CYCLONE MIKE wrote:For those that have lived along the northern gulf coast for many years just take a second and think about all of the storms that have turned north and east quicker than models were showing. It’s going to be riding the outer periphery of the ridge and stair stepping it’s way wnw. Tomorrow there could be a several hours of her moving more north than west, like Marco, and that could easily make a difference of landfalling in SW LA or SC LA. 50-80 miles is not that much difference 60 hrs out.
I have to say, driving from Pensacola to San Antonio today I was a bit shocked at what I saw. Perhaps even a little discouraged.
I would say there was zero concern for any inclement weather in Pensacola. There was a fair amount of traffic heading north from Mobile to Baton Rouge. But nothing like evacuation traffic. Saw quite a few boats and trailers being hauled. Many of them with local plates. So figured people were getting their toys a little further north.
From New Orleans to Houston the traffic was heavier than usual. But again, nothing like evacuation traffic. At the gas stations I stopped at everyone was happy go lucky and carefree. No feeling of concern for what may be coming at them in a couple of days whatsoever.
Traffic heading east out of Houston was lighter than usual. But by no means scant. Did pass a convoy heading east out of Houston of utility trucks. So they obviously are preparing for something to hit east of Houston. Have no idea why they are staging east this early. Still a lot of uncertainty about where this thing hits as well as intensity.
Traffic north west on I 10 from Houston to San Antonio was light. I asked when I checked in at the Hyatt whether they were getting a fair amount of reservations from the Houston area. She told me not at all. They have plenty of vacancies.
Maybe it’s the uncertainty of the storm (both track and intensity) that has people hedging their bets about whether to get out of Dodge. Perhaps it’s concern about COVD. Regardless, seems like there is a level of complacency that could end up being disastrous if a worst-case track/Intensity track bears out.
I was reading about the New Orleans Levee system after I got to the hotel tonight. From what I read it is barely fortified to handle a cat one hurricane/surge. Not really able to handle anything like a major hurricane or surge.
I hope everyone pays attention and gets out of harms way if they’re able.
(I just realized I accidentally posted this in the models thread. Trying to figure out how to delete the entire thread but couldn’t figure it out. My apologies)
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