You know what really grinds my gears?
Not much more to add from my previous posts, but I am going to re-emphasize a point I have made before. I explained how Sandy was initially a tropical Hurricane. A tropical hurricane is made up 100% of tropical characteristics. We knew at some point this was going to phase and become a hybrid storm, or simply not a 100% tropical storm anymore. Once it is no longer a 100% tropical, it becomes what is known as sub-tropical or post tropical. And, once it becomes subtropical, the National Hurricane Center will no longer issue warnings / watches etc. It was also decided this morning that they would not extend warnings or watches past North Carolina. Hence, why we have yet to be placed in a watch or warning yet. Instead, the NHC is punting the football to the local National Weather offices to make the calls.
Whats the big deal you ask? Well, up until this point things have progressed smoothly, and one agency was spearheading a consistent alerting method dealing with watches, warnings and discussions. Now, when the proverbial crap is going to hit the fan, they wash their hands of it and leave the coordinating up to 5 or 6 offices who are going to come up with their own watches and warnings and coming up with their own discussions. Not to mention, now they are going to have to take the time to coordinate communications with those other offices to make sure they are putting out a consistent message. And, since it is technically a subtropical system, the wording Hurricane Watch and Warnings will not be used. Instead, we will get High Wind Warnings, or Coastal Flood Warnings or a myriad of other things. This simple task is going to confuse the general public, and in a time like this, could mean peoples safety.
Case in point, Mayor Bloomberg had been talking about evacuations and such all week. Tonight, he had a press conference and actually stated that they are not concerned about storm surge because it is not like a tropical storm or hurricane. When I heard this, I really felt like growing my hair back so I could pull it out. #1, the storm surge from "still hurricane but soon to be subtropical" Sandy is going to out perform Irene, and numerous other "tropical storms" or "hurricanes" that have proceeded it. #2, there has never been a history of this type of storm coming north and making a hard left turn towards land. We simply dont know what kind of effect this will have on storm surge on top of an impressive forecasted surge. #3, the public is now confused, and when we are facing a storm of this magnitude, confusion is not your friend.#4, the general public has heard about tropical storm and hurricane Sandy ALL WEEK. now, all the sudden a day before it hits, we dont issue hurricane watches or warnings and people see high wind warning.....they will think it somehow has weakened, went out to sea, or will hit less than forecasted.
I am going to set the record straight. We are facing an unprecedented storm. We really dont know whats going to happen when this phase occurs and a massive storm suddenly hangs a hard left and comes ashore. We can see that there is a crapload of rain forecasted, and a hell of a lot of wind. Flooding will occur, power will be lost and damage will be caused. Where? All over....this is a massive storm, with a massive wind field and a massive amount of rain (and snow for those in WVA, E KY, W PA W VA). I really cannot be more clear. Heed the warnings, whatever they are, heed them. If your working, prepare to stay at work. If your at home, prepare to stay at home. Hopefully you have prepped the best you can.
Sorry, had to get this off my chest.
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