What's the weather where you are?

[1984]

Hurricane Irma is still 3 days away from hitting Florida. It is expected to hit the southern tip of Florida Sunday morning and afternoon. Today's 5:00 PM advisory is showing it to veer towards the east coast of Florida. I am in southwest Florida.

Stores in my area have been out of bottled water since yesterday (Tuesday) and there is no bottled water to be found anywhere in my area.

I went to the grocery store this morning to get groceries and stock up on water. The workers at the store told me people were lined up early before the store opened and bought out the seven pallets of water that were delivered in the wee hours of the morning.

I asked if more water would be coming and was told that yes a truck is expected but no one knew what time the delivery would come. I asked four different workers around the store as I shopped and got the same story from all.

I have been calling and checking all day today with the 3 grocery stores near me if delivery of water has been made. Nothing. And still no one knows when more will come. Costco, Walmart are all out.

Guess I'll be drinking tap water! Yuk.

And I heard throughout the day today from several people there is no gasoline.

And the storm is still 3 full days away!

Sounds like a Berkey water filter system would be handy in these instances. I have the 'Big Berkey' but you can get smaller/larger versions too. You can filter river water in these babies. :)

https://www.berkeyfilters.com/

ADDED FWIW: my Texas offices are telling me they are rationing fuel in the aftermath of this last hurricane. One would expect it to be rationed in Florida if Irma hits the way they seem to think it will.

 

[caballero reyes]

In the capital of Sonora, Mexico, we have this afternoon 40 ° C. Rain is forecast for later and also for tomorrow.

News about hurricane "Irma" threatening southern Mexico, Caribbean and Florida are very alarming, Meteorologists say it can cause as much destruction as Hurricane "Harvey".

 

[Luis Miguel]

There has been a lot of rain in Mexico City for the last couple of days, and temperatures have dropped about 4°C compared with last week. Now tropical storm Katia just became a category 1 hurricane and will landfall next Friday in Veracruz, so that means some damage in the coast of Veracruz, and more water overall at least for 4-5 more days.

Hurricane Irma is still 3 days away from hitting Florida. It is expected to hit the southern tip of Florida Sunday morning and afternoon. Today's 5:00 PM advisory is showing it to veer towards the east coast of Florida. I am in southwest Florida.

Stores in my area have been out of bottled water since yesterday (Tuesday) and there is no bottled water to be found anywhere in my area.

I went to the grocery store this morning to get groceries and stock up on water. The workers at the store told me people were lined up early before the store opened and bought out the seven pallets of water that were delivered in the wee hours of the morning.

I asked if more water would be coming and was told that yes a truck is expected but no one knew what time the delivery would come. I asked four different workers around the store as I shopped and got the same story from all.

I have been calling and checking all day today with the 3 grocery stores near me if delivery of water has been made. Nothing. And still no one knows when more will come. Costco, Walmart are all out.

Guess I'll be drinking tap water! Yuk.

And I heard throughout the day today from several people there is no gasoline.

And the storm is still 3 full days away!

Some have been buying water on Amazon, the only thing is that they have been inflating prices , although it could be a good choice given the situation. Take care and be prepared!

 

[Moonbird]

Sounds like a Berkey water filter system would be handy in these instances. I have the 'Big Berkey' but you can get smaller/larger versions too. You can filter river water in these babies. :)

https://www.berkeyfilters.com/

ADDED FWIW: my Texas offices are telling me they are rationing fuel in the aftermath of this last hurricane. One would expect it to be rationed in Florida if Irma hits the way they seem to think it will.

Thanks, 1984. I checked out the Berkey Filters. A bit pricey for me at the moment ($228). Good to know though for the future. We still have 3 days before the storm, hopefully some shipments of water will arrive. I'll be back on the hunt tomorrow!

 

[Moonbird]

Some have been buying water on Amazon, the only thing is that they have been inflating prices , although it could be a good choice given the situation. Take care and be prepared!

Wow! Yes, I just checked Amazon. The price for a one-gallon jug of distilled spring water is $14.89!

 

[Moonbird]

Hi all,

Saturday morning:

All is very quiet here in southwest Florida. The calm before the storm? I was out at 6:30 am having my coffee and morning smoke. The wind is very light and the sky mostly clear. Looking southeast towards Cuba, I could see far-off lightning, no sound.

We are supposed to start feeling the tropical force winds today, Saturday.

I am stocked up on water and gasoline. I've got the freezer filled with gallon jugs of water for keeping foods cooled if/when we loose power. I have a battery operated radio too.

My mother will be coming over this morning to stay with me during the storm. She lives in a mobile home. I was over there yesterday helping move her plants inside the enclosed porch and preparing to leave.

As of this morning Irma is still on track for a direct hit to southwest Florida. I do not have hurricane shutters so am hoping no projectiles hit the windows. It is a pretty sturdy home that I live in and it withstood Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Although Wilma totally destroyed the pool cage out back.

That's the report on the ground so far from Naples, FL. Will keep you updated as best I can.

 

[Laura]

Well, Irma doesn't give any indications of "the turn" yet. I check every couple of hours to see what's up.

 

[Joe]

Hi all,

Saturday morning:

All is very quiet here in southwest Florida. The calm before the storm? I was out at 6:30 am having my coffee and morning smoke. The wind is very light and the sky mostly clear. Looking southeast towards Cuba, I could see far-off lightning, no sound.

We are supposed to start feeling the tropical force winds today, Saturday.

I am stocked up on water and gasoline. I've got the freezer filled with gallon jugs of water for keeping foods cooled if/when we loose power. I have a battery operated radio too.

My mother will be coming over this morning to stay with me during the storm. She lives in a mobile home. I was over there yesterday helping move her plants inside the enclosed porch and preparing to leave.

As of this morning Irma is still on track for a direct hit to southwest Florida. I do not have hurricane shutters so am hoping no projectiles hit the windows. It is a pretty sturdy home that I live in and it withstood Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Although Wilma totally destroyed the pool cage out back.

That's the report on the ground so far from Naples, FL. Will keep you updated as best I can.

Stay safe Moonbird and don't underestimate this storm! It is not possible to board up your windows? Here's a list of things to keep in mind:

If you must stay in your home

•Secure anything outside that could become a projectile. (Barbecues, bicycles, outdoor furniture.) If you can’t secure the items, bring them inside.

•Clear your rain gutters and downspouts. This will help reduce the risk of flooding in some cases.

•Trim trees. If you have branches hanging over your home, remove them if you can. If you can’t, do not use the room beneath the branches for shelter during the storm.

•Turn off propane and outdoor utilities. If recommended by officials, turn off the utilities to the house. If the power goes out, turn off your breakers to avoid potential surges.

•Unplug appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer. Set those at the coldest setting to keep your food safe for as long as possible in the event of a power outage.

•Board up your windows to reduce the risk of injury from flying glass. Keep curtains closed for added protection. Do NOT tape them – see the video below.

•Secure exterior doors. While it may not be sufficient, you can use a bar or place a large piece of furniture in front of them.

•Close all interior doors.

•Find the innermost, sturdy part of your home in which to take shelter during the worst part of the storm. Stay away from windows and skylights. A downstairs closet, hallway, or bathroom may be the best option. If you have a basement, this could provide the most safety. Shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture.

•In a high-rise, floors 3-10 are considered to be the safest. Above and below those floors, people should evacuate or take shelter between those floors.

•Watch for storm surges. If you’re near the coast, 10-20 foot storm surges are expected. Not only can these cause tremendous structural damage, but if you are caught in one, you could drown or suffer serious injuries by being slammed around by the water.

•Don’t be fooled by the eye of the storm. There is a lull during the eye of the storm that can deceive people into believing that the worst is over. Unfortunately, high winds are likely to pick back up again shortly, so don’t be caught off guard. This lull can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 45 minutes.

 

[Ca.]

Not to create fear mongering but this is the projected forecast, as it is subject to change with intensity, and direction.

Hurricane Irma now Category 4, shifts west creating 'very dangerous situation' for SW Florida Video
_http://abcnews.go.com/US/hurricane-irma-forecast-strike-florida-keys-category/story?id=49697542
Sep 9, 2017, 5:49 AM ET
Snip:

Just hours after Hurricane Irma strengthened Friday night to a Category 5 storm as it made landfall on Cuba, the monster storm went back to a Category 4 storm around 5 a.m. Saturday, the National Hurricane Center announced.

Its maximum sustained winds decreased to 155 mph, but the storm remains strong as it moves closer to South Florida at a speed of 12 mph. As of 5 a.m., it was 245 miles southeast of Miami. Just three hours earlier, it was 275 miles south-southeast of the city.

The storm's track has shifted slightly to the west, creating a "very, very dangerous situation for western Florida," says ABC News meteorologist Daniel Manzo. Major hurricane conditions will slam communities on Florida's west coast, including Naples and Fort Myers, he added. Landfall may also occur as far north as Tampa as a strong Category 3 hurricane.

Outer bands of the this system has begun to impacting the FL. Keys. Live Radar Loop.
_http://abcnews.go.com/

 

[Moonbird]

Unfortunately, I was not able to board up the windows beforehand. My mom is suggesting taping the windows with duct tape. I am keeping a close eye on the storm and surely do not underestimate what is coming.

Thanks for the list of precautions. I had seen that list earlier and noted the detail of closing all interior doors which I didn't know about and will surely be doing. My mom just arrived and we are continuing to make last minute preparations. Bringing my potted plants inside, etc.

Saturday, 11:15 am. One of the first outer bands of Irma just passed over my area. No wind, just a heavy downpour that lasted about 10 minutes. No thunder or lightning.

According to the news, Irma currently has slowed down and lost some strength as she is interacting with Cuba terrain. But the word is as soon as she makes the turn north over open very warm water towards Florida, she will re-strengthen.

 

[Laura]

Well, everybody is expecting Irma to make a turn to the North, but what if that doesn't happen? I dunno. I'm checking every few hours....

 

[Ca.]

Useful information

From Hurricane Watch Net (The Net Is Active On 14.325.00 MHz) Florida Emergency Numbers and Useful Information
http://hwn.org/
To insure the latest information, click the "Refresh" button.
1500 UTC SAT SEP 09 2017
https://www.hwn.org/data/tcmat1.html
Atlantic Products
https://www.hwn.org/weather/atlantic.html
Visible Satellite Imagery
https://www.hwn.org/tools/imagery/
https://www.hwn.org/tools/imagery/atlantic-visible.html

About
The Hurricane Watch Net is a group of licensed Amateur Radio Operators, trained and organized to provide essential communications support to the National Hurricane Center during times of Hurricane emergencies. We are not housed in a single location - as some of our followers believe - but strategically disbursed across North America, throughout the Caribbean Sea, and Central America so that we can provide a continuous path of communications from storm-affected areas to the forecasters in the National Hurricane Center in Miami, and when needed, the forecasters in the Canadian Hurricane Center in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

The primary mission of the Hurricane Watch Net is to disseminate tropical cyclone advisory information to island communities in the Caribbean, Central America, along the Atlantic seaboard of the U.S., and throughout the Gulf of Mexico coastal areas. We also collect observed or measured weather data from amateur radio operators in the storm affected area as well as any post storm damage, and convey that information to the Hurricane Forecasters in the National Hurricane Center via the amateur radio station in the center (WX4NHC). In addition, we provide the same service for the Canadian Hurricane Centre whenever a hurricane threatens their country.

The Hurricane Watch Net generally activates whenever a hurricane is within 300 statute miles of expected land-fall. Our area of coverage includes the Caribbean, Central America, Eastern Mexico, Eastern Canada, as well as all US Coastal States. When activated, you will find us on 14.325 MHz by day and 7.268 MHz by night. Why do we state these frequencies without a plus or minus amount? Because those who are operating using marine radios have to program in the frequencies – marine radios do not have a VFO or RIT. Furthermore, these two frequencies come preprogrammed into many marine radios. Many non-hams listen in via shortwave radio and know this is where to find us when are activated. Before any net activation, if either frequency is in use, we always ask permission to use them. Additionally, it is our practice of being on the air ahead of the amateur radio station at the National Hurricane Center - WX4NHC - for the explicit purpose to establish our net operating frequency, to issue advisory data, and to line up reporting stations. It helps us tremendously to know the operators locations, names, and weather measuring capabilities in advance of the storm’s arrival.

For those of you who may not possess an amateur radio license, we invite you to monitor net activities on 14.325.00 MHz USB, which is available on many popular general coverage receivers. Amateur Radio operators who desire to participate are encouraged to visit our membership discussion and note the requirements particular to becoming a member of our organization.

Our Purpose

Disseminate the latest advisories issued by the National Hurricane Center in Miami, FL. We do so for marine interests, Caribbean Island and Central American nations, and other interests where public media is not readily available.

Obtain real-time ground-level weather conditions and initial damage assessments from amateur radio operators in the affected area and relay that information to the National Hurricane Center by way of WX4NHC, and when required, the Canadian Hurricane Centre.

Function as a back-up communication link for the National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service Forecast Offices, the Canadian Hurricane Centre, Emergency Operation Centers, Emergency Management Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations, and other vital interests, which can involve military relief operations, involved in the protection of life and property before, during, and after a hurricane event.

 

[Moonbird]

Well, an uneventful day so far. Just rain on and off. Very little wind. No tropical force winds to speak of as was forecast for the day.

At about 4:00 pm I was outside trimming my Jasmine vines that grow along a wooden fence. Thought I would take advantage of the cooler temp and cloudy sky. It is normally too HOT to be outside this time of year.

Right now (8:00 pm) it is pouring as another band is moving overhead. Still no wind, thunder or lightning.

I guess I would rate today as a nothing burger compared to what the forecasters were saying. But still am remaining vigilant as Irma is on her way.

 

[caballero reyes]

Really alarming news.
9-meter waves and several tornadoes accompanying the hurricane, threaten La Florida.

 

[PERLOU]

Depuis plusieurs mois sans pluie sur la Côte d'Azur en France, hier soir nous en avons eu enfin, assez pour que cela fasse du bien à la terre, ce matin ça sentait si bon sur ma terrasse... Un vrai bonheur... Et le soleil est déjà revenu avec un beau ciel bleu sans nuage... Belle journée...

For several months without rain on the Cote d'Azur in France, last night we finally had enough for it to do good to the earth this morning it smelled so good on my terrace ... A real happiness .. And the sun has already come back with a beautiful clear blue sky ... Beautiful day ...