Praying for New Orleans

Good evening all -Central pressure in Gustav was dropping today (indicating restrengthening) but it looks like the drop has leveled off a bit. And there is some evidence of a warming near the center (the eye). There is also some dry air being pulled in.

In any event, it is still a major hurricane (Category 3) and it bears repeating that Katrina was a high end Category 3 and Rita was a high end Category 2 (I'm talking about at landfall). Another tricky thing is that storms go through fluctuations in intensity and through eyewall replacement cycles. And I sure hope we don't get some sort of surprise from this one as it makes landfall early afternoon on Monday.

Of course, the first big scare is for New Orleans. With the hurricane force winds now out 70 miles from the center, there is going to be a pretty mean storm surge affecting New Orleans and it will be happening early in the day on Monday. Everyone should be praying for these folks. The actual center landfall will probably be about 40 to 60 miles west of there.What happens after that?

Well, I think the storm is going to slow down and produce a lot of rain as it tracks northwestward...probably into Texas. Remember that inland flooding has been the biggest killer from many of the most recent decades storms.

Went to the grocery store this evening. Folks are paying attention...almost all cleaned out on the water. Pats on the backs all around. Remember, you can use all kinds of containers to store up that water. I'll try to post frequently until this is over.

In the meantime, start your Christmas shopping early by going to www.frankandpaco.com, Amazon.com, Best Buy.com, or Barnes & Noble.com and purchase my award winning DVD for children called Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Early language learning enhances cognitive development and improves standardized scores in math and science. We have to cultivate our next hurricane trackers/forecasters now!

Be safe everyone.
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

More consistency with model runs 2 pm Sunday

They're coming into agreement now...even NGFDL. Looks like some rain on the way for parts of Texas. Mom says the sage are blooming like crazy in Bandera...they want the rain there.

Stay tuned and go to www.frankandpaco.com, Amazon, Best Buy, or Barnes & Noble to order your copy of our award winning educational DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco.

More to come!
Cecilia Poole
Weather Wonder Woman

Gustav keeping us on our toes

Hi everyone -

First order of business, look to see if you are in the Hurricane Warning area.

A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE NORTHERN GULF COASTFROM CAMERON LOUISIANA EASTWARD TO THE ALABAMA-FLORIDA BORDER...INCLUDING THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS AND LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN. AHURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTEDWITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. PREPARATIONS TOPROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION.

If an evacuation order has been issued, get going! See my last blog for what to take. Remember run from the water (storm surge area) and hide from the wind.

If you are staying...pick up the loose objects in your yard and bring them inside. Tell your neighbors to do the same. Finish stocking up...14 gallons of water per person, cash, full gas tank, prescriptions, special items like diapers, formula, powdered milk, special items for the elderly. Make sure you have bleach...8 to 16 drops per gallon can be used to make dirty water potable. Fill up large containers, pots etc with water. Put a full trash can by the toilet in case you need it later for flushing. Make sure you watch that the little ones don't get into the water. Of course you need batteries and flashlights and a battery powered radio. Take pictures and/or video of your home and belongings. Put that and all important documents in water tight containers or packaging and place in a safe place (preferably up high and protected). Then, you look around for the most protected location in your house...an interior room or closet is ideal. A bathroom on the inside is best.

Now back to the forecast. The models are showing a turn again but most not until after hitting south central Louisiana early on Monday. Don't like the looks of the NGFDL with its ever persistent forecast of a turn that could potentially affect the Houston area. So let's not be cocky and make sure we have all of our hurricane supplies in place.

It's almost September. It's not too early to purchase Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, www.frankandpaco.com. This is my award winning DVD for children. So many benefits...but so little time...make sure you order it for your favorite little ones today!

More to come. Be safe everyone!!!

Cecilia Sinclair Wonder Weather Woman