As of 8 AM today, 9/1/2019, Hurricane Dorian's projected path continues to be off the east coast of Florida by quite a few miles. The experts now say that it will likely stay out to sea in the Atlantic as it moves more north and northeasterly on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week. Dozens of different projections say this. If you look at the "cone" you will notice that most of western Florida, including Zephyrhills, Pasco County and Tampa are no longer included. That should give us a modicum of relief. Those things could change, the experts say it is unlikely.
It should be noted that as I write this the storm is over the northern Bahamas and its winds have strengthened to an incredible 180 miles per hour. Wow! Almost like a gigantic tornado instead of a hurricane. Those islands are so flat, I dread what is happening there at this moment. The forecasters say that the storm's movement is just 5 miles an hour which means the islands could be blasted with these winds for 24 yours possibly! Terrible!
I still expect that parts of the east coast of Florida will still likely feel some of Dorian's effects as it passes by. High tides, gusty winds, etc. But nothing like they would have received if a Category 4 or 5 hurricane hit them head-on. It remains to be seen how Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina will fare.
So take note of reports on the television, radio, and the internet, just in case. And it never hurts to pay attention and follow the paths of any approaching storms. Especially if they happen to be hurricanes. And if we don't get hit, keep in mind we have until the end of November before the 2019 hurricane season is over. So those supplies you may have purchased for Dorian might still come in handy if another storm comes to call.
The letter inside the dot on the track of the storm above indicates the National Hurricane Center's forecast intensity for that point in time:
D: Tropical Depression – wind speed less than 39 MPH
S: Tropical Storm – wind speed between 39 MPH and 73 MPH
H: Hurricane – wind speed between 74 MPH and 110 MPH
M: Major Hurricane – wind speed greater than 110 MPH
If you are in the process of closing on a home sale in the next few days, do be aware that once a storm warning is issued for any part of the state of Florida, it is likely that ALL insurance companies will stop writing new policies until the storm's threat has passed. So if you have not already obtained a binder on your insurance coverage, speak with your real estate agent immediately about what is happening. If you used one of the Florida purchase agreements that most agents here use, there is specific language concerning hurricanes and underwriting moratoriums that is there that might protect you from having to purchase an uninsured home. And if you are financing the purchase, keep in mind that your bank WILL NOT fund your loan if there is no proof of adequate insurance coverage on the home. See your agent for more information concerning this issue. Hopefully if Dorian passes us by the insurance companies will begin writing policies quickly. Check with your agent for more information.
Much of my information comes from the National Hurricane Center. They follow tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes from birth to death. It can be a useful site to visit. If you would like to try it out, click on the following link: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ I suggest you "bookmark it" or "make it a Favorite" for future reference if you live in an area that can be affected by tropical storms or hurricanes. You will find it interesting and helpful to track the path of each storm. You can also download a Hurricane Tracking Map by clicking on the following link: TRACKING MAP
I will also try to update my weblog with new posts if it appears that a hurricane or another major storm will make landfall in our area. So come back here to check if you want to. But the TV, radio, and internet will have the most up-to-date information available.
You can also find out how to prepare for hurricanes and other disasters at the following state site: http://www.floridadisaster.org/ Do not wait until a storm is upon us to prepare your home and family. Hopefully we will make it through 2011 with no major storms paying us a visit, but you never know. Better safe than sorry!
I invite you to visit my webpage at: http://www.johnelwell.c21.com/ where you will find links to many interesting sites dealing with real estate. You are always welcome there. JOHN ELWELL - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. Licensed in Florida
I can also be contacted anytime via e-mail at: jelwell1@tampabay.rr.com or by phone at: 813-783-4444
Image from NOAA
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