THE TENSION

10:43:08 AM CDT

This AOL Journal blog is updated and in a new format at the link below:

THE TENSION

http://thetension.blogspot.com/

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4:19:24 PM CDT

Just received: the latest RECON on Hurricane Rita.

Incredibly…the Hurricane CONTINUES to rapidly strengthen.  Latest pressure is down to 914 MB…26.99 INCHES.  Maximum flight level winds are 180 MPH.  Maximum surface winds are 160 MPH.  We may be looking at History tonight.  Rita could become the most powerful Hurricane ever measured…surpassing Katrina, Camille, and maybe even Gilbert’s record 899 MB record pressure.

Tags: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Rita, Mobile Alabama, Hurricane

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2:40:14 PM CDT

Er, Great?  Make that THE WORST.

NOAA reconnaissance reports indicate that Hurricane Rita is strengthening rapidly, and will soon become a Category 5 Hurricane.  If true, it would be the first time in recorded history that two Cat 5 Hurricanes have developed in the Gulf of Mexico in the same year.  

The pressure in the eye of Rita has now fallen 11MB in less than 2-hours.  Latest measurement…923 mb…27.28 inches. Maximum flight level winds are 142 Kts(160 MPH). 

The Hurricane has a clear eye, with a classic “stadium effect” appearance. This only occurs in the most intense Hurricanes. 

Most disconcerting is that Rita has also slowed.  The Hurricane was now moving West at 9 MPH.  This is most likely a temporary feature…the consequence of extremely rapid intensification.  This occurred with Camille in 1969. 

A Hurricane Watch will likely be issued for the entire Texas Coast, and possibly the extreme Southwest Louisiana Coast at 4PM CDT today. 

Rita is obviously becoming one of the Great Hurricanes of history.  The Storm has the potential to inflict immense…near total destruction to wherever it hits.  This could be a “Natural Disaster” for the entire country.

Tags: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Rita, Mobile Alabama, Hurricane

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11:46:57 AM CDT

This could be the biggest one yet.

From NOAA: MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE INCREASED TO NEAR 140 MPH...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. RITA IS A EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. SOME ADDITIONAL STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS AND COULD REACH CATEGORY FIVE INTENSITY IN THE CENTRAL GULF OF MEXICO.

Strong high pressure is holding to the North of Rita. This will continue for the next 48-hours.  Then, as the high shifts East on Friday... Rita will turn Northwest toward Texas.

Multiple weather warnings are in effect for Mobile and Baldwin counties.

 

Tags: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Rita, Mobile Alabama, Hurricane

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7:58:20 AM CDT

Interesting news

One Gulf Coast landmark, the National D-Day Museum in New Orleans, was spared heavy damage and flooding from Hurricane Katrina, and although looters stole goods from its souvenir store and coffee shop, only a few items were taken from the museum's collection, a spokesman said. Click here for full story: registration required.

 

Tags: Gulf Coast, New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina

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12:22:32 AM CDT

Happy Wednesday, enjoy the view.

Find out more about the Mobile BayWay and Daphne, Alabama.

Refresh your browser for the latest image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Tags: Gulf Coast, Mobile Alabama

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11:26:02 PM CDT

Here are two interesting news stories from WPMI

Picking up the Pieces after Hurricane Katrina

MOBILE, Ala.  Sept. 20 -- In the wake of Katrina, millions of cubic yards of debris remain, cluttering local communities and creating hazards for drivers.

Mosquito repellant now free for Katrina victims

MOBILE, Ala.  September 20 -- Distribution center workers have handed out bottled water and food since Katrina ripped though the area. Now they are handing out something another freebie -- mosquito repellant

(Click links for full stories.)

Tags: Gulf Coast, Mobile Alabama, Hurricane

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11:17:07 PM CDT

Interesting and timely information

Recently, home improvement guru Bob Vila's nationally syndicated television program featured the rebuilding of a hurricane damaged house in Florida. 

With concrete walls measuring 6 inches thick, shatterproof windows and an elevated foundation, the new home is designed to withstand even a category 5 hurricane.

Bob Villa's Web page features a number of articles and video clips from the show.

Tag: Hurricane

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5:48:27 PM CDT

New Orleans Suspends Reopening of City

NEW ORLEANS, La.  Under pressure from President Bush and other top federal officials, the mayor Monday suspended the reopening of large portions of the city over the next few days because of the threat of a new round of flooding from a tropical storm.  (Click for full story.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Photograph of a sign of the times in New Orleans.

Hurricane

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9:47:54 AM CDT

The future is today....

MOBILE, Ala.  Recent calls have suggested the possibility of dissipating or weakening hurricanes with bombs, dry ice, icebergs and cold water. (Click link for full story -- registration required.)

Learn more about the Weather Modification Association.

In 1955, the United States created the National Hurricane Research Project to study storm effects and weather modification.  It continues today as the Hurricane Research Division. 

Hurricane

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