Hurricane Season

Thoughts for Joplin

Joplin is a quiet town of 50,000 in SE Missouri, with Route 66 passing through.  From the single tornado that destroyed 2/3 the town yesterday, the current toll is 116 dead and 1,150 injured.  My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Joplin.

I read an article that looked at the nearly 500 tornado deaths so far this year.  The expert from NOAA said that there have not been an unusually large number of tornadoes this year, the problem is that they are hitting populated areas.  That just goes to show that a tornado can hit anywhere at any time.  In the last century, each of the 50 states has been hit by a tornado.  Wherever you live, please get a NOAA weather alert radiofor your home and work, and develop a tornado sheltering plan.


Hurricane Prep Tax Holiday

Wednesday marks the start of the hurricane prep sales tax holiday here in Virginia.  Florida and Louisiana also have a hurricane sales tax holiday, other states may as well.  It's a good opportunity to stock up on some basic supplies and save 5% while sticking it to the man.  This link details what is and is not eligible.  Unfortunately, weapons, long term storage foods, and clothing are not exempt, but quite a bit is (and there is a clothing sales tax holiday in August).  Weather radios are included, so its a great time to get one!  We'll pick up a couple for gifts, and flesh out a few other preps this week.


This Season's Predictions

This time of year, I check the National Hurricane Center each morning to look at what is forming out in the Atlantic.  As storms form, I check throughout the day.

Once again this year, the Center predicts a higher than normal Atlantic hurricane season.

• 12 to 18 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which:
• 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including:
• 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher)

Over the past few years, they've called for active seasons, but for the most part, the East Coast has been very fortunate.  That is not a reason to ignore or scoff at this year's predictions.  We have to pay attention as storms form, and if in the path, we really need to consider if we need to evacuate our families BEFORE the order comes.  Waiting to be told to leave will result in being stuck in bumper to bumper gridlock, and being in a potentially more dangerous situation than staying at home.  Not to mention, if you evacuate early, you have a much wider choice of where you can go.