Hurricane Rita Live Thread

NHC - NOAA ^ | 20 September 2005 | NHC - NOAA

[NautiNurse]

Hurricane Rita is in the Florida Straits, impacting the Florida Keys and South Florida Peninsula. Hurricane watches and warnings are in effect for numerous portions of South Florida. Check local weather statements for updates.

The following links are self-updating:

Public Advisory Currently published every 3 hours 5A, 8A, 11A, 2P, etc. ET
NHC Discussion Published every six hours 6A, 11A, 6P, 11P
Three Day Forecast Track
Five Day Forecast Track

Rita Forecast Track Archive
Forecast Models
Buoy Data SE Florida
Current Weather Warnings and Watches for Florida

Images:

Storm Floater IR Loop
Visible Storm Floater Still (only visible during daylight hours)
Color Enhanced Atlantic Loop
Florida Radar/Sat Loop Caution: Broadband users only
Extra Large Miami Radar Broadband only
Extra Large Key West Radar Broadband only
Miami Long Range Radar Loop
Key West Long Range Radar Loop
Miami Experimental Radar Still Image
Key West Experimental Radar Still Image

Streaming Video: (coverage may be intermittent)

WTVJ-TV/DT Miami (NBC6)
WFOR-TV/DT Miami (CBS 4)
WSVN-TV/DT Miami (Fox)

Other Resources:

Florida East Coast Surf Reports Lots of great info here, including surf cams
Central Florida Hurricane Center
Hurricane City

Category	Wind Speed	Barometric Pressure	Storm Surge	Damage Potential
Tropical Depression	< 39 mph < 34 kts			Minimal
Tropical Storm	39 - 73 mph 34 - 63 kts			Minimal
Hurricane 1 (Weak)	74 - 95 mph 64 - 82 kts	28.94" or more 980.02 mb or more	4.0' - 5.0' 1.2 m - 1.5 m	Minimal damage to vegetation
Hurricane 2 (Moderate)	96 - 110 mph 83 - 95 kts	28.50" - 28.93" 965.12 mb - 979.68 mb	6.0' - 8.0' 1.8 m - 2.4 m	Moderate damage to houses
Hurricane 3 (Strong)	111 - 130 mph 96 - 112 kts	27.91" - 28.49" 945.14 mb - 964.78 mb	9.0' - 12.0' 2.7 m - 3.7 m	Extensive damage to small buildings
Hurricane 4 (Very strong)	131 - 155 mph 113 - 135 kts	27.17" - 27.90" 920.08 mb - 944.80 mb	13.0' - 18.0' 3.9 m - 5.5 m	Extreme structural damage
Hurricane 5 (Devastating)	Greater than 155 mph Greater than 135 kts	Less than 27.17" Less than 920.08 mb	Greater than 18.0' Greater than 5.5m	Catastrophic building failures possible

Previous Threads:
Tropical Storm Rita
Tropical Depression 18

[NautiNurse]

Just located a site with evac maps:

Coastal TX Evacuation Maps

[Gabz]

Morning........back atcha!!!!!!!

I know - I also just remembered I have a kitchen full of dirty dishes and pans that need to be washed.

If I do them now, I'm justified in whatever time it is I decide to get up - but if I don't, hubby will probably feel guilty and do the majority of them after he gets Jax on the bus.........decisions, decisions..........

I'll make a decision when I finish the cigarette I just lit :)

[Coldwater Creek]

Thanks!!!!!

[NautiNurse]

I'm working on a new thread now.

[Gabz]

I figured as much.

[Heatseeker]

LOL! Mrs Heatseeker, also a nightowl, is doing the dishes as I type this. I feel sorry for the crook who cases this place trying to figure out when is a good time of day to rob it. ;)

[MEG33]

http://www.khou.com/

No..There is information here about evacuations..
Conroe will get the storm..but not the full hit that coastal cities will get.

[shield]

[shield]

You might want to look at models I just posted from NHC post#2307

[Gabz]

ROFL!!!!!!!!!

Between the weird hours of lights and TVs on in this house, and one of the dogs that barks at any approaching vehicle - there ain't no crook gonna figure out this place :)

[Miztiki]

I can't sleep. I'm supposed to get out of here in the morning. I keep wondering if I'll have a house when this is all done, or what will happen...

Is damage in my area (and to our home) pretty much inevitable if Rita stays on the current predicted track?

[shield]

OK the models are starting to bunch up, Models from NHC...the models are SOUTH...Rita will NOT make that dramatic turn North...she may turn north some but not the dramatic turn. That gal will move even further south before it's all said and done.

Prediction...Rita will go in between just below Corpus Christi to just below Port O'Connor.

[NautiNurse]

Looking back at your home as you leave before a storm is one of the most painful times you will ever experience. Coming home and finding it intact after the storm is one of the most precious moments.

Hang in there...keep the faith.

[shield]

I can't sleep either. I've been to bed and all I could think about was this crappy Rita. See Post 2312

[NautiNurse]

The forecast models have tended to lean a bit west of actual landfall in the GOM for storms this season and last.

[Gabz]

I wish I could answer your question or offer you any solice from the dilemma you are facing - I don't know what to say to you because I would be asking the same questions if I were in your position.

If they are telling you to evac - I can only say do it and don't take a chance. Gather up important papers and memorabilia - I know it sounds coldhearted and is not meant to be - but, property can be replaced, you and your loved ones can't.

[RGVTx]

Those models have it looking clear down here...for now. I hope Rita doesn't decide to extrapolate from her current position or we're in for a hit!

[shield]

OK, I up like a old fool...but at midnight, if Rita is to make landfall at midnight Friday...WE'RE 72HRS FROM LANDFALL...the models are bunching up look at this...YES SOUTH

[shield]

No not at all, your in Harlingen, TX..she'll not go that far south...Corpus Christi to Port O'Connor look at what I just posted...#2318...

[shield]

The ridge is hanging in a whole lot tighter than expected, you can read the discussion talking about the GFS...