question!

[hurricanedude]

I believe a Hurricane Warning should have been issued at 8pm.....I think the public would have got the word better, Im not big on issuing major updates on the 11pm advisory, many people may have already called it a night! the thing is just 4 miles shy of cane status and racing north at almost 20mph.....why wait till everyone goes to bed to issue a warning!!

[feederband]

I agree!!

[Matt-hurricanewatcher]

The winds at flight level are now 86 mph which reduces to around 75 mph. Look like we got a hurricane by this data. Wahooo!!!!!!!!!!

[Pebbles]

This is a great question. Problem is people in a watch area should be monitoring the situation. That is what a watch is for. It would be like having a tornado watch in TX and nasty storms going through at 11pm and not keeping an eye on the tv or having a weather radio set.

I am a firm believer that those who live in hurricane areas are very much aware of what the different levels mean. Are for the most part intelligent enough to understand the information provided to make their choices. At this point and time people should have their hurricane preps done. The bands are already affecting the possible strike areas.

I don't believe the NHC should have to 'up' their status because not all people take into account the 'watch' status to mean a hurricane MAY strike. They should be paying attention already to a watch storm.

Christine
I smile because i have no idea what's going on!
2005 guess: 15/10/6
<----- Feel free to Rub the cute LUCKY Pebbles belly!

[feederband]

The winds at flight level are now 86 mph which reduces to around 75 mph. Look like we got a hurricane by this data. Wahooo!!!!!!!!!!

Man if every recon fix keeps making her stronger what will it be by landfall...

[CFL]

We do have category 1 evacuations in place in Escambia County. The only thing that concerns me personally is that our local weatherman played down the possibilities Arlene making hurricane status at the 5pm and 6pm newscasts. In all fairness they will be continuing to broadcast updates throughout the night. I just hope noone turned off their TV at 6:30pm thinking it's a done deal!

[Anonymous]

I agree with you the warning should have been issued. JMO

[Rainband]

I trust the NHC.

[Matt-hurricanewatcher]

Do you trust the nhc more then God?

[Rainband]

Do you trust the nhc more then God?

watch it buddy

[Lowpressure]

Remember that this area is still reeling from last years hurricanes. The residents here are well aware of what is going on in the Gulf. I do not think this will catch anyone off guard. All of that said, I agree warnings should have gone up at 8 if NHC thinks more stengthening is coming.

[Brent]

I trust the NHC.

I do too... but please, this is 4 mph from a hurricane and it's 12 hours away from the strong winds reaching the coast. I'm sorry but that's stupid. They should have issued a special advisory and done it(to be honest, it should have been done at 5pm).

[Brent]

We do have category 1 evacuations in place in Escambia County. The only thing that concerns me personally is that our local weatherman played down the possibilities Arlene making hurricane status at the 5pm and 6pm newscasts. In all fairness they will be continuing to broadcast updates throughout the night. I just hope noone turned off their TV at 6:30pm thinking it's a done deal!

Well... while I think it's stupid for the mets to downplay the chances, the affects aren't going to be much different whether it's 70 mph, 75 mph, or 80 mph. People SHOULD have prepared for a Cat 1 anyway once that watch went up.

[Thunder44]

Not only should they upgrade to hurricane warnings but they might as well upgrade the storm itself to a hurricane now. Even though it's not quite there yet, it soon probably will be. It's better than upgrading it in the middle of night when eveyone is sleeping. It serves the public better this way.

[hurricanedude]

not an issue of trust rainband..I trust the NHC as well....but sometimes, ya gotta just use your head....a strenthening storm...racing for the coast...come on...you know better

[Rainband]

We do have category 1 evacuations in place in Escambia County. The only thing that concerns me personally is that our local weatherman played down the possibilities Arlene making hurricane status at the 5pm and 6pm newscasts. In all fairness they will be continuing to broadcast updates throughout the night. I just hope noone turned off their TV at 6:30pm thinking it's a done deal!

Well... while I think it's stupid for the mets to downplay the chances, the affects aren't going to be much different whether it's 70 mph, 75 mph, or 80 mph. People SHOULD have prepared for a Cat 1 anyway once that watch went up.

EXACTLY

[hurricanedude]

ok...i agree....now they have watched it...now they should be WARNED of it...fair enough?

[Rainband]

ok...i agree....now they have watched it...now they should be WARNED of it...fair enough?

They were warned of a TS and it's a 5mph difference. see the point

[hurricanedude]

GRRRRRRRR...argumental arent we???

[air360]

With a hurricane watch out i think anyone, ESPECIALLY in the areas down south that dealt such hard blows last season, would be glued to the tv or the NHC. maybe it just seems so obvious to all of us becuase of our love for hurricanes and weather. But personally if i know there is going to be the chance of a hurricane...even a Cat 1...within the next day or two...I'll be up for every update and every 2 and 8 update as well. But i suppose it doesnt truely "excuse" the NHC from the logical idea that a 5pm or even 8pm upgrade would have been the best way to get the word out to the people who DONT spend hours glued to storm2k or other sites and sources:)