Tornadoes with Hurricane Ike

A Tornado Watch is in effect until 10 am Saturday. They may be extended as needed.

The watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop.

Tornadoes can happen before, during and after a tropical depression, tropical storm, or hurricane move through an area. The tornadoes are generally generated in the bands as they move over land...because of the friction caused by the storm bands being over land.

Some of the outer bands moved through Louisiana today. There were 4 tornadoes reported.

Even after Ike passes, be on the lookout for tornadoes from any bands rotating around the remains of the storm. It was on this day in 1961 that bands rotating around what was left of Hurricane Carla, spawned a tornado that hit Galveston and killed 5 people (according to most reports I've read...that was the number). Carla had made landfall 100 miles south of Galveston (at Port O'Connor) on September 11th. It was a large storm like Ike...but it was a Category 4!!!

So, keep your eyes and ears open!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Hurricane Ike Winds Over Next 10 Hours

The following information was just released from the National Weather Service:

SUSTAINED HURRICANE FORCE WINDS IN EXCESS OF 74 MPH WILL REACH THECOASTAL COUNTIES IN THE NEXT 1 TO 3 HOURS. THESE WINDS WILL SPREADINLAND THROUGH THE HOUSTON METRO AREA AROUND MIDNIGHT. HURRICANEFORCE WIND GUSTS ARE EXPECTED TO LAST 7 TO 10 HOURS.PEAK WIND GUSTS OF 90 TO 110 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSSHARRIS...LIBERTY...BRAZORIA...GALVESTON...AND CHAMBERS COUNTIES.WIND GUSTS NEAR 115 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE NEAR WHERE THE CENTER OFTHE STORM COMES ONSHORE.

Remember to stay away from doors and windows. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Hurricane Ike Better Organized - It has an eye!

Yes...there is an eye...I think the strange configuration with the highest winds well away from the center was beginning last night at this time. The eye is huge...almost 50 miles across. Remember that the winds will die down considerably in the eye. Be very careful not to be caught in the eye as the other half of the storm arrives. This can be extremely dangerous!

Those of you in high rises...take note. Winds are about 30 mph stronger just a few hundred feet above the surface. You may need want to go down to the 1st level for your safety!

The storm eye is just hours away from landfall. Ike could make it to major status yet. Winds are at 110 mph (just 1 mph shy of being a Category 3).

God bless everyone!!!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Use text messaging for Hurricane Ike communication

Even if your cell phone stops working, try texting. And cell phone companies are asking people to do this anyway as it frees up important communications resources for emergency management.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Hurricane Ike Flooding Latest

There are several creeks and bayous at bankfull or just over the banks and a River Flood Warning has been issued for the West Fork of the San Jacinto. Here are some of the latest wind speed reports.

WIND SPEEDS REPORTED AT 730 TO 800 PM:MORGANS POINT - SUSTAINED 26 KNOTS GUSTS TO 39 KNOTSNORTH JETTY - SUSTAINED 48 KNOTS GUSTS TO 60 KNOTSFREEPORT - SUSTAINED 36 KNOTS GUSTS TO 49 KNOTSPEARLAND AIRPORT - SUSTAINED 33 MPH GUSTS TO 45 MPHHOUSTON HOBBY - SUSTAINED 33 MPH GUSTS TO 52 MPHHOUSTON BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL - SUSTAINED 43 MPH GUSTS TO 59 MPHSUGARLAND AIRPORT - SUSTAINED 29 GUSTS TO 41 MPHPALACIOS - SUSTAINED 26 MPH GUSTS TO 49 MPHBAY CITY - SUSTAINED 30 MPH GUSTS TO 44 MPHSMITH POINT - SUSTAINED 42 MPH GUSTS TO 52 MPHANAHUAC - SUSTAINED 25 MPH GUSTS TO 36 MPHANAHUAC NWR - SUSTAINED 30 MPH GUSTS TO 49 MPHCOTTON BAYOU AT I-10 - SUSTAINED 22 MPH GUSTS TO 32 MPHBRAZORIA NWR - SUSTAINED 26 MPH GUSTS TO 48 MPHTHE WIND FIELD SURROUNDING IKE IS UNUSUALLY LARGE. TROPICAL STORMFORCE WIND GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 39 MPH HAVE ALREADY SPREAD ACROSSTHE AREA. WINDS OF AT LEAST TROPICAL STORM FORCE WILL LASTUP TO 24 HOURS.HURRICANE FORCE WINDS IN EXCESS OF 74 MPH WILL REACH THE COASTALCOUNTIES IN THE NEXT 2 TO 4 HOURS. THESE WINDS WILL SPREAD INLAND THROUGHTHE HOUSTON METRO AREA AROUND MIDNIGHT. HURRICANE FORCE WIND GUSTSARE EXPECTED TO LAST 7 TO 10 HOURS.

More to come!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

The Deal on Shelters for Hurricane Ike

Hello everyone -
Just so you know, some municipal shelters of last resort are opening. These are very bare bone...pack up some essentials if you plan to go...but do not expect any luxuries. In fact, I would recommend that you bring food, a few changes of clothing, sleeping bags/cots, blankets, pillows, toilet paper, medicines, diapers, special needs items, games, books. And if you are going, go asap. Conditions are going downhill fast!

After the storm has passed, the American Red Cross will move in and start opening shelters. They are currently positioned outside the danger zone. These shelters are slightly better equipped, but remember to bring all the things I just listed.

If you have pets, most shelters WILL NOT allow them.

Cecilia Sinclair
Weather Wonder Woman

Dangers After Hurricane Ike

Hello all -
Since you will lose power soon, I thought I would go over some after storm safety information:

1. If you left, do not return until officials say it is safe to return.
2. Watch out for downed power lines--they could still be live
3. Do not drink the tap water until you have been told that it is safe to drink
4. If you suspect a gas leak, leave your location
5. Do not drive or walk through flood waters as they may be electrified by downed power lines.
6. Have your bug spray close by...mosquitoes will become a big problem.
7. Be careful to watch out for falling tree limbs or damaged parts of structures
8. Do not go into a damaged structure until it has been checked by an engineer for structural safety
9. Watch out for snakes that have been pushed out of their normal locations...this was a big problem after Hurricane Carla
10. Watch out for animals which may have been traumatized by the storm...they may be unpredictable and dangerous

That's all for now!

Be safe!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Using your generator correctly for Hurricane Ike

Hello all -
No big changes as far as the storm is concerned. Remember that the winds will be picking up quite a bit in a few hours because of the high winds being so far from the center. So as you hear the distance of the center...subtract off about 50 to 60 miles...and that effectively is where the really strong winds are. So, hurricane force winds could arrive on the coast by 6 pm and in Houston by 9 pm.

Some of you have generators...that's great. But please don't operate these during the storm (unless you have a built-in with special set up to ventilate the storm). Run them after the storm is over. Put them in a well ventilated place...not in your attached garage. Outside is the best spot.

The hurricane force winds could last 10 to 14 hours (once they start). So, everyone please try to patient.

I will blog during the height of the storm as I have power, but I understand many of you will be without power. So, I'll see you on the other side.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Hurricane Ike Holding Course...Galveston Landfall

Hurricane Ike 10 am report...winds still 105 mph.

Hurricane force winds out 120 miles from the center. Tropical Storm Force winds out 275 miles from the center.

100 plus winds will hit the coast by midnight.

All main models tightly clustered Galveston landfall or just west.

Very high storm surges likely especially upper reaches of Galveston Bay.

109 mph winds measured at a buoy in the Gulf.

Now that you are hunkering down...some additional things to do. Make sure flashlights and radios loaded with batteries. Try not to use candles. Have battery replacements close at hand. Make as much ice as possible and store in coolers. Fill as many containers as possible with water. Make sure you have photos of all belongings...try uploading and mailing copies of photos to location outside the danger zone. Put all valuable documents in waterproof containers. Pick up loose objects in the house that might become flying objects if you windows break. Store them in pantries and closets. If the power starts fluctuating, you might want to turn off power at the main switch to keep large appliances from being damaged. Have 2 more hot meals before the power goes out. Once power goes out, keep the fridger and freeze closed...food in the freezer can stay cold for 24 hours without power. Have your prescriptions close by, preferably in a purse or pocket or container where they can't be blown around.

You want to be on the first floor unless the water rises.

When the winds start to get strong...try to be on the side of the house that is most protected by walls (interior room, closet, bathroom are ideal)...sometimes you might have to go to the side of the house being least buffeted by the wind. Stay away from windows, even if covered.

Stay safe everyone.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Hurricane Ike Projections Wobbling a Bit

But, it doesn't really matter if the "center" wobbles because the storm is so big.
Be sure to check out the last Hurricane Local Statement (from this link). It just came out within the last half hour. There is lots of information about storm surge levels, high tide times, all evacuations (with the zip codes if needed) and bus pickup points.

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/productview.php?pil=HGXHLSHGX

The storm now has maximum winds only 55 to 65 miles from the center (remember last night it was 75 to 85). The maximum was on the north side. So, the Hurricane Center raised the wind to 105 mph. If it gets to 111, it will officially be a major hurricane. And that could still happen.

There is some evidence of shear...but the storm has actually strengthened. Also, just looking at the satellite image...it looks to me like an eye is trying to form. But, I'm also noticing some dry slots in the banding.

Nevertheless, wow!...this storm is a monster.

Center landfall looks like it will be around midnight tonight. But the hurricane force winds will start arriving early evening on the coast.

Storm surge is already arriving with tides reported 3 feet up already.

Galveston Island sea wall is 17 feet on the ocean side (this is on the east side of the island). Remember, there is no sea wall on the west side. And also remember that there is no sea wall on the inland side of the island. During Hurricane Carla back in 1961, Galveston had 6 feet of water that came in on the inland side. But it was more gentle than having the angry ocean coming in.

More to come.

One more thing, the models are slightly back to the west...none of the better ones showing center landfall east of Galveston.

Be safe everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman