On this, the third anniversary of Hurricane Charley, we still have yet to see any major hurricane activity this season. As noted in earlier posts, we are entering the historically peak time for hurricanes. This morning there are reports of a tropical disturbance out in the eastern Atlantic, just west of Africa. If its winds top 39 mph, this storm will be named Tropical Storm Dean, the fourth named storm of the season. Forecasters are quick to point out that is is still many miles away from any landmass, but it is still worth keeping an eye on. As a side issue, check out some of the comments posted to this article. They make even more interesting reading than the story!!
Out in the Pacific, Tropical Storm Flossie, upgraded this morning to hurricane status, continues to bear down on the Hawaiian Islands. Although it is expected to weaken considerably before striking any land, experts are still warning people to take precautions as the storm approaches.
One statement from Dave Curtis, of the state Civil Defense Agency was particularly relevent, even for us here in Florida. In an AP article by Jaymes Song, Curtis is quoted as saying "If this thing fizzles out, so what? Everyone should still be prepared." Seems like sound advice to me...
Regards,
Stormy
Monday, August 13, 2007
Friday, August 10, 2007
NOAA Releases Update on Hurricane Forecast
As we approach the peak of the 2007 hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has lowered the expected number of storms, but the likelihood of above-normal activity has increased.
NOAA, in a release dated August 9, lowered its predicted number of storms slightly, from 13-17 to 13-16. It also said there was an 85% chance of a busy hurricane season. This was increased from an earlier 75% chance.
Other hurricane predictors had already made similar downward estimates of the number of hurricanes. MA-based WSI Corp, a supplier of weather information to energy traders, two weeks ago lowered its forecast. As reported by Associated Press, hurricane researcher William Gray of Colorado State University also lowered his forcast last week.
I guess for the professional forecasters, a slight change such as this might have some meaning, perhaps in their prediction models. But for the general public, nothing has really changed. We're still about to hit peak season, and we'd still better be ready to take what Mother Nature is sure to dish out over the next several months.
Regards,
Stormy
NOAA, in a release dated August 9, lowered its predicted number of storms slightly, from 13-17 to 13-16. It also said there was an 85% chance of a busy hurricane season. This was increased from an earlier 75% chance.
Other hurricane predictors had already made similar downward estimates of the number of hurricanes. MA-based WSI Corp, a supplier of weather information to energy traders, two weeks ago lowered its forecast. As reported by Associated Press, hurricane researcher William Gray of Colorado State University also lowered his forcast last week.
I guess for the professional forecasters, a slight change such as this might have some meaning, perhaps in their prediction models. But for the general public, nothing has really changed. We're still about to hit peak season, and we'd still better be ready to take what Mother Nature is sure to dish out over the next several months.
Regards,
Stormy
Ex-Hurricane Chief Claims Whistleblower Status
Looks like Bill Proenza, the recently reassigned National Hurricane Center Director, is not about to let his job slip away from him unchallenged. In a McClatchy News Service story posted Aug 3, Proenza's lawyers claim that he is being punished for speaking out against NOAA management on several occasions. They maintain that Proenza's situation is protected under federal "Whistle Blower" laws.
You may recall that Proenza was ousted from his position as Director last month, after a petition calling for his removal was signed by more than half the staffers at the Center. The petition was presented to NOAA senior management, who undertook a 'snap inspection' of the Center, and promptly reassigned Proenza to other duties.
Now Proenza is demanding his job back, claiming retaliation from NOAA management, notably NOAA Administrator Conrad Lautenbacher, Jr.
The story continued to develop this week, as noted in several more McClatchy News dispatches. Two of the articles reported views expressed by members of Congress. As reported in the Miami Herald on Aug 6 , Reps Brad Miller, D NC, and Nick Lampson, D TX, called on NOAA to reinstate Proenza to his former position as a regional director of the National Weather Service. They support Proenza's claim that he was unfairly removed as Director of the Hurricane Center.
Then, again in the Herald on Aug 7, Proenza is quoted as saying "I still have a job to do..." as Director of the Hurricane Center, to which he wants to return. Other than saying he would "consider whatever opportunities" that may arise, Proenza declined to say whether he would take his old job as regional National Weather Service director in Fort Worth TX.
This little drama should wrap up soon: NOAA is expected to make a decision within the next week or so.
Regards,
Stormy
You may recall that Proenza was ousted from his position as Director last month, after a petition calling for his removal was signed by more than half the staffers at the Center. The petition was presented to NOAA senior management, who undertook a 'snap inspection' of the Center, and promptly reassigned Proenza to other duties.
Now Proenza is demanding his job back, claiming retaliation from NOAA management, notably NOAA Administrator Conrad Lautenbacher, Jr.
The story continued to develop this week, as noted in several more McClatchy News dispatches. Two of the articles reported views expressed by members of Congress. As reported in the Miami Herald on Aug 6 , Reps Brad Miller, D NC, and Nick Lampson, D TX, called on NOAA to reinstate Proenza to his former position as a regional director of the National Weather Service. They support Proenza's claim that he was unfairly removed as Director of the Hurricane Center.
Then, again in the Herald on Aug 7, Proenza is quoted as saying "I still have a job to do..." as Director of the Hurricane Center, to which he wants to return. Other than saying he would "consider whatever opportunities" that may arise, Proenza declined to say whether he would take his old job as regional National Weather Service director in Fort Worth TX.
This little drama should wrap up soon: NOAA is expected to make a decision within the next week or so.
Regards,
Stormy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
