Tropical Storm Isaac Slows; Tampa Still in its Path
Current projections have the storm off the Tampa Bay coast in time for day two of the Republican National Convention.
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The good news is that Tropical Storm Isaac’s projected forward moment has slowed somewhat overnight.
The bad news is Tampa Bay is still in line with the storm’s path as it makes its way north into the Gulf of Mexico.
While earlier projections anticipated the storm to be off the coast of Tampa Bay by about 8 p.m. on Monday, the latest forecast track has the storm arriving around 2 a.m. Tuesday. That is the second day of the Republican National Convention in downtown Tampa.
Right now, the storm is southeast of the Dominican Republic and has maximum sustained winds of about 40 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Despite the projected path, National Weather Service meteorologist Rick Davis said it’s still too early to say for sure what, if any, impacts Isaac will have on the Tampa Bay region.
“There’s still a lot of uncertainty on the track of Isaac,” Davis said.
Should the storm, which is expected to reach hurricane strength before it arrives in the area, stay off Tampa’s coast “we could have some very stormy conditions,” he added.
With Tampa Bay forecast to be on the storm’s right side, Davis said residents need to be mindful that hazardous conditions are quite possible.
“Traditionally with tropical systems, the right side of the storm is the stronger side,” he said. That means “strong, gusty winds; the threat for tornadoes is increased.”
Tampa Bay got a preview of what being on the right side of a storm means earlier this year when Tropical Storm Debby paid the area a visit, Davis pointed out.
As Isaac makes it way in Tampa’s general direction, Davis said the potential for flooding is a real concern. Since the area has already been soaked thanks to Debby and afternoon storms, “any additional rains could exacerbate flooding problems.”
‘This is a Very Sensitive Time’
With thousands of visitors preparing to make their way to the Tampa Bay area for the Aug. 27-30 Republican National Convention, all eyes are on Isaac and the potential harm it might bring the region’s way.
“This is a very sensitive time coming up,” Davis said. “We’re briefing emergency managers and other government and federal officials. There are briefings around the clock.”
With the storm still days out, Davis offers this advice: “Dust off those family hurricane plans and continue to watch for it and plan for the worst and hope for the best.”
In the meantime, the Tampa Bay area is in for some slightly better weather as we head into the weekend. Today’s rain chances are between 40 and 50 percent, Davis said. Those chances lessen slightly through the weekend.
Stay with Patch for updates on Tropical Storm Isaac as they become available.
Lynne Carpenter
10:21 am on Thursday, August 23, 2012
Hurricane Isaac is a very big storm. Even if it goes further out into the Gulf, we will still experience feeder bands from a 70mph hurricane. (Relocate hanging plants, swings, toys, grills.) Be prepared for electrical outages. (You will need battery operated fans, a clock, lanterns & flashlights and a radio.) Expect torrential rain for many hours starting Sunday night which may cause severe flooding. (Do not let your children play in these waters. Hazards may include sewer run off, animal waste, snakes, fire ants, lawn chemicals and downed power lines.) Hurricane foods should not have to be cooked or microwaved. (Cereal, oranges, apples, almond or peanut butter, canned chicken, fruit, beans, and veggies, bread, cheese, chicken broth, Gatorade, nuts, low calorie snack bars) You may need a hand can opener! Don't forget about food for your pet too. Do not tape your windows, it really does not do any good. Turn your ice maker on now and fill any empty space in your freezer w/ ice. Bring a cooler inside and scrub it out. Have containers ready to fill with water. Check to make sure your prescriptions will not have to be filled for at least a week. Print the contacts/ phone numbers from your cell phone. Put together a file of all of your "important" papers and get them copied onto a disk at Staples or other. Lastly, in case of an unexpected evacuation, have your car filled with gas and cash on hand. Do part of this list every day now thru the weekend and you will be ready!
Jennifer S.
12:12 pm on Thursday, August 23, 2012
Such a great list, Lynne! I wish more people would prepare in advance. Don't forget to stock up on drinking water too. You want 1 gallon per day per person in your household. I have 3 people, so I should have 9 gallons of drinking water.
I've lived through so many power outages I don't care to remember. If you are a coffee drinker, buy some instant coffee. It will get you by in a pinch. We had a run on coffee last year after Hurricane Irene (we just moved from Maryland) and only one store in town had a generator. Coffee was at a premium.
Also, make sure to buy batteries NOW for your flashlights and radio, we couldn't find a D battery in a 50 mile radius of our home the day before Hurricane Irene hit us. We were out of power for NINE DAYS! This storm does not have to hit us directly to create many many many problems. And actually, we could be worse off if it tracks to our left since the right hand of the storm is the strongest, wettest, and can push water up into Tampa Bay creating those storm surges you hear about all the time. Trust me, I had 4 feet of water in my house after Hurricane Isabel (also in Maryland), so storm surge is nothing to balk at.
I've also been out of power for a week at a time after many trop storms, hurricanes, snow storms, ice storms, you name it. This doesn't make me an expert but it does make me experienced :))))
'Paleo'-Chuck
12:10 pm on Friday, August 24, 2012
Great list! Thanks for sharing.
Grandmas AutoRepair WindowTinting
1:03 pm on Friday, August 24, 2012
Thanks Lynn, great list. So great I have to re-post it on the whatcanIdo face book page. Hope that is ok but I believe good advice should be broadcast when possible.