Let's Kick It Off in May, Shall We?

[Conveyor Belt]

http://www.thestormtrack.com/2007/05/an_early_start_to_the_season.php

A strong low pressure system has formed off the East Coast of the United States (Figure 1). This system has developed central thunderstorm activity while remaining over the warmish waters of the Gulf Stream. Sea surface temperatures underneath the area of activity are below the usual threshold of 26C, however, upper level temperatures are cold enough that the storm could develop some tropical characteristics.

The forecast track moves it southwestward over the next few days. I'm showing the UKMET model here because it has been the most consistent and best forecast for this storm (Figure 2). To my eye, this looks like classical subtropical development.

http://www.thestormtrack.com/ForecastTrack_7May07_12Z.png

[Conveyor Belt]

Isn't that where Katrina passed over Florida???

Guess I need to fill my gas cans with that $2.79 gasoline before the prices jump over this thing...

[fuzzis]

Isn't that where Katrina passed over Florida???

Guess I need to fill my gas cans with that $2.79 gasoline before the prices jump over this thing...

I thought Katrina was much further south...

[Hermione]

I thought so too. However, I agree with CB that it's never to early to worry yourself to death. I'm very good at that. Hmm, think I need about 20 more pounds of cat food, coffee and toilet paper. And some tap lights. What else??

[Baloo]

Let's just hope that it gets lost in the Bermuda Triangle!

[Conveyor Belt]

I thought Katrina was much further south...

Yeah, you're right... It just seem that when one crosses over florida, it always takes that slow curve up and lands somewhere between pensacola and beaumont, tx.

[Fish-Bait]

I thought so too. However, I agree with CB that it's never to early to worry yourself to death. I'm very good at that. Hmm, think I need about 20 more pounds of cat food, coffee and toilet paper. And some tap lights. What else??
Hermi you dont remember my list?
http://www.myhattiesburg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17942&page=2&highlight=hurricane

[Baloo]

I think that this year I'll take care of the water storage by putting a swimming pool in!

[Hermione]

Fish, of course I remember your wonderful list, though it was heavy on the spirits. ;) I was sort of messin' wit' CB. But in fact, I am working on my "real" list -- have already made one Sam's run, and may in fact be slightly overstocked on canned milk. Though possibly I could trade some for some Crown Royal?? ;)

[Baloo]

All of my family makes fun of me for having such a huge food and water stoarge for just one person, but who do they call when they need it?

Great list Fish Bait! If you could just teach that to the rest of the state, then we wouldn't have a crisis on our hands when the next big storm hits.

Smart Hermione! Canned milk lasts for a long time and is good to have around.

[Judge Bustin]

I'm so one-track minded right now, and this is pitiful, but all I can think of is that a tropical storm would blow away all my political signs and I would have to put them all back up!!! LOL

Seriously, time-wise how does this compare to when we had the first tropical disturbances the last couple of years? Were they in early May? Hurricane season hasn't even started yet.

[Conveyor Belt]

I want to think that 2005 started early. 2006 never started at all.

[mac]

I want to think that 2005 started early. 2006 never started at all.

Yes, that's true. And I was very, very glad that 2006 didn't produce anything major for us. Here's hoping 2007 is as kind.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

Isn't that where Katrina passed over Florida???

Guess I need to fill my gas cans with that $2.79 gasoline before the prices jump over this thing...



Hey CB I saw gas for 2.71 today at Keith's here in Petal...

[Baloo]

Hey CB I saw gas for 2.71 today at Keith's here in Petal...


Whoohoooo mIsFiT! That is the best news that I have heard all day! That means that it is going down some! :clap:

[bpitt]

Gosh, I thought maybe I was the only one thinking it was starting early, better keep an eye on this over the next few days.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

I know it is wonderful I need it to keep going down I would love for it to go down oh oh about $1 more...

I am wanting a suv for the room just not the gas bill.......

[bpitt]

Look at that track, maybe we should give New Orleans a heads up? I mean, maybe Ray Nagin will have time to figure something out, besides blaming the Feds.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

I know I am already saving my milk jugs and I plan to put water in them.

[just-Wynn]

2007 Hurricane Donut
http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/5811/2040162350101269079S425x425Q85.jpg

[Hermione]

I know I am already saving my milk jugs and I plan to put water in them.

No! Don't put water in milk jugs!! (I used to do this too.) Apparently you can't get them clean enough. You CAN reuse juice containers. Those flatish ones that cranberry juice comes in will fit well in the freezer. Leave room at the top because ice expands. I keep containers of water in the freezer year-round, but more in the summer. Think we've mentioned it several times, but a solid block of ice like that lasts much longer than bagged ice, and then gives you drinkable water to boot.

[58ford]

I used to mix Kool-Aide in some of my water jugs because water can get boring and for a nice sugar rush.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

Really.... I have bleached two out and stored them in the cabinet.
I thought I could use them to store water in.

[Hermione]

After I posted that, I did some googling on the subject. I find some sources that say it's ok, some say don't, and some say "use extra caution." Probably best to avoid them if there's a question. I did see that 2 & 3 liter soft drink bottles are ok.

Kool-aid sounds like a good idea, but I wonder about mixing it and then storing it, unless you froze it?? Would it be better to mix it as needed? Where's a scientist when you need one around here?? It also seems like you could freeze some tea as well.
The thing about freezing everything possible is that the more stuff in the freezer, the longer the food will stay cold.

[pEtAl mIsFiT]

oh i just got the clean empty jugs on hand for just in case i might need to fill em up

[58ford]

Kool-aid sounds like a good idea, but I wonder about mixing it and then storing it, unless you froze it?? Would it be better to mix it as needed? Where's a scientist when you need one around here?? It also seems like you could freeze some tea as well.
The thing about freezing everything possible is that the more stuff in the freezer, the longer the food will stay cold.
I usually keep a number of bottles frozen in the deep freeze, for camping fishing etc., but also to keep the freezer full. It saves energy.
I've never had a problem with Kool-Aide, but I do always keep it frozen.

[bpitt]

You could use the frozen Margarita things, you know, the kind that you mix and then put in the freezer, they'll last a while and be cold, too. One of those would have helped ease the heat after Katrina, of course, the beer didn't do too bad.

[bpitt]

Oh tick turd, I just noticed that one of the hurricane names is mine this year, that means it's gonna be BAD!!!

[Hermione]

You could use the frozen Margarita things, you know, the kind that you mix and then put in the freezer, they'll last a while and be cold, too. One of those would have helped ease the heat after Katrina, of course, the beer didn't do too bad.

Now THERE'S a truly brilliant idea! I could have used a Margarita or two after the storm, and I barely drink.

[mac]

After I posted that, I did some googling on the subject. I find some sources that say it's ok, some say don't, and some say "use extra caution." Probably best to avoid them if there's a question. I did see that 2 & 3 liter soft drink bottles are ok.

Kool-aid sounds like a good idea, but I wonder about mixing it and then storing it, unless you froze it?? Would it be better to mix it as needed? Where's a scientist when you need one around here?? It also seems like you could freeze some tea as well.
The thing about freezing everything possible is that the more stuff in the freezer, the longer the food will stay cold.

According to my spouse, who is a chemist, I'm endangering our health by letting the preservative-free Crystal Light set in the fridge too long, as it can collect bacteria. If Kool Aid has preservatives, it should be fine for much longer.

[aaron]

It looks like this thing is heading straight for the Carolina coast to me. Have they updated the path?

[SouthChic]

According to my spouse, who is a chemist, I'm endangering our health by letting the preservative-free Crystal Light set in the fridge too long, as it can collect bacteria. If Kool Aid has preservatives, it should be fine for much longer.

Aww go ahead.. a little bacteria should be ok with all the formaldehyde you're getting from the Aspartame in the Crystal Light.

[Maggie-Doodle]

After Katrina was over and done with, we started saving plastic milk jugs. As they got emptied, I would thoroughly was them in very hot, soapy water and put a little raw rice in the bottle and shake the mess out of it. The rice will break loose any milk particles that are stuck to the milk jug. I would then rinse and drain at least four times and then turn the jug upside down in the drainer to air dry. Right now we have about 60 gals. We have not put water in them yet but will do so if and when a storm heads this way.

As far as food goes we continue to buy can goods each time we go to the store. We keep a check on the expiration dates and rotate the food for use if an expiration date is close at hand... we then replace those we used on the next grocery buying round..canned goods that are out of date does no good at all if you can't eat them when the time of need comes. I also stockpile other supplies, paperplates, papertowels, soap, meds (tylenol, etc. etc.) for the same reason...if we need it we got extra, if we don't need it we will have it when we do.

[Fish-Bait]

All I really need to say about Tropical Storms/Hurricanes is they really suck. They cause too much trouble if you are of the responsible type and I wish I never ever seen one again, unless I was twelve, and that was twenty years ago.......Go Away Low Pressure Systems......

[Hermione]

Just remember, there's no point in stocking up on snacks and chips. ;)

I do what you do, Maggie, try to get ahead and stay ahead. I sure do have a lot of little cans of carrots somehow.

[Fish-Bait]

Just remember, there's no point in stocking up on snacks and chips. ;)

I do what you do, Maggie, try to get ahead and stay ahead. I sure do have a lot of little cans of carrots somehow.
What am I gonna' do with you ladies????? BEER, CHIPS, and MORE BEER.....read "Fish's List"..............you'll be glad you did.....Don't let me be the one that told you so....:smt118 :smt118 :smt118 :-D :clap:

[Hermione]

Fish, earlier I shared my sad experience last year when I attempted to lay in a supply of chips and Little Debbies. Sadly, the experiment was a failure, as the supply mysteriously developed the ability to whisper my name, just loud enough that I could hear it. They called from the cabinet - - - so from now on, things like that have to be purchased when the storm is IN the Gulf, and not before!!

[Fish-Bait]

Fish, earlier I shared my sad experience last year when I attempted to lay in a supply of chips and Little Debbies. Sadly, the experiment was a failure, as the supply mysteriously developed the ability to whisper my name, just loud enough that I could hear it. They called from the cabinet - - - so from now on, things like that have to be purchased when the storm is IN the Gulf, and not before!!
Tell that to my 5 year old!!!:smt118

[CUPCAKE]

I note a post above about replacing political signs following a storm. That is the least of my worries if another storm is predicted for this area. I will never forget working with homeless coast families who had nothing….no water, no food, and sleeping in tents and makeshift shelters….so many sad stories. I myself was without power for 23 days and lost my roof. However; God is good. Most of the families I worked with are back in homes and their children are back in school. Those who are not back on their feet are building homes and all of them have jobs. They’re not in line for the $1,000 giveaway on West Pine Street. They exemplify the Mississippi</ST1:p Spirit and have moved on in spite of misfortune and disaster. As for me? Next time they say “gale force winds on the coast”…..I’m heading north! I am one of the first to say, "Please let 2007 be good to us!"