Predicting Hurricane Season - Sans the Science

[WeatherWiseGuy]

Good evening, everyone. A thread on this board about lovebugs and their possible relationship to the hurricane season started me to thinking - a dangerous situation. I started wondering what kind of signs you may have heard about that people have used in the past to forecast the possibility of a hurricane coming to their area during hurricane season. Also, do you think it's all myth or could there be something to it? Come on everybody, leave the science out and let's have a little fun with this. Anyone know of a surefire sign they will have a hurricane this year?

[JonathanBelles]

When all the animals start hiding. It happened in Charley in 2004 and in Dennis in 2005.

[WeatherWiseGuy]

Yes, I have heard of animals going into hiding. Interesting phenomena. How about signs for long range predictions?

[wobblehead]

Well what the heck. I'm in. The past few years, except last year, we have had close calls here in Mobile and folks have noticed that banana trees during these years have put on fruit earlier in the season than usual. Old timers say when the pecan crop looks good here we can expect a storm or near miss.

[Berwick Bay]

First of all, I love this topic. Well '05 was predicted by all the scientists to be an active season, and it really was. But early in that season, some of the old-timers at Grand Isle, La. (due south of New Orleans) commented that they "were going to get a storm" this year. The way they said it, inferred that the storm would be significant. They were referring to an absence of acorns coming off the oak trees down there that spring-summer. Well, we all know what happened.

[TheShrimper]

Well, judge as you may, but 24 hrs. before Charley made himself known here on Pine Island, I walked into the den and found our bassett hound standing on his head propped up in the corner of the room. I thought it to be odd untill I walked into that same room before Wilma arrived, and Fred was in that same posture, this time with a six pack of Bud next to him. I will keep a constant vigil this year to Fred's actions and will post accordingly. It will help us here in SW Fla. to prepare for an impending strike.

[WeatherWiseGuy]

Well what the heck. I'm in. The past few years, except last year, we have had close calls here in Mobile and folks have noticed that banana trees during these years have put on fruit earlier in the season than usual. Old timers say when the pecan crop looks good here we can expect a storm or near miss.

Well, what do you think Wobblehead? Does there seem to be any truth to it?

[JonathanBelles]

I've also heard the Acorn story.

[WeatherWiseGuy]

Well, judge as you may, but 24 hrs. before Charley made himself known here on Pine Island, I walked into the den and found our bassett hound standing on his head propped up in the corner of the room. I thought it to be odd untill I walked into that same room before Wilma arrived, and Fred was in that same posture, this time with a six pack of Bud next to him. I will keep a constant vigil this year to Fred's actions and will post accordingly. It will help us here in SW Fla. to prepare for an impending strike.

Just keep the dog away from the booze during any hurricanes this year!

[WeatherWiseGuy]

I've also heard the Acorn story.

What is the acorn story? Number of acorns the predictive factor or some other quality?

[JonathanBelles]

No acorns in an active season.

[WeatherWiseGuy]

No acorns in an active season.

So what are the acorns indicating for this year?

[TheShrimper]

Don't worry, he gets carded when he goes into the package store, but he knows of a local Circle K where the age question never arises. I will however see if any Mad Dog 20/20 arrives on the scene. That may indicate a Major strike.

[JonathanBelles]

No acorns in an active season.

So what are the acorns indicating for this year?

I dont know, I dont have any acorns in the area.

[TheShrimper]

Or is it Mad Dog 50/50, I don't drink the crap ???

[wobblehead]

Well what the heck. I'm in. The past few years, except last year, we have had close calls here in Mobile and folks have noticed that banana trees during these years have put on fruit earlier in the season than usual. Old timers say when the pecan crop looks good here we can expect a storm or near miss.

Well, what do you think Wobblehead? Does there seem to be any truth to it?

Well if my bananas come on early this year again and Mobile gets whacked I'll seriously consider killing the plants, and if my dog stands on his head and ask for a bud I'll really get concerned. Pecan trees here usually bear good crops when we receive good rainfall amounts during the summer. For all I know this might relate to some kind of weather pattern effecting tropical developement but I doubt it. I wonder if my dog likes bud or miller? Want to be prepared you know!

[JonathanBelles]

That was a hilarious post wobblehead!

[Fego]

Down here in Puerto Rico, when we have an abundant avocado harvest, is a sign of trouble in terms of quantity of storm and hurricanes. Our grandparents assure that. I'll keep you all post about those avocados... who want some guacamole?

[WeatherWiseGuy]

Okay, here's a pop-quiz based on what we've learned so far. If your booze imbibing dog is standing on his head surrounded by acorns and avocados, what does it mean?

[TheShrimper]

It means, We are F-------, you fill in the rest, not using "Fine " or "Fantastic", as an option. Good, question, alot of fun before it gets cranked up.