Tropical Storm Claudette

**GoodWitch58** · 08-16-2009, 06:15 AM

Tropical storm warning issued for Florida Panhandle (see FORECAST TRACKS) - UPDATE - The News Herald

looks as though we could have some wind and rain, folks.
http://www.weather.com/weather/alert..._dailytraveler

**Here4Good** · 08-16-2009, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by goodwitch58

Tropical storm warning issued for Florida Panhandle (see FORECAST TRACKS) - UPDATE - The News Herald

looks as though we could have some wind and rain, folks.

That was fast - last night it was Invest -something and this morning it's a depression, they are saying it should be a storm before it makes landfall.

**passin thru** · 08-16-2009, 06:49 AM

from the excellent www.crownweather.com [bold emphasis added]:

Radar and satellite imagery over the last 12 to 18 hours indicate that the disturbance in the eastern Gulf of Mexico has become much better organized and is now considered a Tropical Depression.

The excellent radar presentation and deep convection seen on satellite imagery indicates to me that this will be upgraded to Tropical Storm Claudette probably as early as late this morning. Overall wind shear is quite low and the intensity guidance from SHIPS, LGEM, HWRF and GFDL all indicate that this storm will make landfall as a 50 to 60 mph tropical storm this evening on the Florida Panhandle between Destin and Panama City.

With that said, I am concerned that with the low shear and downright hot Gulf of Mexico waters that more rapid strengthening is possible than what is being forecast. So, folks along the Florida Panhandle should keep very close tabs on this system and in my opinion make preparations for a high end Tropical Storm or a low end Category 1 Hurricane. (65 to 80 mph).

**Gidget** · 08-16-2009, 07:22 AM

Thanks for update!!

G

**TooFarTampa** · 08-16-2009, 07:25 AM

What the ...? So the Pizza Bar is out tonight?

I feel like we brought this one with us, sorry guys.

**CampCreekLou** · 08-16-2009, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by TooFarTampa

What the ...? So the Pizza Bar is out tonight?

I feel like we brought this one with us, sorry guys.

Kind of late to board up? How fast does the wind have to be before you jump into action?

**Franny** · 08-16-2009, 08:45 AM

We board up for a category three and more.

**beachmouse** · 08-16-2009, 08:56 AM

While the NHC never officially downplays a storm, if there's a lack of the phrase ' PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION.' in the public advisories, it's usually a sign that they expect a storm to be more messy than dangerous. And no signs of that message in the first advisory for this one.

My guess is that it'll be maybe slightly more intense than TD 10 in 2007, and he big question about that one was whether the night's high school football games should be cancelled/postponed. (About half the games went off as scheduled even though there was a tropical storm warning up)

**hnooe** · 08-16-2009, 10:24 AM

Dog tranqiuliizers: check!

**hnooe** · 08-16-2009, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Franny

We board up for a category three and more.

Good advice franny

**Smiling JOe** · 08-16-2009, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by Here4Good

That was fast - last night it was Invest -something and this morning it's a depression, they are saying it should be a storm before it makes landfall.

Dr Masters reminds us on his blog on Welcome to Weather Underground : Weather Underground that a recent hurricane grew to a Hurricane in less than 24 hours from being a storm, and it made landfall nearly as quick.

Trust me, nature doesn't run on the schedule of man, and though what worked in the past for us, such as boarding up for a predicted Cat 3 Hurricane, may not work in the future, as these intense storms can change without notice, and we may not have time to react.

**30A Skunkape** · 08-16-2009, 11:06 AM

For those who have not been through this sort of thing before, for what it is worth, Rapunzel and I slept through Tropical Storm Cindy (which some claim had category 1 strength when it hit land) when we lived in New Orleans (2005). Didn't even lose power. No need to panic, just be ready to go without electricity for awhile and make sure your cars are not in a flood prone area nor under trees.

**Smiling JOe** · 08-16-2009, 11:10 AM

If you are well-prepared, there is no reason to panic. Problem is -- most people are not prepared at all for emergencies, and when something traumatic does happen, panic sets in rapidly. Personally, I don't like the idea of hot humid weather with no a/c for sleeping.

**jodiFL** · 08-16-2009, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

If you are well-prepared, there is no reason to panic. Problem is -- most people are not prepared at all for emergencies, and when something traumatic does happen, panic sets in rapidly. Personally, I don't like the idea of hot humid weather with no a/c for sleeping.

I found a $99 solution to that. Home Depot has small ACs that will cool one room really nicely and will work off a generator. Have one stashed in the box with our generator.

**30A Skunkape** · 08-16-2009, 12:32 PM

I'm really freaking out. This is my first tropical weather since the storm that shall not be named...and I used to look forward to sitting in a window and watching the tropical storms roll through.

Can anyone confirm or refute Skunky's assertion that there is no danger of a storm surge?

**TooFarTampa** · 08-16-2009, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by 30A Skunkape

I'm really freaking out. This is my first tropical weather since the storm that shall not be named...and I used to look forward to sitting in a window and watching the tropical storms roll through.

Can anyone confirm or refute Skunky's assertion that there is no danger of a storm surge?

Seriously Skunky -- it's your job to be the calm one. At least pretend that you are.

**Jdarg** · 08-16-2009, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by 30A Skunkape

I'm really freaking out. This is my first tropical weather since the storm that shall not be named...and I used to look forward to sitting in a window and watching the tropical storms roll through.

Can anyone confirm or refute Skunky's assertion that there is no danger of a storm surge?

Rapunzel- log out and log back in as you.

**30A Skunkape** · 08-16-2009, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by 30A Skunkape

I'm really freaking out. This is my first tropical weather since the storm that shall not be named...and I used to look forward to sitting in a window and watching the tropical storms roll through.

Can anyone confirm or refute Skunky's assertion that there is no danger of a storm surge?

In case anyone is confused, Rapunzel posted the above

**Miss Kitty** · 08-16-2009, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by jdarg

Rapunzel- log out and log back in as you.

...I knew it.

**Gidget** · 08-16-2009, 12:55 PM

If my ICF house were finished I would not give a care - also because we would be at a good elevation and would have total backup from our solar system. But a Destin apartment? Hmmmm not so sure..

Keep the info coming!

Thanks
G

**beachmouse** · 08-16-2009, 12:59 PM

Florida Division of Emergency Management page:

Florida Division of Emergency Management - State Emergency Operations Center

They're currently at Level 3 (not activated)

**Arkiehawg** · 08-16-2009, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by 30A Skunkape

In case anyone is confused, Rapunzel posted the above

It's a shame that you don't have any medications to "deal" with her.....

BTW...recon is reporting 68mph gust from our French Wench.....

**ChillPill** · 08-16-2009, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by 30A Skunkape

In case anyone is confused, Rapunzel posted the above

OMG I must be on the verge of becoming a local, I knew that wasnt you too!

**hnooe** · 08-16-2009, 01:46 PM

Claudette: A windy rainstorm with some local flooding, erosion, and possible power outages--but this can happens with just a regular front that moves thru.

Of couse be prepared and cognizant for you and yours. Just do not get hysterical.

**BeachSiO2** · 08-16-2009, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by 30A Skunkape

I'm really freaking out. This is my first tropical weather since the storm that shall not be named...and I used to look forward to sitting in a window and watching the tropical storms roll through.

Can anyone confirm or refute Skunky's assertion that there is no danger of a storm surge?

For Punzy via Skunky...

I would side with Skunky on this one and say you guys should be "a ok" from storm surge. Sowal may get 3 ft or so (probably less), but a little storm surge could actually help the beach build up elevation as the water will just reach the toe of the dunes in most areas. I was just saying when I drove the beach last week how it would be good to have a small TS to push some of the nearshore sand onto the beach and some of the frontal beach to the dunes. This storm looks to be just what I was hoping for and will offer more protection from larger storms if there are any later this year.

On the other hand, it may not be a good thing for the multiple turtle nests that are out there. We will have to wait and see.

**beacheart** · 08-16-2009, 02:36 PM

What are the expected winds from Claudette? Dr. Steve Lyons said it is going to come ashore near Destin and it looked like he was pointing to Walton Co.

**BeachSiO2** · 08-16-2009, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by beacheart

What are the expected winds from Claudette? Dr. Steve Lyons said it is going to come ashore near Destin and it looked like he was pointing to Walton Co.

As of now around 25--35 with gusts to 50. Sowal will see the majority of the wind from around 5pm-8:30 or 9, but it will still be gusty until midnight.

**Miss Kitty** · 08-16-2009, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by BeachSiO2

For Punzy via Skunky...

I would side with Skunky on this one and say you guys should be "a ok" from storm surge. Sowal may get 3 ft or so (probably less), but a little storm surge could actually help the beach build up elevation as the water will just reach the toe of the dunes in most areas. I was just saying when I drove the beach last week how it would be good to have a small TS to push some of the nearshore sand onto the beach and some of the frontal beach to the dunes. This storm looks to be just what I was hoping for and will offer more protection from larger storms if there are any later this year.

On the other hand, it may not be a good thing for the multiple turtle nests that are out there. We will have to wait and see.

...thank you, Hurricane Helper Hero!

**Here4Good** · 08-16-2009, 03:29 PM

I never get too worried until I see Jim Cantore.

**Dia** · 08-16-2009, 03:30 PM

Update from the EOC regarding Tropical Storm Claudette.

Press Release
Tropical Storm Claudette Update
DeFuniak Springs, FL (August 16, 2009) –

Today, the National Weather Service and the Florida Emergency Operation’s Center held a telephone conference with the county EOC directors statewide concerning the latest information on Tropical Storm Claudette, currently south-southeast of Apalachicola.

The system is moving at a fast clip around 14 miles-per-hour, and is expected to make landfall late tonight, or early Monday morning. At this time, it’s believed the heaviest rainfall will be from Cape San Blas in Gulf County moving eastward into the Big Bend region. It could bring 10 or more inches of precipitation where it moves on shore, other areas along the Gulf Coast could see a storm surge of 3-to-5 feet.

Walton County’s EOC Director, Captain Mike Barker, expects the system to bring heavy rainfall to the Western Panhandle. At this time, the EOC is at partial activation with partial staff in place. The county’s EOC Office is under the direction of Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr.

Captain Barker would like to remind motorists that the Clyde B. Wells Bridge on Highway 331 is open to traffic. The bridge would close if sustained winds reach at least 40 miles per hour.

Captain Barker says “the weather system will bring additional rainfall, and higher surf may create some beach erosion, but he hopes that it’ll not cause any major problems for the residents here”. Captain Barker says this is a good time to remind residents to be aware of possibly changing weather conditions for later this week.

There’s Tropical Storm Ana nearing the Leeward Islands with winds of around 40 miles per hour, and Tropical Storm Bill gained strength in the open Atlantic with winds of around 60 miles per hour. Tropical Storm Bill could be named a hurricane by tomorrow. Officials remind the public it’s never too early to prepare for a hurricane.

**30A Skunkape** · 08-16-2009, 04:49 PM

If anyone is interested in such, we just drove by Ballyhoo and they are having a storm party, 2 for 1 drinks

**ShallowsNole** · 08-16-2009, 04:54 PM

Kind of like what Captain Barker said above, the only thing that would worry me would be if I was working or whatever down here and lived north of the bridge, in the event the winds caused EOC to close the bridge. If I still lived north of the Bay, I'd be chomping at the bit to go home, because I have crossed the bridge with much lower winds and had trouble keeping it on the road. I can't imagine going across with sustained 40+.

This one doesn't worry me (famous last words). I just wish it would hurry up and get on with it before it gets dark.

update - Dr. Steve Lyons just said "weakening"

**30A Skunkape** · 08-16-2009, 05:42 PM

Where is the storm? It is sunny here.

**DuneLaker** · 08-16-2009, 05:43 PM

Here's how Tropical Storm Claudette's rainbands look at about 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009 from the beach at Eastern Lake looking east toward Panama City Beach. We had some rain earlier. It is low tide and lake is barely closed.

Sand dunes and seaoats near Sugar Dunes access at Eastern Lake. Lowtide and surf for TS Claudette, 8-16-09 5 p.m. Looking SW.

**Beach Runner** · 08-16-2009, 05:49 PM

I drove down by myself to make sure that windows and doors are locked and pool/patio furniture is secured.

Now I am hungry. Pizza Bar is closing and Barefoot BBQ doesn't answer the phone. I am skeered! I cleared out the junk in the garage so I can protect the car.

**Iris** · 08-16-2009, 05:49 PM

How is the weather down in SOWAL? I am in ATL for a few days...
Thanks.

**Beach Runner** · 08-16-2009, 05:52 PM

It's nice right now, Just overcast. Nothing skeery. But restaurants are closing down.

**Jdarg** · 08-16-2009, 05:53 PM

According to the hurricane guy on TWC, the storm appears to be weakening.

**Iris** · 08-16-2009, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by Beach Runner

It's nice right now, Just overcast. Nothing skeery. But restaurants are closing down.

WOW, Which ones?
Thanks

**aggieb** · 08-16-2009, 06:01 PM

*cough* jfunn?

**ChillPill** · 08-16-2009, 06:24 PM

I'm liking this website for tracking the storm, though I wish it weren't so darned colorful... go away big ghost storm, go away.

Radar : Weather Underground

**Lake View Too** · 08-16-2009, 06:44 PM

I was kinda hoping for a nice cleansing storm, and we got nuthin' here. Dunelaker posted a pretty current representation of just a windy summer evening. That's it. But we're liable to have a interesting week or two...

**DuneLaker** · 08-16-2009, 06:54 PM

Hmmm. Seagrove Beach in Walton County just mentioned on The Weather Channel. 6:51 p.m. CST TWC just said the storm had turned north and headed for Seagrove Beach rather than its more direct westerly direction. Still not raining here. Sort of reminds me of TS Harry which hit at night. I hope it doesn't gain any intensity like Harry did some years back. I'm heading out to watch a nice sunset.

**Sheila** · 08-16-2009, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by 30A Skunkape

If anyone is interested in such, we just drove by Ballyhoo and they are having a storm party, 2 for 1 drinks

My interest is....where is ballyhoo?

**Lady D** · 08-16-2009, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by beacheart

What are the expected winds from Claudette? Dr. Steve Lyons said it is going to come ashore near Destin and it looked like he was pointing to Walton Co.

Steve Lyons just said Claudette has taken a more northerly turn now pointing it toward Seagrove Beach. I hope Ana is already gone by the end of this week. We are due in the following Friday at the beach. St. George Island was one place we were going to visit, hopefully there won't be much damage from Claudette there. They are showing two different projected paths for Ana, and Bill looks like it is projected to stay along the Atlantic, but it could be a Cat 3 by landfall.

**scooterbug44** · 08-16-2009, 07:05 PM

Is it really windy? If anyone passes by Casa Scooterbug, if you could take the hanging plants on the porch down, that would be great!

**TooFarTampa** · 08-16-2009, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

Is it really windy? If anyone passes by Casa Scooterbug, if you could take the hanging plants on the porch down, that would be great!

It's picking up! Windy and sorta chilly, little bits of rain coming in ... very exciting.

**Lake View Too** · 08-16-2009, 07:13 PM

Too Far Tampa: are you in Seagrove or Tampa?

**DuneLaker** · 08-16-2009, 07:14 PM

Not windy, yet. But, at 7:05 p.m. had this random rush of a breeze. Waves have picked up somewhat, too. Can just see the beach and the foam from the waves in a darkening, gloomy sky. I think I have someone to check on your plants, Scooty. BTW was TWC's Jim Cantore in Panama City Beach about 15 minutes ago? Wonder if he'll come over to Alys Beach in South Walton for the evening. What was that thread about him visiting Alys Beach a little while ago for recreational purposes, I believe.