Our Miami insurance dispute lawyers would like to remind you that forecasters are keeping an eye on a disturbance that could grow into a named storm, Emily, as South Florida enters the height of hurricane season.
And, while forecasting has made great strides in recent years, it is still far from infallible. When Hurricane Charley hit the Fort Myers area in 2004, it did so after making a virtual 90 degree turn at the last minute — it had been forecast to make landfall far up the West Coast of Florida.
Last year, the National Hurricane Center made changes to the hurricane watch and hurricane warning system that is relied upon by local emergency planning officials and residents alike. The changes provide greater lead time to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane.
The National Weather Service reports that tracking errors have been cut in half over the last 15 years. The issuance of watches and warnings will be made 12 hours earlier this year, which should allow homeowners and emergency officials in the target area more time to prepare.
Tropical Storm Watch: Are now made when tropical storm conditions (winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning: Are issued when tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions (winds greater than 74 mph) are possible within 48 hours.
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.
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Our Miami insurance dispute lawyers would like to remind you that forecasters are keeping an eye on a disturbance that could grow into a named storm, Emily, as South Florida enters the height of hurricane season.
And, while forecasting has made great strides in recent years, it is still far from infallible. When Hurricane Charley hit the Fort Myers area in 2004, it did so after making a virtual 90 degree turn at the last minute — it had been forecast to make landfall far up the West Coast of Florida.
Last year, the National Hurricane Center made changes to the hurricane watch and hurricane warning system that is relied upon by local emergency planning officials and residents alike. The changes provide greater lead time to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane.
The National Weather Service reports that tracking errors have been cut in half over the last 15 years. The issuance of watches and warnings will be made 12 hours earlier this year, which should allow homeowners and emergency officials in the target area more time to prepare.
Tropical Storm Watch: Are now made when tropical storm conditions (winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning: Are issued when tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions (winds greater than 74 mph) are possible within 48 hours.
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.