CURRENT ADVISORY Issued:   08/27/08 7 AM

 Gustav reduced to a tropical storm overnight as he sits over southwestern Haiti. He should be starting to move westward again today and likely will move between Jamaica and Cuba then across the western tip of Cuba and into the gulf as a major hurricane.

The gfdl and hwrf models are pretty aggressive in projecting Gustav towards New Orleans and maintaining significant strength. We'll just have to watch this storm with interest. The remainder of the models sort of spew out all over, some bringing him up over Florida and others to the Yucatan and eventually northern Mexico or south Texas.

There are 3 other areas of interest, the closest being Invest 95L which models insist on developing into a storm. This hasn't happened yet but even if it does it will recurve towards the north.

The other 2 areas haven't been designation as Invests yet and the mid Atlantic one shows weakening overnight. Not much change in the one furtherest east.

There is a slight chance we might have 3-4 tropical systems in the Atlantic basin at the same time. Well, it's getting close to the peak of the hurricane season. We really need to be aware.

Locally another day like yesterday. It'll be hot with some popup showers/thunderstorms, mainly afternoon and evening.

Next update Thursday morning by 7 AM.

Keep advised of the latest advisories by visiting the links provided.

This is the historical storm formation areas and tracks for August.

Tropical Weather Outlook (Outlook from National Hurricane Center)

nhc experimental graphical tropical weather

This is an interesting graphic. You can roll your mouse over the highlighted area for more info. You can also view the eastern Pacific storms or suspect areas.

FOX13 NEWS HURRICANE PAGE

I've added a link to Fox13 Hurricane site. This site has a lot of good graphics and animated satellites and model data. I recommend a visit.

Tropical Weather Impact Levels (courtesy of NWS Tampa)

This page contains valuable information about flood threat impact as well as other information. By selecting a county you will be directed to a page showing that county's flood threat by storm force.

NWS TAMPA BAY RUSKIN TROPICAL CYCLONE WEBSITE

Lots of really good info.

BE PREPARED

"Preventing the loss of life and minimizing the damage to property from hurricanes are responsibilities that are shared by all."

Throughout this Web site, information has been provided regarding actions that you can take based on specific hurricane hazards. The most important thing that you can do is to be informed and prepared. Disaster prevention includes both being prepared as well as reducing damages (mitigation).

Disaster Prevention should include:

• Developing a Family Plan
• Creating a Disaster Supply Kit
• Having a Place to Go
• Securing your Home
• Having a Pet Plan

One of the most important decisions you will have to make is "Should I Evacuate?"

If you are asked to evacuate, you should do so without delay. But unless you live in a coastal or low-lying area, an area that floods frequently, or in manufactured housing, it is unlikely that emergency managers will ask you to evacuate. That means that it is important for you and your family to HAVE A PLAN that makes you as safe as possible in your home.

Disaster prevention includes modifying your home to strengthen it against storms so that you can be as safe as possible. It also includes having the supplies on hand to weather the storm. The suggestions provided here are only guides. You should use common sense in your disaster prevention.

• DEVELOP A FAMILY PLAN - Your family's plan should be based on your vulnerability to the Hurricane Hazards. You should keep a written plan and share your plan with other friends or family.
• CREATE A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT - There are certain items you need to have regardless of where you ride out a hurricane. The disaster supply kit is a useful tool when you evacuate as well as making you as safe as possible in your home.
• SECURE YOUR HOME - There are things that you can do to make your home more secure and able to withstand stronger storms.
• ONLINE VULNERABILITY INFO - There are web sites that can give you information about your communities vulnerability to specific hazards. These include hurricanes as well as other weather related hazards.

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS

http://www.ready.gov/ - Provides helpful information to best prepare you, your family, and businesses in the event of a disaster.

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/hu_season.shtm - Comprehensive site with helpful links such as applying for disaster assistance, building a safe room in your home, and common weather terms used during hurricane season.

www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes - Key facts about hurricane readiness and recovery including whether ! or not water is safe for drinking, and how best to prevent injures during and after a storm.

www.srh.noaa.gov/mfl/newpage/hurricanes.html - Thorough preparation checklist (i.e. What to know before a storm, and what to know once one hits).

GLOBAL WEATHER OSCILLATIONS, INC. (Ocala, FL)

Global Warming - Natural Global Warming Episodes. Read, then make up your mind.

El Nino - coming soon, El Nino forecasts.

CITRUS COUNTY FLORIDA NETWORK

We provide information about anything Citrus County related including a county business directory.

CONTACT ME

If you have any comments or questions please feel free to email me. I'll try to answer you as time allows.

For updated information when I do not issue local advisories, please visit the sites I have provided with the links at the top.

Reserved for something interesting

Weather Underground Radar of Citrus County Florida

View my current weather

My weather site
Weather Underground
This site includes weather observations from the local area