Experiment in Human Nature

[ObsessedMiami]

Please take this post with all due respect to people's concerns, opinions, etc. I am as worried about Ivan as the rest of you but if you step outside of the realm of storm info, Storm2K is a fascinating experiment in human nature. Most of us here see the same information and models yet if you browse the posts, many are convinced that the storm is coming/not coming to their area and seem very convinced of that fact. The same info impacts us in very different ways, usually due to past experience and fear of the future. I minored in anthropology in college and I think this BB would make a great study. Its interesting that, no matter what you are predisposed to think of Ivan, you can find confirmation of that opinion somewhere on these boards, as well as denial. Already the lines are forming for gas here in Miami and Home Depot is doing brisk business. How many of you use the posts on this board to determine/augment/modify your state of alert for storms?

Just a curious observation from a lurker who logs on every 20 minutes or so to feed the information jones.

[tronbunny]

Yes, I'll admit that I use this forum as a crutch/confirmation of my analytical skills.
And yes, so far, as a general rule, has been very supportive of my need to act appropriately.

[Mattie]

To me it's more of a "realistic" perspective because the news media is usually so far behind until a hurricane is right on top of you and 100% positive in the landfall. I am in North Texas, a native of South Louisiana and all my family is still there. Being seasoned hurricane veterans, they don't pay any attention to the storms until 24 hours before land fall and I am usually the one that alerts them to significant changes.

In fact, for Lilli, I think (? - slept a few nights since then) I alerted them to a tornado warning before it hit their emergency signals.

So, all in all it's just a good "heads up" resource for me.

[krisj]

I come here for the latest and greatest info. We don't have cable so I only get NBC,CBS, and ABC. The local met here is barely mentioning Ivan. I don't know if that is bad or good. They were all over Frances and Charley. This morning she just basically said it existed, was a Cat 5 and will hit the U.S. mainland somewhere.
While those are all probably very accurate statements, I would like a little more info. I love learning and find this all fascinating too.

[chicagopizza]

I think Kris and I watch the same forecasters. 2 hours from Jacksonville and they barely mention it here. Now that we are in the official "cone" they should. You are right though. I am way more sure Ivan won't bother me here than he will, but look to the boards to prove me right.

[Rainband]

I listen to the Pros and experienced amateurs then read the rest with a grain of salt.

[chicagopizza]

sorry just wanted to say I think I got the term "cone" messed up. I meant that 5 day forecast. Either way, it seems to change all the time until about 48 hours before. Still stand by my original thought. I say no threat to me, but come to the boards for clarification since I have friends in Orlando that I wantto sty here during the hurricane.

[GalvestonDuck]

Same as Johnathan -- I pay more attention to the forecasts of those who I've learned are more experienced. I learn from many - pro and otherwise -- who can answer my questions (about forecasts, prep, evac, and so forth). And I appreciate and share the support and shoulders offered by those outside the target area to those whose lives are being changed.

[cswitwer]

I try to look for all the possibilities-- and for things that people here mention that I don't know about. Like ridges and lows. I also really like to log on where there's severe weather nearby & I can talk to people who are experiencing it before it hits me. Mostly, the prof mets are the ones I really pay attention to and then everything else is just food for thought.

I do feel like the info here is more up to date than what I get from anywhere else.