Our Other Season

Hurricanes
Well it’s almost that time of year again, hurricane season which runs from June 1 – November 30th, usually more activity August – October, but of course Mother Nature can do her own thing whenever she wants.
If you are new or a visitor to a hurricane area, the good thing is we get plenty of notice, well as much as we can get. You will hear about a storm well in advance, at times worrying for nothing because it may take a new path. We first are told about tropical depressions; an organized system with winds less than 38mph, then tropical storms; winds ranging from 39 – 73 and much more circular than a depression, next is a hurricane; well defined in pattern with winds 74+mph. Once you have a hurricane then they are described in categories, given a number 1 – 5 depending on the wind speed; Cat 1 is 74–95, Cat 2 is 96–110, Cat 3 (remember Katrina) is 111-130, Cat 4 (heard of Andrew?) is 131-155, Cat 5 is 155+.
Watch-means you have a possibility to experience this storm within the next 36 hours
Warning-means this storm is expected in the next 24 hours
The eye – center of the rotation and the winds are calm. If you experience the eye passing you will have calmer winds, then they will pick up but blow in the opposite direction.
Things to do to prepare for a storm;
Gas up, bring yard items inside, get a weather radio and stock up on batteries, have a current list of phone numbers and even a number of someone not in the area that people can check in with, stock up your supplies; basics including water, non perishables, don’t forget your pets, babies and medicine. Get bills out early if needed – they will not be as understanding in another state. Put up hurricane shutters or plywood – shutters bring such peace of mind and are not that too costly (I have 19 windows and 3 sets of sliders so I know).
A Caribbean poem:
June – too soon, July – stand by!, August – look out you must, September – remember, October – pretty much over!