up with local access callers hunting
for weather information. We have updated our
weather pages to provide faster access to this type
of information to accommodate the demand.
Visit Megatropic's weather page for more info.
One last note about Gustav: it still looks like it will disappear in the Atlantic! The wave which came off the African coast yesterday (see below) fell apart as well, and doesn't look as impressive and well-organized anymore. Although, according to the National Weather Service it has some potential for further development...
Aug 29, 1996 8:15pm EDT
So we got lucky again!! If you want to check out what Fran will do in the near future and if it will threaten the US coast, I would recommend visiting the Palm Beach Post website, or follow the various links spread around on this page (which I should organize when I have some spare time).
And what about Gustav? More good news, seems like that one will disappear to the North somewhere far from any landmass in the Atlantic. There seems to be a so-called Mid Atlantic Upper Level Cut Off Low steering it to the north. In 72 hours NHC expects Gustav to be as far north as 24.0N and as far east as 44.4W (St.Maarten is 18.1N, 63.1W - a safe distance). Furthermore winds are expected to be not higher than 50knots, making it a solid tropical storm, but a long way from becoming a hurricane.
So we can breath freely for a while. But stay in touch...a huge wave just came off the African coast. Hopefully it will follow Gustav's path.
Aug 29, 1996 5:00pm EDT
Tadaaah, good news! Hurricane watches have been discontinued for all islands! Fran is going more north. The current estimate is that the center of the storm will not pass any closer than 190 miles from St.Maarten. For comparison, Edouard, which was/is a much stronger system, passed around 255 miles from the island, and they hardly felt the effects on the island (see below). For more details take a look at the Advisories from NHC.
Aug 29, 1996 2:00pm EDT
A little bit better news about Fran; from the 2:00pm EDT NHC Public Advisory:
A RECONNAISSANCE PLANE FOUND THE CENTER OF FRAN SOMEWHAT TO THE
NORTH OF THE POSITION GIVEN IN THE PREVIOUS ADVISORY. AT 2 PM
AST...1800Z...THE CENTER OF FRAN WAS RELOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 18.5
NORTH...LONGITUDE 57.9 WEST OR ABOUT 270 MILES...435 KM...EAST
NORTHEAST OF ANTIGUA IN THE LEEWARD ISLANDS.
Also, satellite images and data from the reconnaissance plane show that Fran is 'poorly' organized. Maximum sustained winds remain at 75 mph. The advisory even states that Hurricane Watches for the Islands may be discontinued later today (they will probably change them in Tropical Storm Watches). Later more when the more detailed advisories of 5pm come in...
Aug 29, 1996 11:10am EDT
The new advisories have come in. Fran's forecasted track is a little bit more to the north then earlier anticipated, putting it still north of the Leeward Islands. The center of the storm is expected to pass as close as 140 miles from St.Maarten. It's current position is 17.9N, 57.2W, moving towards the west northwest at 15 mph. This puts the eye 300 miles east of Barbuda (~20 hours). Minimum central pressure is 984 mbar.
The NHC Marine Advisory shows that in 24 hrs:
FORECAST VALID 30/1200Z 19.5N 61.5W
MAX WIND 75 KT...GUSTS 90 KT
64 KT... 30NE 30SE 30SW 30NW
50 KT... 40NE 40SE 40SW 40NW
34 KT...120NE 60SE 60SW 120NW
The islands will be SE or SW from the center. Tropical storm winds extend to 60 nautical miles (=60x1.852km=111km) to the SE/SW of the eye, and around 225 km to the NE/NW. Since it is expected that the eye will not come closer than 140 miles (225km) from SXM, maximum sustained winds will not be higher than 34kt (39mph, min. tropical storm winds). However, higher gusts are possible. Furthermore, these numbers are calculated for sea-level, at higher altitudes higher winds are expected...
To put it all in perspective, hurricane Bertha, which eye passed straight over St.Maarten (not 100+ miles like Fran), had max. sustained winds of 80mph. The damage on the island was minimal, partly because the people were well prepared (see below). Therefore, I don't expect too much trouble for the islands, as long as they are well prepared. But as always, you never know. Caution is still advised.
Aug 29, 1996 9:00am EDT
Hurricane watches have been posted for the Northeastern Leeward Islands from Antigua through St.Martin. This includes Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, Nevis, St.Kitts, St.Martin/St.Maarten, St.Barts, Statia and Saba.
Fran's position at 8AM EDT is: 17.7N, 56.6W, moving West NOrth West near 15mph, location around 340 miles east of Barbuda (22 hours).
The eye is expected to passs as close as 115 miles from St.Maarten. The 9AM Public Advisory from the NHC shows that Tropical Storm WInds (39-73mph) extend outward up to 145 miles. The islands are not expected to get Hurricane Force Winds since they extend outward up to 30 miles. But they should still be prepared for a big storm...
Aug 29, 1996 2:15am EDT
Looking at the 11pm NHC forecasts:
The closest the eye will pass SXM is at around: 19.6N, 61.8W, this is 215 km from St.Maarten. According to the Marine Advisory:
FORECAST VALID 30/1200Z 19.1N 61.1W
MAX WIND 75 KT...GUSTS 90 KT
64 KT... 40NE 40SE 40SW 40NW
50 KT... 50NE 50SE 50SW 50NW
34 KT...140NE 80SE 80SW 140NW
So 34 kt winds extend up to 80 nm SE or SW of the eye = 150 km. SXM will be further at all times (according to the forecast) from the storm, therefore I don't even expect them to get tropical storm force winds. The system is pretty big, so I see a lot of rain and a high surf, but not high winds...
I hope I'm right...
Aug 28, 1996 8:40pm EDT
I just received another update from John Dovale (Megatropic, St.Maarten) about precaution being made on St.Maarten. For more info regarding Fran look below, or later on above when new updates come in.
Well......here we go again
It looks like we are going to feel the effects of a near
direct pass from FRAN within the next 36 hours according
to the 5pm advisory. Hopefully EDOUARD will keep eating
up the hot air and water so that FRAN does not have a
chance to intensify.
It looks to me like Edouard is pulling FRAN along and at
the same time acting as a blocking mechanism from FRAN
turning to the northwest. In my opinion this will not
improve as FRAN is moving faster than Edouard. However,
that is one good thing.......FRAN is moving Fast which
means less chance of serious strengthening.
I have spoken to the people at the TELECOMMUNICATIONS
center and they indicated to me that our Satellite
Earthstation (which made it through LUIS no damage) can
handle an 80 mph wind in connected position. If the
winds are above 80 mph they will neutral the dish (put
it in store-horizontal position) which means that quite
a few communication mechanisms will be disconnected
while FRAN passes - this would include our service as we
utilize them.
Hopefully this will not be the case.........Also the
electrical company usually shuts down power to overhead
cabling (the ones on the poles) for winds above 65mph.
So if FRAN is coming close and her winds are 70mph, We
will have a brief period of power loss on the island.
Restoration should not be a problem afterward---similar
to BERTHA...and I believe that all facilities with
direct underground to the electrical plant will remain
online - this includes most major hotels and stuff like
that.
Of course this is all 'unofficial' and based on the
experiences of past actions taken by the
Authorities......We will know for sure by between 9PM
and 11PM tonight what is going to happen. Things are
being closely monitored at this time.
Aug 28, 1996 5:00pm EDT
Fran is strengthening! It could become a hurricane later today. Current position: 16.1N, 53.6W. Movement is West North West near 18mph. Maximum winds are 60 knts, minimum central pressure 990 mbar. It is expected to move very close to the North of the Leeward Islands (center forecasted to pass about 80 miles from St.Maarten) with winds of 75 knots, making it a minimal hurricane. It's current position is 640 miles from St.Maarten (36 hours!). Tropical storm winds extend towards 50 nm from the center (i.e. just out of reach of the islands closest to the forecasted hurricane track; Barbuda, St.Barts, St.Maarten and Anguilla).
Aug 28, 1996 4:45pm EDT
TD#7 upgraded to Tropical Storm Gustav. Current location: 12.4N, 34.7W. It is moving North North West near 13 mph, minimum pressure: 1005mbar. Gustav is still far East of the Leeward Islands, forecast indicate that it keeps moving West/North North West over the next 3 days. In 72 hours the eye is expected to be at 17.8N, 43.8W (~1100 miles east of the islands, same latitude as St.Barts/Barbuda). So as it looks right now it does not pose a threat to the Leeward Islands.
Aug 28, 1996 1:20pm EDT
I just received another e-mail from John Dovale (Megatropic, St.Maarten). He writes the following about the current situation on the island (keep in mind that the eye of hurricane Edouard, with 130 mph winds, passed within 255 miles of the island of St.Maarten!):
Well, we did not have any adverse weather effects from
EDOUARD at all. The seas did show some impressive swells
in certain areas, but nothing that would have been cause
for worry. We received a few rain showers, but nothing
above normaly expected. At present it is somewhat hot and
the humidity factor 'feels' higher than normal, but then
again I am in an office all day long so outside is always
HOT to me.
It is somehat overcast today with some dark clouds, but
nothing that would indicate severe weather of any sorts.
Of course, everyone is tuned in to FRAN at the moment.
There have been preliminary reports on the Radio Stations
that FRAN may increase to minimal hurricane strength. The
information flow on the storms has been quite good so far.
The population is being updated as quickly as the
information becomes "officially available". Of course, now
that many individuals, and companies have internet access,
they too are receiving information (unofficial).
In my opinion as a professional in Disaster Mgt, the
island is in a very heightened state of awareness. The
people are monitoring all available information sources
for updates (especially the boating community), and the
government is already in the readiness mode in the event
that the situation warrants action. Hoteliers are very
keen on the situation and on keeping their guest up to
date on the current situation. The Media is doing a good
job of disseminating the reports from the Weather Center
as well.
On another note: A Private Sector Disaster Recovery Group
has been formulated with the goal of acting as a conduit
between the government and the private businesses on the
island (DUTCH SIDE) for coordination of recovery efforts,
expediting of issues needing attention in terms of
economic recovery of the island etc etc. This group has
been well accepted by the government mechanism and should
be a great resource for coordination of assistance from
the private sector as well as disseminating information to
the private sector on policies the government has put in
place in terms of preparedness for disasters.
This is one of the reasons I said earlier that the country
seems very well prepared for this hurricane season.
Aug 28, 1996 11:00am EDT
TD #6 has been upgraded to a tropical storm. It's name is Fran. Good and bad news, the good news first. While it looked before that the storm was heading over Guadaloupe, current forecasts predict it to go much more north. As it looks right now it will pass just north of the Leeward islands. The bad news is that it has increased significantly in strength. Currently estimated winds are at 50 knots, these are expected to increase to 70 knots over the next 72 hours, making it a minimal hurricane...
Current position: 15.8N 51.5W. Moving to the west near 15 mph. It is about 620 miles east of the Leeward islands (at this speed this translates to 41 hours). Mimimum pressure: 997 mbar.
And what about TD #7? This looks more positive as compared to yesterday. While it is becoming better organized, winds are still around 30 knts and its moving west NORTH west near 12 mph. Forecasts show that it will go much more north than earlier anticipated! In 72 hours NHC predicts the center of the TD to be around 16N 45.1W. This is around 1000 miles east of the Leeward islands, at the same latitude as Guadaloupe. This means that it will take a course even more northerly than Fran and Edouard! So hopefully we will escape from this one as well. However, TD#7 is expected to strenghten, it may become a named storm later today. Also, with tropical systems you never know...it is too early to celebrate. Stay tuned for more...Aug 27, 1996 11:15pm EDT
According to the latest NHC forecasts is TD#6 still not upgraded to a tropical storm, however it is borderline. It is expected to move a little bit further south than previously anticipated. In three days the center of TD#6 (then probably named Fran) should be around 16.1N, 61.9W with 60 knt winds. This is just past Guadaloupe.
TD#7 hasn't changed that much either. NHC is forecasting it to become a moderate tropical storm (Gustav) over the next three days. Expected track is still far south, in 72 hours it is expected to be at 10.2N 44.7W, or about 1100 miles west of Trinidad with 50 knots winds, but I don't think it will stay that low.
Note that NHC forecast of Edouard's track was very accurate.
Aug 27, 1996 9:30pm EDT
And number 7 has formed in the far eastern Atlantic. Like #6, still a depression, no storm (yet). Strengthening is expected though. The National Hurricane Center forecasts show that over the next 3 days TD #7 will stay pretty far south (10.5N, same latitude as Trinidad). Winds are expected to increase to 50 knots. TD #6, on the other hand, will end up much closer to the Leeward islands in 72 hours (16.5N, in between Guadaloupe and Antigua). The latest advisories for TD #7:
Aug 27, 1996 4:30pm EDT
Hmmmm, it seems that Tropical Depression #6 may pose a threat to the islands after all! We have just escaped from Edouard, now we are confronted with the next storm. Although storm, it is still not upgraded to a 'named' tropical storm. It is not very well organized, pressure is not very low (1006mb) though winds are up to 35mph. The 5pm Advisory says:
SATELLITE CLASSIFICATIONS REMAIN AT T2.5...OR 35 KT...BUT
DEEP CONVECTION IS STILL LIMITED TO THE SOUTHERN SEMICIRCLE.
ALSO... THE CYCLONE IS MOVING THROUGH THE DRIFTING BUOY ARRAY AND
THE WINDS REPORTED FROM THOSE BUOYS ARE STILL BELOW TROPICAL STORM
INTENSITY...THUS WE ARE KEEPING IT AS A DEPRESSION...THE MOTION HAS
INCREASED TO 13 KT...SLOW INTENSIFICATION IS FORECAST.
The latest positions are: 14.7 N... 47.2 W. This is pretty far south. Not good for the islands. But we'll see. It doesn't look like that this is becoming a Category 3 or 4 Hurricane like Edouard. The advisories can be found at (if busy look below for alternate sites):
Aug 27, 1996 1:10pm EDT
I just received an e-mail from John Dovale who is from the (only) St.Maarten ISP Megatropic. He writes the following about the current situation on St.Maarten:
....according to our local weather center and also my
calculations, we were supposed to be feeling some effects
by noon today (actually between 12:00 & 2 PM) It is now
12:40 and everything is still calm......no problems so far.
We are expecting some rain, but that will only be a benefit
in terms of making the place lush again.. (the lushness has
already started to come back in force since BERTHA).
We expect some slight winds on certain low lying areas and a
little bit of stirring in the ocean.But I do not believe at
this point it will have any effect on the condition of our
beaches.
We are paying close attention to TD#6 and some other goodies
coming from the african factory, but at this point everything
is CALM and the place is lookin' good.
They have setup an excellent hurricane page on the St.Maarten Megatropic webserver.
Aug 27, 1996 10:00am EDT
Just spoke to my family on St.Maarten. The sun is shining and no wind. Looks like the hurricane passes too far off the island to affect it seriously. Only the swell associated with Edouard could cause beach erosion on the Atlantic side.
Aug 26, 1996 12:15pm EDT
Still looking 'good'. But as always, with hurricanes, you never know... Check out the most recent advisories and tracks (National Weather Service Website) or some alternate sites:
National Hurricane Center Advisories are released at 03:00, 09:00, 15:00 and 21:00 GMT. It is now:
The latest satellite image (visible) or take a look at the latest GOES-8 and METEOSAT images at NRL Monterey's website, or follow the links from WeatherNet's Tropical Wheater Page, especially those of Intellicast are quite impressive, as well as those from the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison complete with satellite derived wind vectors.
Aug 25, 1996 11:30am EDT
Good news. As it looks right now it goes well north of the islands! I did some calculations on the 11AM forecast: it is now around 1500km from SXM (= 69 hours). The closest the storm will pass is around 420km (260miles). Since the storm it pretty tight and strong, and looking at the marine advisory, it means that the islands won't even get 34knots winds! Very good news! But you never know of course!
Aug 23, 1996 12:30pm EDT
Our bet is that Edouard will go north of the islands... Stay tuned, we will put together some hot links to track down Edouard very soon. For the time being you can use the links we used for Bertha. Though some of them won't work anymore.
We have tried to put together some up-to-date information about the current state on the islands of St.Maarten and USVI after Hurricane Bertha hit. We are working on getting some reports from the BVI.
Quick Link Index
The Hurricane Page
Press Releases Hurricane Bertha Update USVI 11:30 EDT, July 10, 1996 I just got a hold of the following two press releases by Martin Public Relations and the St.Croix Hotel and Tourism Association. Please note that it is dated July 9, any referral to 'today' in the text was 'yesterday'. As soon as I receive an update it will be posted here or put on our 'hurricane web-page'. http://www.best.com/~paradise/hurr.htm =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Hurricane Bertha - Media Statement #1 Preliminary Report - July 9, 1996 ST.THOMAS, U.S.V.I., JULY 9 - The U.S. Virgin Islands - St.Croix, St.John and St.Thomas - has avoided any significant damage resulting from Hurricane Bertha. The storm was rated as a category-1 hurricane aqs it passed near the islands of St.Thomas and St.John in the afternoon of July 8. St.Croix, further away from Hurricane Bertha's path, escaped any notable effects from the storm. There are no reports of injuries to visitors to the U.S. Virgin Islands as a result of the storm. However, it has been reported that one surfer is missing. Government and tourism industry officials are in the process of compiling detailed reports about all properties, businesses and residences on the islands of St.Thomas and St.John. The official reports are due to be completed tomorrow afternoon. St.Croix is reporting no damage to the island's infrastructure, tourist facilities and natural beauty. Preliminary reports include: * The airports on St.Croix and St.Thomas are open and have resumed regularly scheduled flights. The airlines flying into St.Croix and St.Thomas today include: American, American Eagle, Bohlke International and Delta. Seaborne Seaplanes is also operating as usual. USAir will provide its usual service to both islands by tomorrow. * Telephone service on all three islands was available throughout the entire duration of the storm. Due to today's high volume of calls, circuits in the Caribbean have been frequently busy. However, it is still possible to place calls to and from all three of the U.S. Virgin Islands today. * As a precautionary measure, electrical power was voluntarily shut off prior to the storm. All electrical power was restored to St.Croix this morning, and all power will be restored to St.John and St.Thomas later this evening. * Stores and restaurants are open and welcoming visitors today on St.Croix. Many stores are open today on St.John and St.Thomas, and most are expected to be open again by tomorrow. * While St.Thomas and St.John experienced high winds and rain, all hotels that were open prior to yesterday's storm remain open after Hurricane Bertha and are welcoming visitors. All hotels on St.Croix continue to welcoming guests. * Most reports of damage are related to residential areas where some of the buildings were still using blue FEMA tarps as roofs after being damaged during last September's Hurricane Marilyn. * Leaves and other island greenery remain intact on all three islands. In general, visitors will be returning as early as tomorrow (and in some cases today) to the U.S. Virgin Islands of St.Croix, St.John and St.Thomas. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- St.Croix - Hotel and Tourist Association St.Croix, US Virgin Islands Hurricane Bertha Update July 9, 1996 St.Croix is back to business as usual, the island and its resort received no damage from Hurricane Bertha. The tourism infrastructure is fully operational, and the airport on St.Croix is currently accepting regularly scheduled flights. The main town of Christiansted and Fredricksted are happily welcoming shoppers, Buck Island is open for visitors to enjoy snorkeling and diving, and the Whim Plantation, Botanical Gardens and other attractions are also welcoming tourists.
15:00EDT, July 9, 1996 Press Release Just received the following update from YP&B Public Relations by way of the St.Maarten Tourist Office. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Hurricane Bertha Update From St.Maarten Following is straight, accurate, up-to-the-minute news about St.Maarten since Hurricane Bertha passed through. Bertha touched land on Dutch St.Maarten approximately 3:00am Monday, July 8th, bringing heavy rains and 80mph winds; and had passed through by 10:00am that same day. The minimal damage included scattered downed power and telephone lines, blown debris and some dislodged storefront signage in the capital city of Philipsburg. Prior to the storm's arrival, the island's electricity was temporarily shut down to minimize the potential hazard of felled power lines. Much of the power and telephone service has been returned and will be completely restored by Friday, July 12. Until Wednesday when water is completely restored, bottled water is suggested for consumption. Other precautionary measures included the closure of Princess Juliana Airport and relocation of charter yachts and fishing vessels to protected harbors; those vessels are now returning to their permanent moorings and at 7:00am today the airport reopened and flight schedules resumed. Cruise ships will begin returning to call on St.Maarten this Saturday with the arrival of "Inspiration". Monday morning a temporary curfew was imposed to expedite damage assessments and the clean up of roadways. The curfew was lifted that same evening at 6:00pm. All hotels continued operating, serving their guests without interruption during the storm and within 24 hours of its passing all casinos, all but two of the island's stand-alone restaurants, and close to 95% of shops reopened for business as usual. While some of St.Maarten's 37 beautiful beaches lost some sand, erosion was minimal and will be temporary. Commissioner of Tourism, Theo Heyliger announced today that "the rains of Bertha actually helped to revive the lushness of St.Maarten's vegetation which was beginning to show the results of a very dry spring. Tourism is our business and we want it to be known that St.Maarten is without doubt open for business. I await vacationing public, as do the hotels, restaurants and vibrant night life".
Hurricane Bertha Update St.Maarten
11:30EDT July 9, 1996
Spoke to several people on the island. First
reports of 'minor' damage still holds true.
* last night the curfew was lifted
* as of 7am this morning airport open
* rumors report that a man on the french side
had 'some electricity problems' and unfortunately
got electrocuted...
* only three boats down in the lagoon
* power is up, in some areas phones are still down
* leaves are still on the (palm)trees, only vegetation
planted four months ago (aftermath Luis) damaged,
e.g. palmtrees along airport road down (no time
enough to set root)
* as far as I've heard all stores seem to be open
* casinos and restaurants were even open last night
* the water looks brown due to the high turbulence.
Probably within a few days the sand will settle...
The sun is shining again, and people seem to be in
good spirits (given the circumstances).
We are awaiting more detailed reports. As soon as
more information comes in, it will be posted here
or can be found on our 'hurricane' web page.
(http://www.best.com/~paradise/hurr.htm)
July 8, 1996 Hurricane Bertha Update St.Maarten Just (12:30EDT) spoke to some people on St.Maarten. The good news: it's over!!! People are out on the streets, and driving around the island to look at the damage. The damage is not bad at all. A lot of debris on the roads, Corrugated iron laying in the streets. The island just needs (another) clean-up! Marigot looks fine, minor damage... Philipsburg, the same. Dutch Army arrived. They now check IDs on the roads to Philipsburg, you need to have a very good reason to get in town. Precautions to prevent looting. The Army will also help in the clean up. They say that it was nothing compared to Luis, everyone is just very happy that it's over. This should be good news for the USVI and BVI as well. Since the eye of Bertha passed straight over St.Maarten, the island got a full load of this system. Despite this the damage seems to be minor. The latest reports show that Bertha has strengthened somewhat, but I am quite positive that the damage on BVI and USVI will not be as great either.
July 8, 1996
Tracking Hurricane Bertha on the Web
The following sites I have found to be very
useful in order to stay up-to-date with
the path and strength of Bertha:
National Hurricane Center Advisories are
released at 03:00, 09:00, 15:00 and 21:00 GMT.
Intermediate advisories are released at
00:00, 06:00, 12:00 and 18:00 GMT.
It is now:
The latest public advisory
Other National Hurricane Center Advisories can be
found at:
* http://asp1.sbs.ohio-state.edu/tropicaltext.html
* http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/products.html (the
official National Hurricane Center pages, however,
this site seems to be overloaded right now, or the
server is down)
* Another very good site with links to the NHC
advisories (and many other) is:
http://banzai.neosoft.com/citylink/blake/tropical.html
* I have noticed that often at the peak of the storms or when new
advisories are coming out the above locations are 'busy' or 'unreachable'.
Following are more sources taken from the FAQ2: HURRICANES, TYPHOONS,
AND TROPICAL CYCLONES (an excellent source of links):
- gopher://geograf1.sbs.ohio-state.edu:70/1/Tropical (good source)
- http://cirrus.sprl.umich.edu/wxnet/tropical.html (most info available)
- http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/us/hurricane.html (full advisory list)
- http://lumahai.soest.hawaii.edu/Tropical_Weather/tropical.shtml (map)
- http://www.atms.unca.edu/%7Efarr/hurricane96.html (simple & excellent)
- http://www.ih2000.net/ira/bmt-wth.htm (strike probs & track maps)
- http://www.typhoon.org.hk/ (all basins)
- http://www.weather.brockport.edu/cgi-bin/hurricane (nice, simple search)
An image of the current track+forecast (not quickly updated though):
* http://www.hawaii.edu/News/localweather/atl.latest.gif
An image of the current track (updated around 15 min. after advisory
comes in):
* http://asp1.sbs.ohio-state.edu/text/wximages/hurricane/00LATEST.gif
An image of the latest forecast track (updated around 15 min. after
new forecast has come in):
* http://asp1.sbs.ohio-state.edu/text/wximages/hurricanefor/
Strike probabilities in image format:
* http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ftp/graphics/at02/al0296p.gif
Images generated with HURRTRAK software:
* http://www.pcwp.com/b1.html
* At the PC Weather Products Website you can find
GOES Weather Satellite images as well.
* A HURRTRAK shareware version and other weather software can
be found in the WeatherNet Software Archive.
USA Today - Weather has some very informative pages.
Have NWS Weather advisories automatically emailed to you:
* A service of the Palm Beach Post
How far is it?
If you want to calculate in miles or kms how far
the eye is from your island of interest visit the
following site: http://www.indo.com/distance/
Just punch in the coordinates (e.g. 18.2N 64.1W)
for both eye and target, divide it by the current
speed to get a rough estimate of the time of
arrival...
Hope this helps.
Keeping our fingers crossed!!
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