Erika in the Atlantic is a threat to Florida and much of the Caribbean. A legitimate, scary threat.
Experiencing a hurricane only sounds romantic. Most people are terrorized once they realize the storm might be stronger than their home. By then you’re stuck.
As of 12:30 AM PDT
* TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR…
* PUERTO RICO
* VIEQUES
* CULEBRA
* U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
* BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
* DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FROM THE NORTHERN BORDER WITH HAITI EASTWARD AND SOUTHWARD TO ISLA SAONA
* SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS
* TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
* ST. MARTIN
* ST. BARTHELEMY
A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR…
* DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FROM ISLA SAONA TO PUNTA PALENQUE
* CENTRAL BAHAMAS
It looks like Erika will slice Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic as a tropical storm or smaller hurricane. It will strengthen as it transits the Bahamas. From there it’s a swing into the warm Florida Strait and Florida itself.
Moving north through the state, Erika would expose the Florida East Coast to very strong winds.
Based on the HWRF, a hurricane specific forecast model, the East Coast of Florida gets 35-55 mph winds with higher gusts. High rises will feel significantly stronger winds.
Also astounding are the rain projections. A small footnote on the rain map says there’s a max of nearly 36″ from Erika. Even the average rainfall will be significant.
Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic today. The Bahamas Saturday and Sunday. South Florida, early Monday morning.
It’s a bad place for a hurricane.
Hurricane data is very time sensitive. Always use the latest available information for decision making. That’s probably not my blog.
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