Tropical Storm Claudette

[beachmouse]

Florida Division of Emergency Management page:

Florida Division of Emergency Management - State Emergency Operations Center

They're currently at Level 3 (not activated)

 

[Arkiehawg]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I never get too worried until I see Jim Cantore.

 

[Dia]

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.