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florida hurricane info

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms Watch Satellite Mapping Paths
Current Updated National Weather Conditions and Forecasts

atlantic gulf of mexico weather tracking

National Weather Center  ||  Weather Images NOAA Satellites  ||  US Weather Tracking < Atlantic and Gulf

Hurricane Categories are based on sustained winds (1)74-95 mph   (2)96-110   (3)111-130  (4)131-155   (5)over 155 mph
Tropical Depression 38 mph - Tropical Storm 39-73 mph

Eastern U.S. Satellite View

North Atlantic Satellite Loop

Florida Weather Radar

FIRST TROPICAL STORM OF THE 2013 SEASON
Tropical Storm Andrea had highest wind speed of 65mph. It also caused tornado activity in south west Florida. No major damage as it moved across north Florida and into the Atlantic Ocean.

Florida Weather Watch -
Gulf of Mexico Radar

Florida Real Estate for Waterfront Florida Homes - Samples of Florida Foreclosure Condos and Homes
Free Search of
Tampa Bay Condos and Townhomes For Sale Including Gulf Beach, Waterfront, Golf Course, Retirement and Investments

emergency radios
Emergency Radio
Includes all 10 NOAA weather channels.
Features AM/FM radio, clock with alarm, 3-LED flashlight. Rechargeable battery can be powered by dynamo hand crank, or included AC power adapter
Water resistant and 1 year manufacturer's warranty

emergency auto kits
Auto Emergency Kit
Complete Roadside Kit.
22 Pieces with Case.
Multi-function lantern, 8 foot booster cables for jump start, Foldable warning triangle, 12 volt air compressor with three nozzle adaptors to fit most inflatables. Hose tape, 14 inch 4 way lug wrench, 6 inch long nose pliers, 8 inch adjustable wrench.

PREPARATIONS - HOME SAFETY
Food, Water, Pets, Drowning etc.
Hurricane Evacuation Check List
Hurricane Preparations Safety Pt 1

Hurricane Preparations Safety Pt 2
Drinking Water Hurricane Pollution
How to Choose a Generator
Protect From Flying Debris Wind Damage
Rebuilding Homes Hurricane Damage

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
NOAA Weather Watch

National Weather Tropical Prediction
Geo Stationary Satellite Images
National Weather Radar Track Maps
Atlantic Hurricane Season

National Informational Sources
FEMA’s - Flood Map Info Here
EPA - Fact Sheet Flood Cleanup
Salvation Army

American Red Cross
Federal Emergency (FEMA)
Weather Channel

Florida Evacuation and Services
Florida Storms Evacuation Routes
Florida Disaster Recovery Fund
Florida Emergency Management
Florida Counties Maps and Contact
Pinellas County Florida
Pasco County

Hillsborough County
Hernando County
Manatee County

Florida Volunteer Foundation
Southwest Florida Regional Planning

Florida Hurricane Insurance for Homes

Biggest Measured Waves Hurricane Ivan
Weather Underground Weather News

The Atlantic hurricane season - June 1st to Nov 30th
florida hurricane tracking map
Florida Hurricane Coastal Strike Probability
Florida gets the majority of the news and it incorrectly
appears that it's the only State in the path of Hurricanes.
Hurricane strike probabilities are statistical estimates.
Be prepared as storms approach.
From 1900 U.S. Hurricane Strike Chart Here

Items that you should always have available
or can purchase-
Non-electric can opener,
flashlights, radios, portable TV's, cans of sterno,
candles, dry food, canned food, bottled water.
Search Emergency and Survival Goods on the Internet

The Hurricane Hunters of the Air Force
Reserve, flies airplanes into the eye of the hurricane
recording unique photos. Hurricane Hunters


Free referral service that matches consumers,
who cannot find property insurance, with Florida l
licensed agents and insurers who are writing
new business. Florida Assistance Plan


This Web Site is a Service of The Top Team - Real Estate Buyers Agents from Tampa Bay Florida
florida real estate foreclosures


The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
FOR 2013 - NOAA has predicted as many as 13 to 20 tropical storms, with half of those likely to strengthen.
A tropical storm has minimum sustained winds of 39 mph. They predict 6 to 10 of the tropical storms may increase into hurricanes. A hurricane has minimum winds of 74 mph. Averaging weather records as far back as 1950, a typical season has 12 tropical storms, with seven becoming hurricanes.


2012 - Sandy wreaked havoc - Storm surges, heavy rain and devastating winds blasted the U.S. East Coast
Hurricane Sandy merged with a winter system from the West and both were fed by cold air from Canada. Some called it a "super storm" or "perfect storm". When the center of Sandy hit land off the New Jersey Coast, on October 29th, the impact was felt across an area more than 900 miles wide. New York City sustained the greatest damage. Wall Street shut down, subway tunnels flooded, power failures were monumental and tragic loss of life.

Debby was the fourth named storm of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season (June23) Above average rainfall in Florida replenished water supplies and most water shortage warnings were lifted after Tropical Storm Debby drenched Florida counties.

An El Nino effect
- warms the surface waters in the tropical Pacific and has far-ranging effects around the globe. It creates wind shear that makes it harder for storms to grow into hurricanes in the Atlantic-Caribbean basin.

In an average year, there are 11 tropical storms, 6 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.


The 2011 NOAA hurricane forecast predicted 12 to 18 named storms and 6 to 10 hurricanes with 3 to 6 possible major hurricanes. Irene was the 1st Hurricane of the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season. There were 19 named Tropical storms and 3 Hurricanes - Irene, Katia and Rina. Hurricane Maria followed a similar track as Hurricane Katia. Both posed no threat to Florida or the U.S. East Coast. The predicted forecast models were accurate. In early August Hurricane Dora developed in the Pacific Ocean off the Mexico Coast but quickly diminished in intensity and posed no threat to the U S.
The U.S. East Coast from North Carolina to New York had the most severe weather - especially from Hurricane Irene. Florida once again did not have any destructive weather or hurricane land fall.

Many factors must be present for a hurricane to develop and intensify - Ocean temperature at a minimum of 80 degrees to a depth of at least 150 feet.

A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before
the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds...conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

2011 - Hurricane Irene came ashore near North Carolina's Cape Lookout around 7:30 a.m. EDT Saturday as a Tropical Storm. Irene dropped in intensity to 65 mph before making landfall in New York City at about 9 a.m. Sunday. The National Hurricane Center official track forecast for Irene was pretty accurate for landfall locations. Irene had roared across the Caribbean with winds of up to 120 mph. Irene produced rainfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches with isolated amounts of 20 inches through the mid-Atlantic states into eastern New York and New England. Widespread flooding, life-threatening flash floods and significant uprooting of trees due to rain-softened grounds are reported. Irene may cost insurers as much as $3 billion to cover U.S. damage, with overall economic losses of $7 billion. There have been over 45 storm related deaths reported so far. Over 2.5 million on the East Coast lost power.

During Hurricane Katrina in 2004 stores closed as looters ran wild. Grocery stores typically only carry 3-4 days worth of food that’s would be gone in a few hours during a crisis through buyers hoarding or criminal looting. Prepare in advance.
News Weather Archives Hurricane Katrina

In 2010 there were a total of 19 named storms. Luckily, none of last years 12 hurricanes hit the United States.
The 2010 season was an unusual and highly active season. Damages and loss of life were far below what one would expect from so much activity. The year is most remembered for what didn't happen. Luckily a full fledged hurricane did not slice into the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, nor did a devastating hurricane cause massive loss of life in Haiti's vulnerable earthquake zone. However, 2 hurricanes Karl and Alex did billions of damage to Mexico. It was the 5th year in a row that Florida did not receive a major hurricane strike.

DID YOU KNOW Many factors must be present for a hurricane to develop, they include: Ocean temperature must be a minimum of 80 degrees to a depth of at least 150 feet. The lower layer of the atmosphere (troposphere) must contain a large degree of high humidity. The difference of the wind speed between the lower and upper atmospheres must not exceed 20 miles per hour. Thunderstorm activity must be present to start the circular spinning action and create an upward flow of air. Wind speed begins to speed up near the center of the thunderstorm center, and if barometric pressure drops, more air is sucked up into the core of the storm and wind velocity begins to increase. If wind speed increases to 74mph (the minimum velocity for hurricane classification), an "eye" will generally begin to form, giving birth to a hurricane.

The loop current has less effect on the west coast of Florida keeping more than 100 miles off the coast. Concerning the 2011 BP Oil Spill in the Gulf and West Coast of Florida where the properties are located not to be affected - Review The Loop Current

Protect your home. Get a professional inspection and strengthen areas prone to storm damage. Take photos and save them with all receipts in a safe place. Contact your insurance agent about rebates for any work done to fortify your home, such as hurricane windows, doors and protective roofing.

 The official Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1st through November 30th.
Many factors are needed for a hurricane to develop, such as  - the Ocean temperature must be a minimum of 80 degrees and depth at least 150ft. Current Gulf of Mexico water temperatures 85 to 88 degrees from Key West to Tampa Bay.

2010 Weather News - Alex was the first Atlantic Hurricane of the season and reached a category 2 in intensity. It made its way over the Gulf of Mexico and slammed into Mexico with 100 mph winds Wednesday night June 30th and then dissipated as it moved over land. Wave action from the hurricane only caused a minimal effect as it pushed some of the top slick from the oil leak area in the Gulf closer to the shores in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi Hurricane Danielle and Earl are the second and third hurricanes of the season and remained out in the Atlantic. Danielle remained out in the Atlantic and caused no damage to the U.S. Earl diminished from a hurricane to a tropical storm as it made landfall near Western Head Nova Scotia with sustained winds of 70 mph. Tropical Storm Hermine got up to 70 mph just under category one status and slammed into Mexico's northern Gulf Coast near the U.S. border with winds of 60 mph, lashing Mexico and southern Texas with heavy rains that caused some flash flooding.

For the first time in twelve years, we had a rare triple threat in the Atlantic -three simultaneous hurricanes. Hurricane Karl joined Hurricanes Igor and Julia in the steadily expanding Hurricanes of 2010 club becoming the sixth hurricane of the season. The last time we had three simultaneous hurricanes in the Atlantic was in 1998.
Igor made landfall at Newfoundland, Canada with heavy rain and winds near hurricane force.
Hurricane Danielle and Earl were the second and third hurricanes of the season and remained out in the Atlantic and followed a similar path as Igor and Julia.

The activity for the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season has an average of 10 names storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 intense hurricanes. For 2010 NOAA projected a 70% probability of : 14 to 23 Named Storms (top winds of 39 mph +, including: 8 to 14 Hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph +), of which: 3 to 7 could be Major Hurricanes (Cat 3, 4 or 5; winds at least 111 mph).  Richard is the 10th hurricane of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season tied for sixth place for most hurricanes in an Atlantic hurricane season. The year's 17 named storms also ranks 6th most in history; Atlantic hurricane season records go back to 1851.

2010 Atlantic Hurricane season - NOAA predicted a 70 percent probability of the following ranges:
14 to 23 Named Storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher, including: 8 to 14 Hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or higher), of which: 3 to 7 could be Major Hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of at least 111 mph).
It was the fifth year in a row that Florida did not receive a major hurricane strike. The last major hurricane to hit the United States was Wilma, which first struck southwest Florida as a Category 3 system in 2005. Since the mid-1800s, when records were first kept, the United States has never gone six years without a major hurricane strike.

Many factors must be present for a hurricane to develop, they include: Sea temperature must be a minimum of 80 degrees to a depth of at least 150 feet.
The lower layer of the atmosphere must contain a large degree of high humidity. The difference of the wind speed between the lower and upper atmospheres must not exceed 20 miles per hour. Thunderstorm activity must be present to start the circular spinning action and create an upward flow of air near the center of the thunderstorm center, and if barometric pressure drops, more air is sucked up into the core of the storm and wind velocity begins to increase. If wind speed increases to 74mph (the minimum velocity for hurricane classification), an "eye" will generally begin to form, giving birth to a hurricane.


2010 Weather Update - El Nino - If El Nino sea surface temperatures fade then wind shear will be reduced, making it easier for hurricanes to form. If El Nino transitions into La Nina, we could see an extremely active hurricane season. Or, if El Nino lasts longer than normal, we could have another quiet season. El Nino Updates sea surface temperatures

On April 7, 2010,
Colorado State University issued its annual report on the year's hurricane forecast predictions. Forecasters predict above average Atlantic hurricane-season. University forecasters William Gray and Phil Klotzbach each stated that El Nino conditions will likely dissipate by summer. In addition they believe that the warm tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures will not drop and will remain at the current temperatures. These temperatures have reportedly been much warmer than usual.


Have a plan of action to protect against hazards. A family plan should include knowing the risks in your area, locating safe areas in the home or evacuation centers, setting a contact location where family members can meet, making plans for pets, storing nonperishable food and other emergency items, and using a NOAA radio.

Many factors must be present for a hurricane to develop and intensify, they include: Ocean temperature must be a minimum of 80 degrees to a depth of at least 150 feet.
In a typical season, there are about 11 named storms, of which two to three impact the east or gulf coast of the US.

2009 Archives - The North Atlantic hurricane season overall in 2009 ranks as the slowest since the El Nino year of 1997. Bill was the first Atlantic hurricane and did not affect Florida. Hurricane Ida fizzled out because the Gulf water temperatures were not warm enough.

Hurricane Categories are based on sustained winds (1)74-95 mph (2)96-110 (3)111-130 (4)131-155 (5)over 155 mph.
The official Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1st through November 30th.

Forecasters predicting an above average 2010 Western Atlantic Hurricane season due to expected warm ocean temperatures. In a typical season, there are about 11 named storms, of which two to three impact the east or gulf coast of the US. AccuWeather Hurricane Center meteorologists are predicting 16 to 18 tropical storms, 15 of which would be in the western Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico, and therefore a threat to land. They predict seven landfall - five hurricanes, and two or three of the hurricanes will be major landfalls for the U.S.

Tips after a Hurricane Do not examine your home for damage with matches, candles, or other other "flame based" lighting.
Use flashlights. Avoid downed power lines. If you stored water in open containers such s bathtubs, do not drink water without purifying it first.

2009 Hurricane Season Tropical Storm Names & 2009 Hurricane Names -Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fred, Grace, Henri, Ida, Joaquin, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, Wanda

2009 Hurricane Season  - NOAA had predicted a near normal Atlantic Hurricane Season with a 65% chance of 12 to 16 named storms, including 6 to 9 hurricanes and 2 to 5 major hurricanes. An average season has 11 named storms, including  6 hurricanes. Only Fay slammed the state of Florida with heavy rains. The 15 other named storms spared Florida. 2008 Named Tropical Storms and Hurricanes were Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Genevieve, Edouard, Fay, Gustav, Hanna, Ike, Iselle, Josephine, Kyle, Omar and Paloma

August 2008 Tropical Storm Fay - caused severe water shortage for a 16-county region of Florida and parts of Georgia. Rainfall from from 17 to 25 inches for Florida and Georgia was reported. Areas of flooding with accumulations up to 30 inches caused major damage. While hurricane losses in Florida were minimal this year, 2008 was the fourth costliest hurricane season on record – $21 billion in U.S.-insured damages, according to the ISO’s Property Claim Services.

Florida Hurricane Strike Statistic Probabilities - Cape Coral Florida 1 in 11 ---- Tampa Bay Florida (st pete, clearwater area) 1 in 25
Jun 1, 2006 - It leaves residents in hurricane-prone areas feeling shell-shocked. Cape Coral insurance agent Brad Carlock knows of people who take out long-term loans to pay their annual insurance bills.   Oct 20, 2005 - Hurricane Charley that came within 10 miles of Cape Coral and caused significant damage. Damage estimates in Cape Coral topped $600 million and 41 percent of the homes here suffered some damage.  Aug 14, 1992 - . Hurricane Andrew, which caused billions of dollars of damage in south Florida. ... Heavy damage was reported in Cape Coral

The Top 10 States that have had Major Hurricane strikes are Florida with Texas a close second, Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, New York, South Carolina, Connecticut and Rhode Island (hurricane strikes chart)

The Atlantic hurricane season is officially from 1 June to 30 November.
Chart From 1950 to 2004 in the United States Major Hurricane Land Strikes

Tracking Path Images Tropical Storm Fay   Hurricane Gustav

Before you purchase area Real Estate - get updated Information on Tampa Bay Area Flood Zoning, Property Insurance, etc.
If your mortgage company and/or insurance agent claim that your home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, this link recommends you perform a flood risk analysis.
What you should know about the National Flood Insurance Program
Insurance experts sound alarm that Florida may be ill-equipped to pay future storm claims Florida Home Insurance News
Florida Residents and Flood Insurance Information from
FEMA -Federal Emergency Management Agency

SEARCH HOME PROTECTION SERVICE COMPANIES FOR INSTALLATION OR REPAIRS SAFETY GLASS WINDOWS DOORS GARAGE DOORS NEW ROOF ROOF STRAPPING

Real Estate Owners
- Hurricane Home Window Protection  Temporary Shutters, permanent shutters and impact resistant windows Rollshield.com
Homes Window Protection - Window clips are one of many inexpensive ways to protect your real estate and windows from high winds and airborne debris. They install in minutes and slide on the edge of the plywood which is inserted into the exterior window casing. Plywood can be removed without tools. Hurricane Window Clips

Florida Real Estate Insurance Info- In 2002, the Florida Legislature passed a law that combined the Florida Residential Property and Casualty Joint Underwriting Association (FRPCJUA) and the Florida Windstorm Underwriting Association (FWUA). This resulted in the creation of Citizens Property insurance Corporation (Citizens), which more efficiently and effectively provides insurance to, and serves the needs of, homeowners in high-risk areas and others who cannot find coverage in the open, private insurance market. Web Sites http://www.citizensfla.com    Florida Homeowner Referral Program for Insurance

Plywood, Generators, Batteries - Home Depot and Lowes

Hurricane Strike Statistics and Probabilities Map
Strengthen your home or condo with an inspection and earn insurance rebates

Atlantic hurricanes often form to the west or northwest of the African equatorial coast. Prevailing wind currents generally cause them to travel in a westward or northwestward direction, making the Caribbean Islands usually vulnerable. Hurricanes can develop in almost any of the world's oceans, but generally form in the tropics and the Gulf of Mexico.  Tampa Bay Florida Flood Zones
FEMA General Info  Pinellas County Flood Zones   FEMA Flood Maps Pinellas County

CHARTS MAPS TROPICAL STORM WATCH SATELLITE IMAGES NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS TIPS. COUNTIES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SHELTERS EVACUATION PLANS
FLOOD ZONES INSURANCE TAMPA BAY REAL ESTATE HOMES REPAIRS STORM DAMAGE


FLORIDA HURRICANE FORECAST