Evacuation in the Year of the Virus...

Now that we have entered the heart (most active) of the hurricane season and dodged another tropical threat, I was disturbed to see a poll on The Weather Channel that said 42% of Floridians would NOT evacuate if they were told to (Mandatory) due to the Covid-19 threat.   Geez, I hope you folks who live inside our levee protection (risk reduction) system don't feel that way?  I understand the risk of catching the virus increases during an evacuation, but the consequences of another levee failure far outweighs those risks.(see front page article in today's Advocate)    It's 15 years since Katrina exposed the fact those living south of Lake P. live BELOW sea level.  Remember the 10+ feet of water in Lakeview, Gentilly, NOLA East, 9th Ward, St. Bernard that claimed 1,800+ people. In this year of the Virus, here's what you must have if you decide NOT to evacuate during a Major (Cat 3+)Hurricane.

1)You MUST have elevation (a 2nd story) in case a levee fails. 2) You MUST have functional hurricane shutters to protect windows from flying debris. 3) You MUST have a back up power source if the power is out for 1-2 weeks during the heat of summer. 4) You MUST have enough basic supplies (food, water, medicines) to last 7-10 days.  If you can't say yes to all of the above, then when a major storm comes, you MUST evacuate.   Less than 1% of those who catch Covid-19 die from the disease.   Almost 100% of those who stayed during Katrina in one story homes drowned in the 10 feet of water.  I usually don't try to frighten people into action, but reading about the Florida poll bothered me.  Let's hope we don't have a threat this season.

Isaias is still a Tropical Storm although satellite and radar views appear to show he is trying to become better organized.   NHC still believes he will reach hurricane strength before plowing into the Carolina coast NE of Charleston and that is why they are under hurricane warnings.  North Carolina will get the stronger side of Isaias while S.C. will be on the weaker side.

After that, the main threat into the Northeast will be heavy rainfall.   Fortunately, the rest of the Tropics have settled down.   There are several waves over Africa and a small cluster of storms north of Puerto Rico, but NHC is less bullish on any development over the next few days. 

Finally, look at this view over us showing how clouds bubble up during daytime heating over land, but not over water.  A north wind is blowing off Lake Pontchartrain taking any clouds over the city and pushing them south.  Just a neat view from space.  Stay tuned!