Strengthening?

[Windfall]

If this storm strengthens, will its southwestern side (i am on that side) strengthen causing strong gusts and possibly tornados? I lived through Charley (i was in sebring at the time it hit arcadia) and experienced hurricane force winds. Now what really annoys me is some of the ignorance displayed by people here in dade county who have not experienced 74+ mph winds. I doubt this storm will teach them any lesson if it keeps moving NW. The main thing here is that I want some of the newcomers to Miami to stop underestimating the potential destructive forces that can be caused by a hurricane. I am not saying all Miamians haven't experienced hurricanes, just some of the newcomers. These people have the false impression that a hurricane is some rain and breezy weather slightly swaying palm trees here and there but nothing more. Tornados, storm surge, microbursts, 74+ mph winds, and inland flooding mean absolutely nothing to some of them.

[inotherwords]

I don't think people in Miami are the only ones who are guilty of this, I think it's pretty widespread throughout Florida. I know there are tons of people in this area (sw coast ) who are as ignorant of the power of hurricanes. Or were until a couple weeks ago.

[birdwomn]

I have to agree. Even TS force winds and rain can be quite damaging and dangerous to be out in, yet I have heard comments such as "why should we close if all we are expecting is a TS?"

Clearly, these folks have never tried to drive a car in heavy rain with 50-70mph winds.

Sure, you may not have your house leveled, but it is still foolhardy to be messing around with a storm like this.

[ssmith]

What I have found is people try to reason wind in MPH to MPH while driving,
I suggested for a test they go for a ride in our convertible and at 75 MPH try to stand up right.

no I would not let them do it either .

[Jupiter]

How about riding on I-95 at 75mph on your motorcycle no-handed....strong wind and suicidal

[Jupiter]

Oh I forgot at least your sitting down...worse if standing !!

[Brent]

Typically the main threat for tornadoes is north and east of where the center is, so, no. You'll still have some gusty winds and rain though.

[NateFLA]

The way I think about it....

Support a window pane by the frame standing vertically on your car. Get going 70mph. Think your window is pretty strong? Go 120mph. 120mph winds are not completly ruled out in this storm, and when you think about it that way, it gets scary. Increase the surface area to a whole wall... do you realize how many PSI are being exerted over such a huge area!

Scary to say the least...

[joseph01]

The way I think about it....

Support a window pane by the frame standing vertically on your car. Get going 70mph. Think your window is pretty strong? Go 120mph. 120mph winds are not completly ruled out in this storm, and when you think about it that way, it gets scary. Increase the surface area to a whole wall... do you realize how many PSI are being exerted over such a huge area!

Scary to say the least...

I'm going to go try that right now.

[LadyStorm]

For those of you who have never experienced a storm surge here is a video taken from Hurricane Isabel:

http://www.weathervine.com/hurricanes/i ... surge.html

If this storm strengthens, will its southwestern side (i am on that side) strengthen causing strong gusts and possibly tornados? I lived through Charley (i was in sebring at the time it hit arcadia) and experienced hurricane force winds. Now what really annoys me is some of the ignorance displayed by people here in dade county who have not experienced 74+ mph winds. I doubt this storm will teach them any lesson if it keeps moving NW. The main thing here is that I want some of the newcomers to Miami to stop underestimating the potential destructive forces that can be caused by a hurricane. I am not saying all Miamians haven't experienced hurricanes, just some of the newcomers. These people have the false impression that a hurricane is some rain and breezy weather slightly swaying palm trees here and there but nothing more. Tornados, storm surge, microbursts, 74+ mph winds, and inland flooding mean absolutely nothing to some of them.

[hibiscushouse]

Cool video. Pretty impressive.
I've lived in the Clearwater area for 42 years, well all of my life, and have lived with these winds on and off for a long time. Currently, I've lived either right on the beach or the intercoastal for the last 20 years. Each and every time one of these tropical storms come up, I am always taken back by the force of the wind. Even 35 mph winds. Even though my mind knows how strong it can get, the power still is surprising. I guess it's because it, for the most part, is always so calm. Now, if I can be humbled by the strength, even with the years I've experienced it, I can see where some of those who've never been through it could misjudge it.
But this is where they need to heed the warning of those with the experience. Over and over again though, you hear and see the people that don't. And always, in the end, you will read this; "After that experience, I will NEVER stay for another storm....I will leave!"