Ernesto and Florence Heat Up the Tropics

The Tropics Come Alive - Two Storms at Once

Tropical Storm Ernesto (Image courtesy NOAA)

The tropics have been quiet for weeks, ever since Tropical Storm Debby made her exit, but this week, things changed.


Tropical Storm Ernesto is stirring up the Caribbean, while Tropical Storm Florence has begun the trek across the Atlantic.


The Windward Islands have already gotten a taste of the 2012 Hurricane Season.  Ernesto passed just north of Barbados, then collided with the southern tip of St. Lucia as he crossed over from the tropical Atlantic into the Caribbean.  Jamaica is under a tropical storm warning today, as that nation prepares to celebrate its 50th birthday on Monday.


Tropical Storm Ernesto is forecast to continue westward for now, and become a hurricane as early as tomorrow.  


Meanwhile, out in the eastern Atlantic, Tropical Storm Florence is starting to make her westbound crossing.  Will she make it all the way across intact?  And, if so, how strong will she be?  Time will tell.


Our thoughts are always with those in the path of a tropical system, whatever its name may be.   Today, it's Ernesto.  Next week, it may be Florence, and then Gordon, who has yet to make an appearance.  Stay safe, everyone! 

ESPECIALLY FOR CRUISERS

We could well see some ships change course and alter itineraries in the coming days to avoid the nastiness - and danger -  of a tropical system.  No changes have been announced yet, but you can bet the cruise lines are monitoring these storms closely!  See my 10 Tips for Cruising in Hurricane Season for more on this topic.


More articles about hurricane weather:

Know the Cone  - This is an important one.  Many people who think they know exactly what the Cone of Uncertainty means actually don't.  I've frequently heard the cone being mis-characterized!

2012 Hurricane Season Names - Just what the title says.

Weather Alert Radios -  Another important one.  Yes, you DO need one of these if you live anywhere in the US where severe weather is possible.

2012 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Journal - Here's where I'm keeping track of this years tropical weather activity.

Hurricane Season Begins Soon

Hurricane Season is Nearly Here

Hurricane from Space Mousepad
by Modest_Mouse

The 2012 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season begins two weeks from today. 

Are you ready?

Hurricane season each year is from June 1 through November 30 for the Atlantic Basin, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.

REMINDER
If you haven't done so already, it's time to check your hurricane supplies.  Make sure you have enough batteries and other items to last for an absolute minimum of three days, and that you have a go bag ready in case you need to evacuate.  Don't forget about a supply of prescription medicines, copies of important papers, and evacuation provisions for pets.

Here are a couple of things to look at as the season approaches, if you don't have them already.  One is an absolute necessity and the other is something I've found really useful.  Here are links to reviews I've written about each of them:

Weather Alert Radio - a Necessity
If you live in an area that could be threatened by a hurricane, a NOAA weather radio is something you absolutely should have. These radios pick up special alerts from the National Weather Service, and will wake you with a warning of an incoming emergency.

Battery Organizer and Tester - Nice to Have
This isn't a real must have, but it sure is nice for keeping your battery supply both organized and handy, something that will make things just a little easier in the event of a prolonged power outage.