The Anatomy of Waterspout

Waterspout:  waw-ter-spout (noun) A tornado occurring over water that forms a column of water and mist extending between the surface and the clouds above. cyclone, twister, whirlwind, eddy


5 Part Life Cycle 

 Stage 1: Formation of a dark spot on the water surface

Stage 2: Spiral Pattern on the water surface

Stage 3: Formation of a spray ring

Stage 4: Development of visible condensation funnel

Stage 5: Ultimately decay

Two types of Waterspouts: Fair Weather waterspout & Tornadic waterspout

Tornadic waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water, or move from land to water. They have the same characteristics as a land tornado. They are associated with severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning.

Fair weather waterspouts usually form along the dark flat base of a line of developing cumulus clouds. This type of waterspout is generally not associated with thunderstorms. While tornadic waterspouts develop downward in a thunderstorm, a fair weather waterspout develops on the surface of the water and works its way upward. By the time the funnel is visible, a fair weather waterspout is near maturity. Fair weather waterspouts form in light wind conditions so they normally move very little. These type of  waterspouts dissipate rapidly when they make landfall, and rarely penetrate far inland.

Boaters: If a waterspout is sighted, immediately head at a 90 degree angle form the apparent motion of the waterspout. Never try to navigate through a waterspout. Although waterspouts are usually weaker than tornadoes, they can still produce significant damage to you and your boat.

*An amazing fact about water spouts is that they continue to be mysterious despite of extensive 

studies on them. Their unique nature continues to baffle world all together.

 A bit of history...

Physical and Meteorological Observations: Conjectures and Suppositions by Franklin in 1751 , but not published in the Royal Society's Philosophical Transactions until 1765 , Franklin explained a weather condition that forms large "whirlings". “Thus these eddies may be whirlwinds at land, waterspouts at sea.” He assumed that these were produced by air ascending or descending that had attained a circular motion. The air within receded “from the middle of the circle by a centrifugal force, and leaving there a vacancy; if descending, greatest above, and lessening downwards; if ascending, greatest below, and lessening upwards; like a speaking trumpet standing its big end on the ground. When the air descends with violence in some places, it may rise with equal violence in others, and form both kinds of whirlwinds.The air in its whirling motion receding every way from the center or axis of the trumpet, leaves there a vacuum; which cannot be filled through the sides, the whirling air, as an arch, preventing; it must then press in at the open ends. …. The air entering, rises within, and carries up dust, leaves, and even heavier bodies that happen in its way, as the eddy, or whirl, passes over land. If it passes over water, the weight of the surrounding atmosphere forces up the water into the vacuity… A body of water so raised may be suddenly let fall, when the motion, &c. has not strength to support it, or the whirling arch is broken so as to let in the air; falling in the sea, it is harmless, unless ships happen under it. But if in the progressive motion of the whirl, it has moved from the sea, over the land, and there breaks, sudden, violent, and mischievous torrents are the consequences.”

*The earliest record of a water spout on sea goes as back as 1456 when a whirlwind of water was spotted on the sea near Ancona in Italy

The Anatomy of a Hurricane

Hurricane: hur·ri·cane (noun)

1. A storm with a violent wind, in particular a tropical cyclone in the Caribbean. 
Synonyms: storm-tornado-gale-tempest-typhoon-whirlwind

Facts: 

¨ On average hurricanes are about 300 miles wide although they can vary in size.

¨ The eye at a hurricane's center is a calm, clear area around 20-40 miles across.

¨ The “eye wall” surrounding the eye is composed of dense clouds that contain the strongest winds in the storm.

¨ The storm's outer rain bands are made up of dense bands of  thunderstorms They range a few miles to tens of miles wide and 50 to 300 miles

¨ Hurricane-force winds can extend out to about 25 miles in a small hurricane and to more than 150 miles for a large one. Storm-force winds can stretch out as far as 300 miles from the center of a big hurricane.

¨ Usually, the right side of a hurricane is the most dangerous in terms of storm surge, winds, and tornadoes.

¨ A hurricane's speed and path depend on ocean and atmospheric interactions, including the presence or absence of other weather patterns. This complexity of the flow makes it very difficult to predict the speed and direction of a hurricane.

¨ Do not focus on the eye or the track–hurricanes are immense systems that can move in complex patterns that are difficult  to predict. Be prepared for changes in size, intensity, speed, and direction.

Safety Tips:.
Pre-Season

• Enter the season prepared.
• Know all evacuation routes if you live close to the coast.
• Make sure your home meets building codes for withstanding hurricanes, and they have storm shutters.
• Have proper tools, supplies, and a first aid kit.
• Have plenty of batteries and flashlights
• Always have plenty of non-perishable foods on hand.

Watch or Warning in effect:

• Leave low lying areas.
• Protect windows with plywood boards, or storm shutters.
• Secure outside objects.
• Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water.
• Have several days supply of food and water for each family member.
• If called to evacuate, do so immediately.

Before the storm

• Be ready to put your plan and preparation into action.
• Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, television, or the internet.
• Have house boarded up, or have storm shutters in place.
• Have plenty of food and water.
• Make sure all your tools, supplies, and first aid kit available for use.
• Have a secure room available.

During the storm

• Stay in Secure Room.
• Stay away from windows.
• Do not use the phone, or candles.
• Monitor Weather and Civil Service Bulletins on either regular or NOAA radio.
• Have supplies on hand.
• Remain indoors when the eye moves over your area because the storm will resume shortly.

After the storm

• Make sure that all is definitely clear outside, and the storm has completely passed before going out.
• Report downed power lines, and stay away from them.
• Use stored water and food.
• Be patient. Things will take a while before they get back to normal.

The Fourteenth of June

It was June 14th, 1885 at the Stony Hill School in Waubeka, Wisconsin; a young teacher by the name of Bernard J. Cigrand gave his class an assignment. The then 19 year old teachers placed a 10 inch flag with 38 stars on his desk and asked they write essay with an explanation of the flags significance. This was to commemorate Congresses adoption of Stars & Stripes as the flag is the United States on this day in 1777.


For this teacher it was the beginning of a long and devoted effort to bring national recognition and observation to Flag Day. Finally, in 1949 President Truman signed the Act of Congress making the Fourteenth Day of June National Flag Day!

Mr. Cigrand is generally credited with being "the Father of Flag Day" . The man who almost singlehandledly established the holiday. 

Today also celebrates the United States Army Birthday!

Happy 238th Birthday US Army! 

Thank you for protecting the flag and the Americans that live under it and pledge our love to! 

4 Stages of a Tropical Cyclone…

In the past few years we have seen an overwhelming amount of destruction from the mammoth storm that have ransacked our coasts. We have heard the testimonials from the survivors of tornadoes  victims, of hurricanes, and see the endless stream of photos online. 
Hurricane season is in its first month and already we have been introduced to the fast paced TS Andrea. It makes you wonder if the weather professionals predictions could be right this year? 

As homeowners we dread the expense that is attached to this entire season, as Floridians we know that being prepared is the best way to protect ourselves and our investments. The more informed you are the better prepared you will be for a unpredictable mother nature as it has been for centuries. 

Tropical Cyclone? Hurricane? Tropical Storm? Typhoon? 

The Aztecs, Mayas, Taínos and other Indians adopted many gods from other civilizations. The Mayans, Aztecs and Taínos, believed each god was associated with some aspects of nature in each of these religions. Hurricanes were feared and respected, for the storms played a vital part of their worship. The destructive power of a storm like hurricane inspires both fear and fascination and it is no surprise that ancient tribes were known to make offerings to the weather gods to appease them. People in ancient times believed that these violent storms were brought on by angry weather gods. In some cultures, the word for hurricane means 'storm god', 'evil spirit', 'devil' or 'god of thunder and lightning’. Derived from the Spanish word "huracan", which was most likely inspired by Hunraken, the name for the ancient Mayan storm god or Hurakan. 

 Hunraken was inspired by the ancient Mayans god who destroyed people with great storms and floods. One of three lightening gods who participated in all three attempts at creating humanity. Together they were “the heart of the sky”  Hunraken was the “one legged” god, one human leg and the other a serpent.

4 Stages of a Tropical Cyclone:

1. Tropical disturbance: a discrete system of clouds, showers, and thunderstorms that starts in the tropics and remains in tact for 24 hours+

2. Tropical depression: develops when a closed circulation, winds 38mph or less at an elevation of 10 meters

3. Tropical storm: a tropical cyclone that is given a name by the National Hurricane Center, winds are 39-74mph, at an elevation of 10 meters

4. HURRICANE: a tropical storm that’s strengthens to more then 74mph and can become much stronger. They are categorized 1-5 based on wind speed. Sinking air at the center clears the tropical cyclone of clouds and forms the "eye." The eye wall typically contains the strongest surface winds.

  

 *Tropical (named by geography) 

Cyclone (named per the family of storm)

Watch vs. Warning, do you know the difference?

June 1st - November 30th 

Tropical Storm/Hurricane WATCH is in specified area of watch within the next 48 hours. During a  hurricane watch is when you want to prepare to take immediate action to protecting your family and investments.

Tropical Storm/Hurricane WARNING is in specified are of the warning in the next 36 hours. During this time is when you want to complete all preparations.

*Tropical storm is a severe offshore storm developing in tropical seas with less than hurricane for winds, can develop into a hurricane.

*A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone that forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the Eastern Pacific.

BEWARE! Hurricane 2013 is here!

Floridians & East Coasters...tis' the season to be prepared for the WORST!!

Whether it is a Cat 1 or a Cat 4, you need to be ready for anything and everything that these destructive storms can throw at you. We have seen the media plaster the pictures of damage from past storms such as Hurricane Sandy,Katrina, Wilma, Andrew, as well as aftermath of Oklahoma tornado devastation. As a Floridian, we learn to take it as it comes, but we tend to not blink at a smaller storms. The problem with that is you cannot predict mother natures plan. As a homeowner you cannot take the risk, you are protecting not only your family, but also your investment. So ask your self...

Am I ready? 
Here are a few questions to ask yourself...

What is the plan for my family? Will we evacuate or stay home?
Are we in a flood zone? Will we HAVE to?

Evacuating? Where to? What is the best route?
           Will your pets be able to accompany us? Is a pet friendly hotels an option?

Is my home ready?
- Is my roof up-to-date & secure?
- What about storm shutters? generator?
- Yard debris free?

How is our Emergency Supply Kit? Stocked: Food? Water? Batteries? First Aid? 

Is my insurance current? What are my deductibles? 

Do I have a current inventory of my home and boat?
Pictures/Video of each room and all of the contents?

What will I do with my boat/waverunner?
On a trailer? Will it fit in my garage?
In a marina? What are the dockage policies for storms? Is there a Hurricane Club?
What does the Coast Guard dockmaster advise

What to be prepared for?
-Loss of electricity
-No roof
-Severe water damage
-No way to get money out of bank
-No credit cards
-No grocery store/ gas station
-No car- debris blocking streets
-No phones (land or cell)
-No trees
-Not recognizing surroundings
-$5 bags of ice
-lost personal belongings
-Warlike setting with military presence
-Extreme heat and no way to cool off
-Out of home possibly for weeks
-Not able to work
-Chaos!
-Devastation!

Let your smart phone help:
American Red Cross
American Red Cross: Hurricane
American Red Cross: Tornado
American Red Cross: Shelter
FEMA
FloodSmart.gov