My observations on this site

[FLAgirl]

I rarely post, but I must say one thing. This is an interesting site, but I can tell from the various comments that a lot of people who visit and post here are "arm-chair" meteorologists. Here's my observations: 1) A PROFESSIONAL would NEVER say, "It's definately going here or there" when a hurricane is 5-7 days away from making landfall. Or even 2-3 days for that matter. Hurricane Charley reminded all of us of that. 2) I think some people treat this site as their "ego" room, where they post their prediction (which is OK if you can do it humbly and respectful of Mother Nature), then brag if their "guess" (which is related to luck only) is somewhere near correct. Then, the poor soul whose "guess" is wrong is critized. Sad. Again, a PROFESSIONAL would NEVER critize a another for making a wrong estimate.

I like this site, but I'm not sure I will be here for the next hurricane. While shopping for my hurricane supplies today, I had to pick up a bottle of Mylanta because my nerves were shattered from reading posts like "It's definately going here" or "It's definately going there," or "look out South Florida." I should have picked up my Clairol #29 because I've got a whole new batch of grays, too!

Remember everyone, like Kramer of Seinfeld said, "Mother Nature is a Mad Scientist." She does what she wants.

Be kind to one another. Bye.

[wilmington-nc]

This is the best post seen for many days............

[Lebowsky]

I feel the same way about some of the predictions that deviate so far from what the officials are telling us. This is life and death, I'm not too interested in bragging rights.

I just want the damned thing to miss my mom and dad.

[elvinp]

Some sanity and reality on a subject that very few of us really understand.

[dekeoy]

This is the best post seen for many days............

Amen to that! If it hits Florida, hope everyone stays safe. If it hits elsewhere, hope they are safe too.

[Guest]

Tensions are running high right now with the looming danger and uncertainty. There are also a lot of newbies here that aren't aware of the normal atmosphere here. This board has a very friendly, family like atmosphere. I urge you to check out some of the other forums here where the discussions are not so "heated". Off Topic for instance. I've developed some great friendships on this board and many other regular posters can attest to this. Sorry the board rubbed you the wrong way. We really are a nice bunch.
...Jennifer...

[Mello1]

I agree. The hysterics of some people is quite ridiculous. The best guidance shows a cone that includes 3 states and if I were in any of them, I would not take anything for granted at this time. Also, judging how Charlie took that quick turn, I think the pros are erring on the conservative side right now which makes sence.

[FLAgirl]

I should have added that my comments were not intended for every post or person. And thank you for your well wishes. I'll need it here in Ft. Lauderdale, as we are still on pins and needles. And, our gas stations are running out of gas, the ATM are running out of $, and people are showing some very ugly sides.

I can tell there are some VERY nice people in here.

Stay safe and kind.

[AL Chili Pepper]

I agree to a point. This board could be more interesting if people would be more objective in their forecasts and what they think it's going to do. Overall though, it's great. Thanks to the posters like Air Force Met, Mike, Derek, and others, I've learned a lot. And thanks to everybody for all the great links. But I feel (hope lol) that most people on here know that when it comes crunch time, it's time to tune it to the NHC.

[rtd2]

qoute"The best guidance shows a cone that includes 3 states and if I were in any of them, I would not take anything for granted at this time. Also, judging how Charlie took that quick turn, I think the pros are erring on the conservative side right now which makes sence."


CONE IS A CYA!...and the charley track was a mere 60 miles off....not too bad imho

[sea oat]

unfortunately as tensions rise you are seeing the bad side of people. that is human nature to protect their "nest" if you will. however and god forbid the storm comes through your way you will see the other side of ppl helping each other out without hesitation.

very good post and i will keep you in my prayers as i will for the rest of the board that may be in harm's way.

[KBBOCA]

A good & needed thread. Things are getting rather ridiculous in the FL vs. Carolina debate. I hope those who are saying it's definitely going to S. FL or it's definitely going to the Carolinas will just cool it.

We've got models jumping around and shifting frequently. 4 models going one way, 2 another and then vice versa... so it is unfortunately way too early to tell... Which is stressing out people in several states and causing major disruption to lives with evacuations, etc.

Who cares who's right about where Frances goes? Let's just hope EVERYONE here stays safe and we all live to debate these things another day.

[Terry]

My two cents worth --- I like reading info posted by this board's prof mets and its seasoned amatuers and comparing with what local mets and NHC says and my own eyes see on sat and my long-time FL hurricane memory tells me. It provides me with more info than simply watching TWC.

Some people are alarmist. Some are "never happen to me" folks. Prepare for the worst, pray for the darn thing to miraculously fall apart, and stay tuned to every piece of info you can gather so you can make rational personal decisions leading to a safe outcome for you and your family!

[Lebowsky]

Amen, Terry. I'm a native Floridian and I don't want ANY of my state torn up, I just hope if it hits people won't be too proud to go to the evacuation shelters, I sure will.

[birdwomn]

To say tensions are high is quite the understatement. Normally rational people who handle things with a cool head are really frightened by this storm, justifiably so. Many people got slammed by Charley and are just beginning to pick up the pieces of thier lives and are now facing Frances, which is even more formiable.

In addition to that, if you are in the position to evacuate, the question becomes, where do you run? You may know you need to leave, but how far is far enough and which way do you go? It is too soon to answer those questions, but if you don't make a decision quickly, it will be too late to leave.

Basically, I have been talking to friends and family and people are just really anxious right now. So, I will close by saying, we all need to be extra gentle and understanding with one another here.

[deadcities]

I've been lurking on this site since last year, and while there's definitely a LOT of good info to be had here, I also say there's a LOT of people who seem to think they have Hurricanes all figured out and can do no wrong when it comes to predicting them.

My personal favorite was the guy who said he knew where it was headed based upon his holding an envelope up to his monitor and using it's straight edge to point to a target.

[FritzPaul]

My father use to tell me that "The NHC is real good at telling you what the storm is doing right now, the rest is an uncertainty".

In other words hurricanes are VERY unpredictable.

[T'Bonz]

I should have added that my comments were not intended for every post or person. And thank you for your well wishes. I'll need it here in Ft. Lauderdale, as we are still on pins and needles. And, our gas stations are running out of gas, the ATM are running out of $, and people are showing some very ugly sides.

I can tell there are some VERY nice people in here.

Stay safe and kind.

**waves from Ft. Lauderdale**

Agonizing, isn't it? I remember what Andrew did to Kendall. *brr*

[Anonymous]

My heart and fervent prayers go out to the people in harm's way.

Frankly, I HATE hurricanes.

Last year, I went down to Nags Head, North Carolina on the Outer Banks and I was horrified at what I saw. I went down there three weeks after Isabel. The damage was horrific. That was only a weak Cat 2 hurricane moving fast at 20 mph.

This one is a hellish Cat 4, and it could intensify to Cat 5.

I hope this hurricane recurves out to sea and dies a quick death. I don't want it to hit anyone.

But please, please, don't hit my beloved Outer Banks. I hope to God that Frances stays far, far away from Nags Head !!!

When I saw the horrific damage that Isabel did to Nags Head, I broke down and cried like I did on September 11, 2001.

I don't know what I'd ever do if this horrible hurricane ever hit my precious OBX !!!!

I have been waiting with bated breath all year, for October 8th, when me and my Christian singles group goes down to Nags Head again this year!!

All year long I have been conducting my jebwalks, thinking of Nags Head and my last precious jebwalk along the beach.

Hurricane Frances would wash the OBX away.

Why can't the doggone hurricane just go out to sea and die?

Did I mention that I don't like hurricanes?

[dixiebreeze]

Although there are pro mets on S2K, it is basically a forum for amatuers and those who are simply, weather buffs. Especially the tropics.

It's hard to imagine that anyone would take as gospel any of the comments, predictions, forecasts and guesses one sees on a weather forum not officially sanctioned by the NHC!

This is a forum for discussion, debate and genuine chat over about the mysteries --- and science -- of weather phenomena.

All any of us can do is be as prepared as possible. Have your shelter lined up, your property as secured as possible --- and a little prayer won't hurt anything, either.