Ernesto Threatens Florida?

Good morning,

Floridians, hold onto your hats, as it seems the first hurricane of the season that could threaten the U.S coast might be headed your way.

5 computer models of the projected storm path for Hurricane Ernesto seem to show it will be delivering a glancing blow to Hispaniola, making it's way over Cuba, then starting that all too familiar turn into Florida.

While computer models are useful tools when it comes to providing storm path possibilities, the models are sure to change and shouldn't be used as a definitive information source. Check the link below for the latest computer models, advisories, satellite photos, actual storm track, and other useful resources:

Hurricane Ernesto Information

If you are located somewhere within the projected storm tracks, it would be a good idea to stock up on your supply of bottled water, and non-perishable foods. It's good to have some things to eat and drink if electricity is out, and the drinking water might be contaminated by run-off or broken water mains.

Make a plan for your family, figure out which room is safest within your house ahead of time, that way you'll have a plan in place just in case an emergency weather situation takes place during the storm.

Fill-up your car's gas tank, just in case you have to evacuate, or if power is out for a while after the storm the pumps won't work. Lines at gas stations could cost you valuable hours of time, and who wants that when a big storm is headed your way.

Stock up on batteries for flashlights or your weather band radio, so you can stay informed while the storm passes over.

Make plans for pets, don't leave them outside, instead find some room for them inside with you, or at least in a garage, and stock up on food and water for them too.

I you need plywood for your windows, go out and buy it now! As the storm makes it way closer, the lines at building supply places will be long, and supplies could run out. This is a good idea for the food and water supplies too, because we all know how the store shelves empty out when a storm is coming. Use long screws to secure the plywood, as they hold better than nails, and are easier to remove afterward. You can always caulk over the holes and paint to match later.

The storm is currently a Category 1 Hurricane, but is predicted to be upgraded to a Category 2 or 3 by the time it makes it's way to the U.S. coast, which means wind damage possibilites go up, as does the threat of storm surge, flooding, tornadoes, and hail.

Be safe, plan ahead, listen for local evacuation routes and if mandatory or recommended, buy your supplies now, talk to your employers about their plans and yours in case a storm hits, just be prepared. If the storm misses you, you haven't purchased anything you won't eventually use anyway, and with the later months (Sept, Oct, Nov.) often being the most active during hurricane season, it's still good to have those items around.