Over the weekend, Savannah dodged another bullet as Tropical Storm Hanna moved by far enough off of the coast to cause minimal effects to Savannah and the coastal Georgia area. All we received was a small amount of wind and rain, with none of it damaging in nature.
While it does cause worry in that such an experience could cause some in the public to think that officials are pulling a "Chicken Little," crying the "Sky is falling!" it did provide somewhat of a dress rehearsal for future emergencies. On the local government level, the Chatham County EOC was partially activated and emergency officials and the media worked together to keep the public informed. On the amateur radio level, it was a wake-up call to get ready. During the Thursday night ARES net, there were over 30 check-ins.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Showing posts with label Tropical Storm Hanna. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tropical Storm Hanna. Show all posts
08 September 2008
05 September 2008
CEMA Tropical Storm Hanna News Release #12
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING has been issued for an area that includes Chatham County.
AT 11:00AM, the center of Tropical Storm Hanna was located near latitude 28.9 N, 79.2W, or approximately 220 miles South-Southeast of Chatham County. Movement is to the Northwest near 17 MPH.
The National Weather Service has issued Tropical Storm WARNINGS from Altamaha Sound, GA northward along the Atlantic Coast to Sandy Hook, NJ. Hanna continues to move to the northwest but a turn to the north is expected later today. On Saturday, Hanna is expected to increase in forward speed and slightly strengthen before making landfall near Myrtle Beach, SC. Upon making landfall, Hanna will begin weakening immediately. It is expected that the center of Hanna will be near the southeast coast of the United States this afternoon and tonight.
Because tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 315 miles from the center of Hanna, Chatham County residents should finalize their preparations for the possibility of power outages and downed trees. It is also expected that Chatham County will experience slightly higher tides, 2-3 inches of rain, and the possibility of 35-45 mph wind with gusts reaching 65 mph on Friday evening. ANY INDIVIDUALS WHO RELY ON ELECTRICITY FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES SHOULD FINALIZE EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS. If you would like to sign up for the Chatham County Special Needs Registry, please call 912-356-2441.
CEMA updates will continue throughout the day as staff monitors the storm. Evacuation orders have not been issued.
CEMA continues to remain in Operating Conditions 4, to monitor Tropical Storm Hanna’s path.
Again, please be advised that there are two additional storms in the Atlantic: Hurricane Ike (which is currently a Category 4) and Tropical Storm Josephine. It is strongly recommended that Chatham County residents continue making improvements to their family preparedness plans. If you do not have family and pet evacuation plans, please establish them now (including evacuation transportation) for precautionary purposes.
AT 11:00AM, the center of Tropical Storm Hanna was located near latitude 28.9 N, 79.2W, or approximately 220 miles South-Southeast of Chatham County. Movement is to the Northwest near 17 MPH.
The National Weather Service has issued Tropical Storm WARNINGS from Altamaha Sound, GA northward along the Atlantic Coast to Sandy Hook, NJ. Hanna continues to move to the northwest but a turn to the north is expected later today. On Saturday, Hanna is expected to increase in forward speed and slightly strengthen before making landfall near Myrtle Beach, SC. Upon making landfall, Hanna will begin weakening immediately. It is expected that the center of Hanna will be near the southeast coast of the United States this afternoon and tonight.
Because tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 315 miles from the center of Hanna, Chatham County residents should finalize their preparations for the possibility of power outages and downed trees. It is also expected that Chatham County will experience slightly higher tides, 2-3 inches of rain, and the possibility of 35-45 mph wind with gusts reaching 65 mph on Friday evening. ANY INDIVIDUALS WHO RELY ON ELECTRICITY FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES SHOULD FINALIZE EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS. If you would like to sign up for the Chatham County Special Needs Registry, please call 912-356-2441.
CEMA updates will continue throughout the day as staff monitors the storm. Evacuation orders have not been issued.
CEMA continues to remain in Operating Conditions 4, to monitor Tropical Storm Hanna’s path.
Again, please be advised that there are two additional storms in the Atlantic: Hurricane Ike (which is currently a Category 4) and Tropical Storm Josephine. It is strongly recommended that Chatham County residents continue making improvements to their family preparedness plans. If you do not have family and pet evacuation plans, please establish them now (including evacuation transportation) for precautionary purposes.
CEMA Tropical Storm Hanna News Release #11
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING has been issued for an area that includes Chatham County.
AT 08:00AM, the center of Tropical Storm Hanna was located near latitude 28.2 N, 78.8W, or approximately 330 miles South-Southeast of Chatham County. Movement is to the Northwest near 18 MPH. A gradual turn to the North with an increase in forward speed is expected later today.
Maximum sustained winds are near 65mph with higher gusts. Tropical Storm Force Winds extend outward up to 315 miles from the center. Only a slight strengthening is forecast prior to landfall along the Carolina Coast, although it is still possible for HANNA to become a hurricane.
The effects from HANNA can be expected along the coast beginning today. Before midnight, we can expect 1-2 inches of rain and 15-25mph winds, with gusts to 45-55mph. Coastal storm surge flooding of 1-2 feet above normal tide levels, along with minor beach erosion is likely. After midnight, winds should decrease to 15-25mph. Swells from HANNA continue to cause a high risk of dangerous RIP currents along portions of the Georgia Coast. The tornado threat associated with HANNA for our area is low.
Widespread disruptions to our local power grid may occur due to downed trees and power lines. Citizens who rely on electrically powered equipment for health and safety reasons, especially in our island areas, need to make appropriate preparations.
CEMA will continue to remain in OPCON 4 which is the first stage of advanced alert and preparation. Emergency response agencies should review their Hurricane Plans and determine the availability of assets, resources and personnel. Agencies with reporting responsibilities should be doing so at this time. All interested parties should maintain vigilance in monitoring this storm, thoroughly check emergency supplies, and review evacuation plans.
AT 08:00AM, the center of Tropical Storm Hanna was located near latitude 28.2 N, 78.8W, or approximately 330 miles South-Southeast of Chatham County. Movement is to the Northwest near 18 MPH. A gradual turn to the North with an increase in forward speed is expected later today.
Maximum sustained winds are near 65mph with higher gusts. Tropical Storm Force Winds extend outward up to 315 miles from the center. Only a slight strengthening is forecast prior to landfall along the Carolina Coast, although it is still possible for HANNA to become a hurricane.
The effects from HANNA can be expected along the coast beginning today. Before midnight, we can expect 1-2 inches of rain and 15-25mph winds, with gusts to 45-55mph. Coastal storm surge flooding of 1-2 feet above normal tide levels, along with minor beach erosion is likely. After midnight, winds should decrease to 15-25mph. Swells from HANNA continue to cause a high risk of dangerous RIP currents along portions of the Georgia Coast. The tornado threat associated with HANNA for our area is low.
Widespread disruptions to our local power grid may occur due to downed trees and power lines. Citizens who rely on electrically powered equipment for health and safety reasons, especially in our island areas, need to make appropriate preparations.
CEMA will continue to remain in OPCON 4 which is the first stage of advanced alert and preparation. Emergency response agencies should review their Hurricane Plans and determine the availability of assets, resources and personnel. Agencies with reporting responsibilities should be doing so at this time. All interested parties should maintain vigilance in monitoring this storm, thoroughly check emergency supplies, and review evacuation plans.
04 September 2008
CEMA Tropical Storm Hanna News Release #9
At 5:00 am, Tropical Storm Hanna was located near Latitude 24.0 North, Longitude 72.8West and continues to move to the northwest at a speed of 12 mph. It is expected that Hanna will increase slightly in strength over the next several days and CEMA will remain in Operating Condition 4 to monitor her progress.
On Friday evening, Chatham County residents can expect slightly higher tides, 2-4 inches of rain, and the possibility of 25-35 mph wind with gusts reaching 45 mph. Chatham County will remain under a Tropical Storm WATCH until further notice by the National Weather Service.
Residents are encouraged to continue to monitor the storm and to expect power outages in some parts of the County. Anyone who is dependant on electricity for medical purposes should be making preparations now.
During a 5:15 am conference call with the National Weather Service – Charleston, Chatham County Officials discussed the need to respond to Hanna’s projected path. Chatham County Officials are continuing to monitor Hanna’s path but will not issue any evacuation orders at this time. Another 11:15 am conference call is scheduled with the National Weather Service.
Again, please be advised that there are two additional storms in the Atlantic: Hurricane Ike (which is currently a Category 4) and Tropical Storm Josephine. It is strongly recommended that Chatham County residents continue making improvements to their family preparedness plans. If you do not have family and pet evacuation plans, please establish them now (including evacuation transportation) for precautionary purposes.
On Friday evening, Chatham County residents can expect slightly higher tides, 2-4 inches of rain, and the possibility of 25-35 mph wind with gusts reaching 45 mph. Chatham County will remain under a Tropical Storm WATCH until further notice by the National Weather Service.
Residents are encouraged to continue to monitor the storm and to expect power outages in some parts of the County. Anyone who is dependant on electricity for medical purposes should be making preparations now.
During a 5:15 am conference call with the National Weather Service – Charleston, Chatham County Officials discussed the need to respond to Hanna’s projected path. Chatham County Officials are continuing to monitor Hanna’s path but will not issue any evacuation orders at this time. Another 11:15 am conference call is scheduled with the National Weather Service.
Again, please be advised that there are two additional storms in the Atlantic: Hurricane Ike (which is currently a Category 4) and Tropical Storm Josephine. It is strongly recommended that Chatham County residents continue making improvements to their family preparedness plans. If you do not have family and pet evacuation plans, please establish them now (including evacuation transportation) for precautionary purposes.
03 September 2008
CEMA Tropical Storm Hanna News Release #8
At 5:00 pm, Tropical Storm Hanna was located near Latitude 21.9 North, Longitude 71.9West and continues to move to the northwest at a speed of 12 mph. Hanna has picked up in speed since this morning and it is predicted that she will continue to do so. With this forward speed, it is predicted that she not make landfall in or near Georgia but will continue north to the North Carolina coastline.
While tropical storm tracking models are predicting that Hanna will make a sharp Easterly turn bypassing Chatham County all together, CEMA continues to encourage Chatham County residents to remain alert and continue to monitor weather advisories via TV, radio or internet. As with any tropical storm, there is always the possibility of error with prediction models. CEMA officials will continue to watch Hanna and provide updates as necessary.
Again, please be advised that there are two additional tropical storms in the Atlantic: Tropical Storm Ike and Josephine. It is strongly recommended that Chatham County residents continue making improvements to their family preparedness plans. If you do not have a family and pet evacuation plan, please establish one now (including evacuation transportation) for precautionary purposes.
While tropical storm tracking models are predicting that Hanna will make a sharp Easterly turn bypassing Chatham County all together, CEMA continues to encourage Chatham County residents to remain alert and continue to monitor weather advisories via TV, radio or internet. As with any tropical storm, there is always the possibility of error with prediction models. CEMA officials will continue to watch Hanna and provide updates as necessary.
Again, please be advised that there are two additional tropical storms in the Atlantic: Tropical Storm Ike and Josephine. It is strongly recommended that Chatham County residents continue making improvements to their family preparedness plans. If you do not have a family and pet evacuation plan, please establish one now (including evacuation transportation) for precautionary purposes.
CEMA Tropical Storm Hanna News Release #7
At 2:00 pm, Tropical Storm Hanna was located near Latitude 20.6 North, Longitude 71.8 West and continues to move to the northwest at a speed of 10 mph. Hanna has picked up in speed since this morning and it is predicted that she will continue to do so. With this forward speed, it is predicted that she will make landfall within the next several days along the South Carolina coast.
The National Weather Service’s tracking models show Hanna moving toward the Myrtle Beach / Charleston, SC area. However, as with all tropical storms it is prudent that Chatham County residents remain alert and continue to monitor weather advisories via TV, radio or internet.
CEMA is currently monitoring the storm but has not made any evacuation recommendations. If Hanna’s current projected path continues, it is unlikely that Chatham County residents will need to evacuate. However, if there is a small shift in the storm’s direction, it may be necessary to issue a partial evacuation. Residents are strongly encouraged to continue monitoring Hanna’s path.
Please be advised that there are two additional tropical storms in the Atlantic: Tropical Storm Ike and Josephine. Chatham County residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and maintain proper family preparedness plans.
The National Weather Service’s tracking models show Hanna moving toward the Myrtle Beach / Charleston, SC area. However, as with all tropical storms it is prudent that Chatham County residents remain alert and continue to monitor weather advisories via TV, radio or internet.
CEMA is currently monitoring the storm but has not made any evacuation recommendations. If Hanna’s current projected path continues, it is unlikely that Chatham County residents will need to evacuate. However, if there is a small shift in the storm’s direction, it may be necessary to issue a partial evacuation. Residents are strongly encouraged to continue monitoring Hanna’s path.
Please be advised that there are two additional tropical storms in the Atlantic: Tropical Storm Ike and Josephine. Chatham County residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and maintain proper family preparedness plans.
1100 Hours Tropical Storm Hanna Forecast Track
Tropical Storm Hanna's latest forecast track continues to show it tracking towards central South Carolina. Savannah, however, is still within the forecast cone. If you look at the second map, the track map from NAVMETOCCEN Norfolk, you can see that the system is still forecast to come close to us (look at the circles around the Hurricane symbol)
As noted in a newspaper article this morning and heard in Coast Guard notices to mariners on 157.100 (Marine VHF Ch. 22), the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick have been put in Port Condition Whiskey by the Captain of the Port.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
0500 Hours Tropical Storm Hanna Forecast Track and NOAA 49 in Savannah
Last night when I went to bed, Tropical Storm Hanna's aim had once again shifted towards Savannah. The 5 day forecast track put it making landfall very close to Savannah before moving northward. This morning as I check the forecast, the track has shifted back to the central South Carolina Coast. This erratic nature of the forecast track is why we must be vigilant regarding Tropical Storm Hanna. As the CEMA News Releases mention, minor changes in each advisory can result in major changes to the forecast track.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
I don't know whether it is related to TS Hanna, but NOAA 49, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Gulfstream G-IV arrived at Savannah International Airport last night.
We can't ignore the threat of Hanna, but we must also pay attention to TS Ike and TS Josephine, which are brewing and gaining strength in the Atlantic.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
01 September 2008
Hurricane Hanna Forms
Tropical Storm Hanna has developed into Hurricane Hanna. This storm is one that we in the Coastal Georgia and Savannah area must pay attention to in the coming days. The 5 day forecast track is forecasting Hanna to come ashore in the Savannah area.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
28 August 2008
Tropical Storm Hanna
Tropical Depression 8 was upgraded to Tropical Storm Hanna with the 1100 Eastern advisory. The forecast track still looks pretty much the same: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at3.shtml?5day#contents
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
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