Hurricane Wilma Info

[RevGary]

As a new member to the forum, I am well aware of the posting rules. This post is not directly tied to radio issues BUT it is a safety related information post that I have been involved in as a Chaplain Responder for over two years. One of my responsibilities has been to post unofficial severe weather updates in 4 Gulf Coastal Forums. I hope that no one minds if I place the most recent text from those threads here at R-R as well:
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HURRICANE WILMA UPDATE 24 OCT 2005, 05:30 HRS CDT

Hurricane Wilma is making landfall at this hour. The eyewall is roughly 60 miles wide and is a Catagory 3 - MAJOR - hurricane. The eyewall is very close to Marco Island, Florida with sustained winds at 122 MPH and gusts to over 150. The storm surge is expected to top 11 feet with 23 to 27 foot waves on top of that. Localized flooding is taking place from Ft. Myers and Naples all the way south to Key West. Power in coastal areas has been shut down by utility companies in an attempt to keep electrical fires to a minimum. We have information that only 7 to 10 % of persons who were told to evacuate actually did. Therefore, there is is the potential for significant injuries and death with this storm's landfall.
Most 9-1-1 Emergency systems are out of service due to utility poles and phone lines being knocked down throughout the area.
As the storm progresses across Florida over the next 12 hours, inland flooding will take place - especially near Lake Okeechobee and east Coastal Florida.
We will update as needed throughout the next 36 hours, but at this time, we are praying for those who did not evacuate...

(This update is unofficial - Please heed all advisories and orders from your Local Emergency Government Agencies in this and all potentially severe weather situations.)

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

http://www.stormalert.net/main.html

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/

 

[RevGary]

Followup #2 of 3

HURRICANE WILMA UPDATE 24 OCT 2005, 12:00 HRS CDT

Hurricane Wilma has just moved off shore into the Atlantic off Hollywood and Boca Raton, Florida. Wind and rain along the eastern Atlantic coast of Florida is still taking place at this hour but most heavy rain and wind has ended on the western Gulf coast. This storm has taken a heavy toll on the state of Florida and rescue efforts are getting under way now that it is safe for responders to do so. Only 8 to 10 % of persons in the evacuation areas actually heeded EOC orders and numerous persons are trapped by high waters and are in need of assistance.

If you are in these areas, PLEASE, do not venture out until told that it is safe to do so. Power lines are down and significant flooding is present. Most deaths and injuries take place after these storms pass by. PLEASE heed the orders of your Emergency Government Officials and be safe.

Our next update concerning the aftermath of this storm will be Early Tuesday morning, Oct. 25th.

(This update is unofficial - Please heed all advisories and orders from your Local Emergency Government Agencies in this and all potentially severe weather situations.)

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

http://www.stormalert.net/main.html

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/

 

[RevGary]

Final Wilma Posting #3 of 3

HURRICANE WILMA UPDATE 25 OCT 2005, 05:00 HRS CDT

Hurricane Wilma remains a Category 3 storm over 300 miles east of the North Carolina/Virginia border. This storm will merge with low pressure coming off New England and will become a classic 'Nor-easter' providing high on-shore winds, rain and some higher elevation snow to the New England states and southeastern Canada over the next 3 to 5 days or so. No significant hurricane effects will be felt along the eastern United States and this storm will loose it's hurricane characteritsics rapidly as it moves northeast away from land at over 50 MPH.

Hurricane Wilma has caused many deaths in Mexico, Cuba and the United States as well as billions of $$$ in damage. It was recorded at one time as the strongest Atlantic origin hurricane in recorded history. We will continue to monitor any additional Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico storm development well into December and will post any information as any tropical storms develop. This will be our final "Wilma" update, but please use the NOAA link below for any additional information concerning Wilma or any future developing storms.

(This update is unofficial - Please heed all advisories and orders from your Local Emergency Government Agencies in this and all potentially severe weather situations.)

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/


NOTE for any future weather postings here in RR: Our text header color coding system is as follows - 'BLACK text' indicates general information. ''RED text' indicates a threat to persons or property. 'BLUE text' indicates a lessening of threat or post event information.