Hurricane Dennis now a Real Threat to Florida
07:27 AM EDT - 27 August 1999

It is now a real possibility that parts of Florida, including Central Florida, could see a Hurricane Watch Later Today or Tomorrow. Also, Dennis looks like it could make a category 3 status. The forecast track puts it dangerously close to the Florida Coast--south Florida is not out of the woods even. The current track still takes it north, but too close for comfort for Florida. Will it be like Bertha (1995)? Don't count on it.

Therefore...

Keep an eye on the media, and on the advisories, because things are getting incredibly interesting. If a watch is issued for the area, I would start preparations, if a warning is issued and you are in an evacuation zone get out. I live on the coast in New Smyrna Beach, and I will leave if asked. Hint, if you are low on gasoline get some before any watches/warnings are issued or deal with lines -- especially along the coast.

Reminder again, Dennis' track is very uncertain, and the threat to Florida is real. This won't be like Erin in 1995 if it comes close. Also, don't let the hype get to you. Take the information you get from the media and other sources and judge for yourself. There still is some time to plan out, but onces watches and especially warnings get put up, then that time will start to run out. If you are not familiar with the area, you can use the phone Book to find warehouse stores. In Florida there are Home Depots, Lowe's, Builder's Square, and Scotty's as well as other smaller lumberyards. All of the larger stores will have plywood, batteries, etc. for supplies, but may start to run on short supply if watches are issued.

Mike Anderson, who has been making posts (somewhat brave or non-mainstream posts at that) now has access to post stories on this news site. If other people with some expertise in the area would like this ability, email me.

Also, during times like these, sites such as ours tend to get overloaded. And therefore I suggest getting a few links for other sites if you have not. Also if an advisory (such as strike probabilities) is not showing up correctly here, then you can look at the Storm Spotlight page to find alternate sources for the advisory text. Of course, the National Hurricane Center/Tropical Prediction Center and The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). If that fails use other links.

For East Central Florida residents and guests looking for more information such as Evacuation Routes and Planning tips see the following pages: [Brevard] [Volusia] [Flagler] [Indian River] [Inland] [News Media]
These have links to the county sites which gives evacuation information and shelter locations.

Also our links page has links to other areas in Florida -- look for the Emergency Management County pages.

For more information on Cindy see the Current Storm Spotlight for Cindy.
For more information on Dennis see the Current Storm Spotlight for Dennis.
For more information on Emily see the Current Storm Spotlight for Emily.
Some Forecast models: (NGM, AVN, MRF, ECMWF, ETA)
DoD weather models (NOGAPS, AVN, MRF)
Weather Channel Caribbean Sat Image
Intellicast Caribbean IR Loop
Intellicast Atlantic IR Loop

More Sat images: [N.A. visible] (visible -- Daytime Only) [N.A. infrared] (infrared), and [N.A. water vapor] (water vapor)--Nasa source.

- [mac]