Hurricane Frances Graphics

[Host Terry]

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ftp/graphics/AT06/refresh/AL0604W5+GIF/290853W5.gif

[Sage]

Thank you for the update on Frances. This one will need some careful watching. We are already very nervous here in Florida.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have been watching the weather channel as well and fell sorry for those living in Florida. Right now it doesn't look good. Only time will tell.

[BCEagle78]

We are taking this storm seriously. I just heard on the news this morning (Sun Aug 29) that power has just today been restored from everyone after Hurricane Charley.

The local TV folks and the National Hurricane center long term tracking has it moving toward central Florida. We don't need another storm, especially one as dangerous as this one. It is currently Category 4 and likely to strengthen.

[Host Terry]

Good Luck to everyone!

[elmorejj]

Well it looks like HMC will get a hit. It will probably put an end to the Water park and whatever else they are building there. Hope they can re beautify the Island before December!!....jean :cool:

[jhannah]

You're right, Jean. I hadn't thought of that. This storm could put a real kabosh on the new stuff there. HAL would have to pull out the stoppers to get it all repaired/rebuilt in time for their December 2nd promotional sailing.

[jazzsea]

It's getting closer and I still am not ready. Thanks for posting it, though.

[Lithium]

I have seen islands that were hit hard by hurricanes that will never be able to be rebuilt......that is, completely destroyed the beaches on the island and only left rocks. Hope that doesn't happen to HMC.

[spcl4cs_gal]

Frances seems to be heading straight for HMC but more cruise lines than HAL should be worried....Princess Cays is just west of HMC. :(

[jollycruiser]

It would be a horrible thing if HMC takes a direct hit. I know those cabanas won't survive and the trees and vegetation would be desimated.

[spcl4cs_gal]

This is taken from NBC5....

Atlantic Tropical Storm
Hurricane Frances Advisory Number 35

Issued at: 10:36 AM AST 9/2/04 (gateway).


Dangerous hurricane frances heading for Florida, hurricane warnings issued,

At 11 am ast, 1500z, a hurricane warning has been issued for the east coast of Florida from Florida city northward to flagler beach, including lake okeechobee.

At 11 am ast, 1500z, a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are in effect for the middle and upper Florida keys from south of Florida city to the seven mile bridge including Florida bay.

A hurricane warning remains in effect for the all the bahamas.

At 11 am ast, ast the hurricane warning for the turks and caicos islands has been discontinued.

A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

At 11 am ast, 1500z, the eye of hurricane frances was located near latitude 23.4 north, longitude 73.9 west or about 55 miles, 90 km, southeast of san salvador, and 450 miles, 725 km, east- southeast of the lower Florida east coast.

Frances is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph, 20 km/hr. This general motion with a turn to the northwest and a decrease in forward speed is expected during the next 24 hours. On this track, the core of hurricane frances will be moving near or over the central bahamas this afternoon and evening.

Frances remains a dangerous category four hurricane on the saffir-simpson hurricane scale with maximum sustained winds near 145 mph, 230 km/hr, with higher gusts. Some fluctuations in intensity are expected during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 80 miles, 130 km, from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles, 295 km. San salvador in the bahamas is currently reporting 63 mph, 102 km/hr.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 939 mb, 27.73 inches.

Storm surge flooding of 6 to 14 feet above normal tide levels, along with large and dangerous battering waves, can be expected near the eye of frances on the west side of eleuthera island, and on the north side of grand bahama island. Storm surge flooding of 4 to 6 feet above normal tide levels can be expected on the west side of the other islands of the bahamas.

Rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches, locally as high as 20 inches, are possible in association with frances.

Swells generated by frances will be affecting portions of the southeastern coast of the united states. These swells could cause dangerous surf and rip currents.

Repeating the 11 am ast position, 23.4 n, 73.9 w. Movement toward, west-northwest near 13 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 145 mph. Minimum central pressure, 939 mb.

For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your local weather office.

An intermediate advisory will be issued by the national hurricane center at 2 pm ast followed by the next complete advisory at 5 pm ast.

[Lois R]

:( Heather...please be safe...she has changed course and looks like she is heading directly for West Palm.....