Hurricane Charley (2004)

On August 13, 2004, Hurricane Charley ripped a path across the Florida Peninsula, killing at least 25 people, and causing more damage (insured losses have been estimated at $6.8 - 7.4 billion -- total losses are often twice as much as insured losses) than any other U.S. landfalling hurricane except 1992's Hurricane Andrew. This page documents some of the meteorology, impacts, and effects of Charley.

Charley's trek across Florida was eerily similar to Hurricane Donna's rampage in 1960 (map of Donna's damage from the National Hurricane Center's storm archives). There are several differences though -- Charley had a very small, tight wind core. The path of catastrophic and major damage was only 5-10 miles wide. Donna was a larger storm, but had a similar intensity at landfall.

Charley made several damaging landfalls: Cuba, SW Florida, and South Carolina

Landfall in Cuba as a Cat. 3 Hurricane (120 mph sustained winds)

Landfall near Punta Gorda, FL as a Cat. 4 Hurricane (135 mph sustained winds)

Aug. 14, 2004 Landfall in South Carolina near Myrtle Beach as a Cat. 1 Hurricane

Charley affected the northern coast of South Carolina as a Cat. 1 hurricane, and the southeastern coast of NC as a 70 mph tropical storm. Here is a summary of the effects experienced in the Newport/Morehead City, NC NWS Office area

Highest sustained wind reported: 58 mph Washington, NC (OCN) -- unofficial

Highest wind gust reported: 66 mph New River (NCA) -- unofficial

Lowest sea level pressure reported: 1008.1 mb New River (NCA)

Highest storm surge estimated: 2-3 feet Onslow County coast and across Bogue Banks in Cateret County

Highest rainfall total: 5.05" Greenville (GREN7)

Deaths: None reported

Damage: Unknown at this time

Tornadoes: 5 in NC

Click the links below to view the storm reports by the NWS offices in affected areas.

Hurricane Charley impacts in eastern North Carolina from the Newport/Morehead City, NC NWS Office

Charley's Preliminary Wind Swath from the Hurricane Research Division (HRD)

Damage photos from Port Charlotte taken by researchers at HRD

Damage photos from Punta Gorda taken by researchers at HRD

News Coverage of Charley's Aftermath

The following is just a sampling of the coverage on Charley's impacts.

Christian Science Monitor report on damage, death toll -- Aug 16, 2004

CNN.com -- Insurance bill for Charley in the billions -- Aug 16, 2004

CNN.com - Charley's force took forecasters by surprise - Aug 16, 2004

Reuters.com -- Charley Shows Progress, Pitfalls in Forecasting -- Aug. 16, 2004

MSN Money -- In Hurricane's Aftermath, a Blowout Portfolio -- August 27, 2004 A story about investing in hurricane aftermath

MSN Money - 10 after-the-disaster do's and don'ts

MSN Money - Would Your Home Survive a Natural Disaster

Preliminary Storm Reports

Preliminary Storm Report for the Miami Weather Forecast Office (WFO) area

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT ... SUMMARY

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MIAMI FL
 1132 AM EDT SAT AUG 14 2004
 
 ..TIME...   ...EVENT...     ...CITY LOCATION...      ...LAT.LON...
 ..DATE...   ....MAG....     ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE....
             ..REMARKS..
 
 1225 AM     TSTM WND DMG     CUTLER RIDGE            25.60N 80.36W 
 08/13/2004                   MIAMI-DADE         FL   AMATEUR RADIO   
 
             CARPORT BLEW AWAY AT SW 120TH AVE AND 210TH TERRACE. WIND
             GUST ESTIMATED BY TRAINED SPOTTER AT 50 MPH OR MORE.
 
 0129 AM     TSTM WND GST     MIAMI SHORES            25.86N 80.19W 
 08/13/2004  60 MPH           MIAMI-DADE         FL   NWS EMPLOYEE    
 
             71ST STREET AND NE 7TH AVE
 
 0147 AM     TSTM WND DMG     MARCO ISLAND            25.94N 81.73W 
 08/13/2004                   COLLIER            FL   LAW ENFORCEMENT 
 
             TELEPHONE POLES DOWN
 
 0150 AM     TSTM WND DMG     OAKLAND PARK            26.17N 80.14W 
 08/13/2004                   BROWARD            FL   NWS EMPLOYEE    
 
             STEEL GAZEBO DESTROYED
 
 0300 AM     TSTM WND DMG     BUCKHEAD RIDGE          27.14N 80.89W 
 08/13/2004                   GLADES             FL   EMERGENCY MNGR  
 
             NUMEROUS TREE LIMBS DOWN ACROSS STREETS
 
 1130 AM     TORNADO          DEVILS GARDEN           26.61N 81.13W 
 08/13/2004                   HENDRY             FL   LAW ENFORCEMENT 
 
 0133 PM     NON-TSTM WND GST NAPLES                  26.14N 81.80W 
 08/13/2004  54 MPH           COLLIER            FL   OFFICIAL NWS OBS
 
             HIGHEST GUST MEASURED BEFORE ASOS FAILURE AT KAPF
 
 0200 PM     NON-TSTM WND GST EVERGLADES CITY         25.86N 81.39W 
 08/13/2004  63 MPH           COLLIER            FL   OFFICIAL NWS OBS
 
             HANDAR AUTOMATED OBSERVING SITE REPORTED WIND FROM 
             160-SOUTHEAST SUSTAINED AT 40 KNOTS, GUSTING TO 55 KNOTS
 
 0325 PM     NON-TSTM WND GST VANDERBILT BEACH        26.27N 81.82W 
 08/13/2004  74 MPH           COLLIER            FL   MESONET         
 
 0330 PM     NON-TSTM WND GST NAPLES                  26.14N 81.80W 
 08/13/2004  54 MPH           COLLIER            FL   MESONET         
 
             AT GULFVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
 
 0335 PM     NON-TSTM WND GST VANDERBILT BEACH        26.27N 81.82W 
 08/13/2004  78 MPH           COLLIER            FL   MESONET         
 
 0350 PM     NON-TSTM WND GST VANDERBILT BEACH        26.27N 81.82W 
 08/13/2004  84 MPH           COLLIER            FL   MESONET         
 
             LAST OBSERVATION BEFORE REALTIME DATA CONNECTION LOST
 
 0400 PM     NON-TSTM WND GST EVERGLADES CITY         25.86N 81.39W 
 08/13/2004  61 MPH           COLLIER            FL   OFFICIAL NWS OBS
 
             HANDAR AUTOMATED OBSERVING SITE REPORTED WIND FROM 
             180-SOUTH SUSTAINED AT 32 KNOTS, GUSTING TO 53 KNOTS
 
 0440 PM     NON-TSTM WND GST MOORE HAVEN             26.83N 81.10W 
 08/13/2004  41 MPH           GLADES             FL   MESONET         
 
 0445 PM     NON-TSTM WND GST IMMOKALEE               26.42N 81.44W 
 08/13/2004  47 MPH           COLLIER            FL   MESONET         
 
 0500 PM     NON-TSTM WND DMG PALMDALE                26.94N 81.31W 
 08/13/2004                   GLADES             FL   EMERGENCY MNGR  
 
             TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN MAINLY IN WESTERN PORTIONS OF 
             GLADES COUNTY
 
 0500 PM     NON-TSTM WND GST PALMDALE                26.94N 81.31W 
 08/13/2004  58 MPH           GLADES             FL   EMERGENCY MNGR  
 
 0500 PM     NON-TSTM WND GST LA BELLE                26.76N 81.44W 
 08/13/2004  80 MPH           HENDRY             FL   EMERGENCY MNGR  
 
             POWER LINES AND POWER POLES DOWN. MINOR ROOF DAMAGE TO 
             ONE HOME. SEVERAL LARGE TREE LIMBS BROKEN OFF TREES. MOST
             DAMAGE IN FAR WEST SIDE OF COUNTY.

Preliminary Storm Report for the Tampa/Ruskin WFO area

PRELIMINARY STORM REPORT...HURRICANE CHARLEY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAMPA BAY AREA - RUSKIN FL
1155 AM EDT MON AUG 16 2004

COUNTIES INCLUDED...LEVY...SUMTER...CITRUS...HERNANDO...PASCO...
                    PINELLAS...HILLSBOROUGH...POLK...MANATEE...
                    SARASOTA...HARDEE...DESOTO...HIGHLANDS...
                    CHARLOTTE AND LEE.


A.  WIND DATA...

    ASOS/AWOS (TWO MINUTE WIND OBSERVATIONS)...

    COUNTY..........CITY............DIR/SPEED (KTS)..DATE/TIME  (UTC)

    SUMTER..........THE VILLAGES (VVG)....020/15.....08/14/04...0105Z
    HERNANDO........BROOKSVILLE (BKV).....310/11.....08/14/04...0155Z
    PINELLAS........ST PETERSBURG (PIE)...360/22.....08/13/04...2205Z
                    ST PETERSBURG (SPG)...160/27.....08/13/04...0850Z
    HILLSBOROUGH....TAMPA (TPA)...........360/20.....08/13/04...2257Z
    POLK............WINTER HAVEN (GIF)....060/41.....08/13/04...2302Z
    SARASOTA........SARASOTA (SRQ)........170/27.....08/13/04...0801Z
    CHARLOTTE.......PUNTA GORDA (PGD).....110/76.....08/13/04...2032Z
    LEE.............FORT MYERS (FMY)......190/43.....08/13/04...2009Z
                    FORT MYERS (RSW)......200/53.....08/13/04...1949Z

    C-MAN (TWO MINUTE OBSERVATIONS)

    LEVY............CEDAR KEY (CDRF1).....140/19.....08/13/04...1800Z
    PASCO...........PORT RICHEY (PTRF1)...180/14.....08/13/04...1800Z
    PINELLAS .......TARPON SPRINGS (TARF1)360/12.....08/13/04...2300Z
    HILLSBOROUGH....EGMONT KEY(EGKF1).....020/23.....08/13/04...2100Z
    MANATEE.........ANNA MARIA(ANMF1).....360/27.....08/13/04...2230Z

    OTHER (ONE MINUTE OBSERVATIONS)

    HILLSBOROUGH....MACDILL AFB (MCF).....MISSING/INCOMPLETE DATA
    POLK............LAKELAND (LAL)........MISSING/INCOMPLETE DATA

    BUOYS (ONE MINUTE OBSERVATIONS)

    42036.....100 NM WNW OF BAYPORT.......040/14.....08/13/04...2050Z
    42003.....210 NM W OF CAPTIVA ISL.....270/14.....08/13/04...2050Z

    WIND DATA.......ASOS/AWOS (MAXIMUM GUST)

    COUNTY..........CITY.........DIR/SPEED (KTS).....DATE/TIME  (UTC)

    SUMTER..........THE VILLAGES (VVG)....020/26.....08/14/04...0105Z
    HERNANDO........BROOKSVILLE (BKV).....300/13.....08/14/04...0219Z
    PINELLAS........ST PETERSBURG (PIE)...350/28.....08/13/04...2233Z
                    ST PETERSBURG (SPG)...180/32.....08/13/04...0841Z
    HILLSBOROUGH....TAMPA (TPA)...........350/26.....08/13/04...2247Z
    POLK............WINTER HAVEN (GIF)....070/54.....08/13/04...2301Z
    SARASOTA........SARASOTA (SRQ)........160/31.....08/13/04...0800Z
    CHARLOTTE.......PUNTA GORDA (PGD).....110/95.....08/13/04...2032Z
    LEE.............FORT MYERS (FMY)......160/66.....08/13/04...1950Z
                    FORT MYERS (RSW)......190/68.....08/13/04...1900Z

    OTHER (MAXIMUM WIND GUSTS)

    LEVY............CEDAR KEY (CDRF1).....140/20.....08/13/04...1800Z
    PASCO...........PORT RICHEY (PTRF1)...180/23.....08/13/04...1800Z
    PINELLAS .......TARPON SPRINGS (TARF1)360/18.....08/13/04...2300Z
    HILLSBOROUGH....EGMONT KEY(EGKF1).....020/27.....08/13/04...2100Z
    MANATEE.........ANNA MARIA(ANMF1).....360/29.....08/13/04...2230Z


    BUOYS (MAXIMUM GUSTS)

    42036.....100 NM WNW OF BAYPORT.......040/18.....08/13/04...2050Z
    42003.....210 NM W OF CAPTIVA ISL.....270/18.....08/13/04...2050Z


B.  LOWEST SEA LEVEL PRESSURE...

    COUNTY.........CITY...............PRES/MILLIBARS..DATE/TIME (UTC)

    LEVY............CEDAR KEY (CDRF1)....1010.8......08/12/04...1415Z
    SUMTER..........THE VILLAGES (VVG)...1008.1......08/13/04...0145Z
    HERNANDO........BROOKSVILLE (BKV)....1009.1......08/13/04...2336Z
    PINELLAS........ST PETERSBURG (PIE)..1008.5......08/13/04...2259Z
                    ST PETERSBURG (SPG)..1007.1......08/13/04...2242Z
    HILLSBOROUGH....TAMPA (TPA)..........1007.8......08/13/04...2332Z
    POLK............WINTER HAVEN (GIF)...1000.3......08/13/04...2305Z
    SARASOTA........SARASOTA (SRQ).......1003.4......08/13/04...2121Z
    CHARLOTTE.......PUNTA GORDA (PGD).... 972.2......08/13/04...2053Z
    LEE.............FORT MYERS (FMY)..... 998.1......08/13/04...1953Z
                    FORT MYERS (RSW).....1001.4......08/13/04...1957Z
    42036 (BUOY)....100NM WNW OF BAYPORT.1009.5......08/12/04...1300Z
    42003 (BUOY)....210NM W OF CAPTIVA...1011.2......08/12/04...1100Z


C.  RAINFALL TOTALS...

    1 HR.....1.29" REGIONAL SOUTHWEST (RSW)...LEE CO..08/13/04..18-19Z

    6 HR.....3.19" REGIONAL SOUTHWEST (RSW)...LEE CO..08/13/04..16-22Z

    12 HR....3.26" REGIONAL SOUTHWEST (RSW)...LEE CO..08/13/04..10-22Z

    24 HR....3.53" REGIONAL SOUTHWEST (RSW)...LEE CO..08/13/04..04-04Z


D.  MAXIMUM STORM SURGE (STORM TIDE) AND ESTIMATED TIME...

    PINELLAS CO...... NONE.
    HILLSBOROUGH CO.. NONE.
    MANATEE CO....... NONE.
    SARASOTA CO...... NONE.
    DESOTO CO........ NONE.
    CHARLOTTE CO..... 6.3 FEET (7.0 FEET)...2000Z
    LEE CO........... 6.5 FEET (8.0 FEET)...2000Z


E.  BEACH EROSION...

    PINELLAS CO...... NONE.
    HILLSBOROUGH CO.. NONE.
    MANATEE CO....... NONE.
    SARASOTA CO...... NONE.
    CHARLOTTE CO..... MAJOR.
    LEE CO........... MAJOR. A NEW PASS... SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS LONG
                      WAS FORMED SPLITTING NORTH CAPTIVA ISLAND.

F.  FLOODING

    LEVY CO ......... NONE.
    CITRUS CO........ NONE.
    HERNANDO CO...... NONE.
    PASCO CO......... NONE.
    PINELLAS CO...... NONE.
    HILLSBOROUGH CO.. NONE.
    SUMTER CO........ NONE.
    POLK CO.......... MINOR AREAS URBAN/SMALL STREAM FLOODING.
    HARDEE CO........ MINOR FLOODING ON THE PEACE RIVER.
    DESOTO CO........ MINOR FLOODING ON HORSE CREEK.
    HIGHLANDS........ MINOR AREAS URBAN/SMALL STREAM FLOODING.
    MANATEE CO....... MODERATE FLOODING ON MYAKKA RIVER.
                      MODERATE FLOODING ON MANATEE RIVERS.
    SARASOTA CO...... NONE.
    CHARLOTTE CO..... MINOR AREAS URBAN/SMALL STREAM FLOODING.
    LEE CO........... MINOR AREAS URBAN/SMALL STREAM FLOODING.

G.  TORNADOES...

DATE     TIME(UTC)  LOCATION         COUNTY    FATALITY    INJURED
====     ====       ========         ======    ========    =======
08/12    2346Z      5 WNW FORT       LEE          0           0
                    MYERS BEACH
WATERSPOUT REPORTED BY PUBLIC AND RELAYED BY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
OFFICIAL


08/13    1605Z      10SE ZOLFO       HARDEE       0           0
                    SPRINGS
PUBLIC REPORTED A TORNADO MOVING ALONG CR 634 NEAR CREWSVILLE IN
RURAL SOUTHEAST HARDEE COUNTY.

08/13    1700Z      LAKE WALES       POLK         0           0
PUBLIC REPORTED A TORNADO IN LAKE WALES. RELAYED BY CHANNEL 28.

08/13    1755Z       1 E DAVENPORT   POLK         0           0
TORNADO AT MARIGOLD AVE. AND CYPRESS IN RURAL NORTHEAST POLK COUNTY.

08/13    1910Z      BROWNVILLE       DESOTO       0           0
TORNADO ON GROUND MOVING NORTH NEAR MCINTYCE RD. AND US 17. LASTED
APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES. ONE BUILDING WAS DAMAGED.

08/13    1923Z      CAPE CORAL       LEE          0           0
WATERSPOUT MOVED ASHORE AND DOWNED APPROXIMATELY SEVEN TREES...
THEN LIFTED.


H. PRELIMINARY STORM EFFECTS...

   1)  DEATHS.................................. 12

   2)  INJURIES................................ UNKNOWN

   3)  DAMAGE BY COUNTY...(FROM COUNTIES AND MEDIA):
       LEVY.........NONE.
       HERNANDO.....NONE.
       CITRUS.......NONE.
       PASCO........NONE.
       PINELLAS.....NONE.
       HILLSBOROUGH.NONE.
       SUMTER.......NONE.
       POLK.........COUNTY STILL ASSESSING DAMAGE.
       DESOTO.......COUNTY STILL ASSESSING DAMAGE.
       HARDEE.......$450 MILLION OTHERWISE COUNTY STILL ASSESSING
                    DAMAGE.
       HIGHLANDS....COUNTY STILL ASSESSING DAMAGE.
       MANATEE......COUNTY STILL ASSESSING DAMAGE.
       SARASOTA.....COUNTY STILL ASSESSING DAMAGE.
       CHARLOTTE....COUNTY STILL ASSESSING DAMAGE.
       LEE..........COUNTY STILL ASSESSING DAMAGE.



   4)  NUMBER OF PEOPLE EVACUATED...............1,419,915

Preliminary Storm Report for the Melbourne, FL WFO area

NOUS42 KMLB 170312
PNSMLB

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE                                            
1110 PM EDT MON AUG 16 2004


SOME PRELIMINARY PEAK SUSTAINED WINDS/GUSTS (MPH) FROM HURRICANE 
CHARLEY: 

ASOS/AWOS

        SUS     DAY/TIME    GUST    DAY/TIME
KDAB  200/55   13/1153PM   200/70   13/1153PM (FAILED)

KSFB  120/72   13/1010PM   120/92   13/1009PM

KORL  130/66   13/0934PM   120/85   13/0929PM (FAILED)

KMCO  160/77   13/0917PM   120/105  13/0905PM

KISM   NA/61   13/0835PM    NA/75   13/0835PM (AWOS III/FAILED)

KISM   N/A         N/A      NA/135     N/A     (ATCT WIND EQUIP - PK
                                                WIND DIAL READ 117KT)

KLEE  020/29   13/0935PM    030/39  13/0934PM (FAILED)

KCOF  150/32   13/0844PM    150/50  13/0844PM

KMLB  180/33   13/0856PM    180/45  13/1022PM  (LAST OF SEVERAL)

KVRB  180/26   13/0936PM    170/35  13/0915PM

KFPR  140/24   13/0310PM    170/30  13/0913PM

-------------------------------------------------------
CAPE CANAVERAL AFS MESONET TWR #22 (MOSQUITO LAGOON)

        SUS      DAY/TIME    GUST    DAY/TIME
TWR 22 150/60   34/1045PM   150/86  13/1110PM
-------------------------------------------------------

FLORIDA AUTOMATED WEATHER NETWORK (FAWN MESONET) SITES:

              SUS     TIME
APOPKA       350/56   14/0845PM
FORT PIERCE  180/31   12/0900PM
KENANSVILLE  160/43   13/0715PM                 (FAILED)
OKAHUMPKA    310/31   13/0915PM
PIERSON      010/24   13/1000PM
UMATILLA
TAVARES      

WFO MLB      180/35    180/49       13/0932PM


THIS LIST WILL BE UPDATED AS ADDTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL DATA IS 
COMPILED.

Preliminary Storm Report for the Charleston, SC WFO area

NOUS42 KCHS 141425 PNSCHS GAZ087-088-099>101-114>119-137>141-SCZ040-042>045-047>051-141800- PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT...HURRICANE CHARLEY WIND REPORTS NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC 1030 AM EDT SAT AUG 14 2004 THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME UNOFFICIAL PEAK WIND GUSTS FROM VARIOUS OBSERVATION EQUIPMENT ACROSS SOUTHERN SOUTH CAROLINA...NORTH COASTAL GEORGIA AND THE ADJACENT COASTAL WATERS. ...SOUTHERN SOUTH CAROLINA... BUOY 41004.............................. 74 MPH ISLE OF PALMS........................... 64 MPH FOLLY BEACH............................. 58 MPH DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON..................... 53 MPH CHARLESTON AIRPORT...................... 38 MPH SAVANNAH RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. 36 MPH RAVENEL................................. 34 MPH HILTON HEAD ISLAND...................... 31 MPH ...NORTH COASTAL GEORGIA... SABSOON TOWER.......... 60 MPH* /50 METER OBSERVATION/ BUOY 41008.................. 50 MPH TYBEE ISLAND........... 33 MPH FORT PULASKI........... 26 MPH SAVANNAH AIRPORT....... 20 MPH SAVANNAH COURTHOUSE.... 19 MPH * SABSOON TOWER /SPAG1/ HAS NOT REPORTED SINCE 528 AM EDT. HIGHER GUSTS LIKELY OCCURRED AS THE EYE OF HURRICANE CHARLEY PASSED JUST TO THE EAST OF THE STATION.

Preliminary Storm Report for the Newport/Morehead City, NC WFO area

NOUS42 KMHX 150147 PNSMHX NCZ029-044>047-079>081-090>095-098-103-104-151200- PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEWPORT/MOREHEAD CITY NC 945 PM EDT SAT AUG 14 2004 ...PRELIMINARY HURRICANE CHARLEY INFORMATION... STATION PEAK WIND GUST TIME PCPN MPH/DIR THRU 1700 CEDAR ISLAND 48/230 1600 BEAUFORT (MRH) 49/230 1514 1.40 NEW RIVER (NCA) 66/150 1526 NEW BERN (EWN) 53/090 1425 1.26 CHERRY POINT (NKT) 51/160 1457 2.08 NEWPORT (MHX) 33/150 1420 2.31 WASHINGTON (OCW) 58/120 1601 JACKSONVILLE (OAJ) 55/180 1435 KINSTON (ISO) 46/330 1520 GREENVILLE (PGV) 37/230 1521 MANTEO (MQI) 40/180 1800 HATTERAS (HSE) 37/150 1650 CAPE LOOKOUT 53/190 15-1530 CHANNEL 9 STUDIOS 4.31 THIS DATA IS PRELIMINARY AND NOT OFFICIAL. A POST STORM REPORT (RDUPSHMHX) ON CHARLEY WILL BE SENT OUT NEXT WEEK.

NOUS42 KILM 150049 AAA PNSILM NCZ097-100-101-SCZ034-046-150530- PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT...UPDATE TO ADD MERCER PIER NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILMINGTON NC 807 PM EDT SAT AUG 14 2004 THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME UNOFFICIAL PEAK WIND GUSTS FROM VARIOUS OBSERVATION EQUIPMENT ACROSS NORTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA AND THE ADJACENT COASTAL WATERS. ...NORTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA... GEORGETOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT...........65 MPH MYRTLE BEACH JETPORT.................62 MPH SPRINGMAID PIER......................45 MPH GRAND STRAND AIRPORT (CRE)...........58 MPH ...SOUTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA... BAY SHORE ESTATES....................93 MPH/INSTRUMENT 110 FEET HIGH. CAROLINA BEACH.......................70 MPH FRYING PAN SHOALS BUOY 41013.........66 MPH HOLIDAY INN-SUNSPREE RESORT WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH...82 MPH MERCER PIER WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH.......86 MPH MYRTLE GROVE.........................63 MPH OAK ISLAND 39TH STREET...............76 MPH OAK ISLAND 43RD STREET...............61 MPH SAINT JAMES PLANTATION...............67 MPH SURF CITY............................51 MPH UNC-WILMINGTON MARINE SCIENCE CENTER.83 MPH WATHA................................45 MPH WILMINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.....74 MPH WILMINGTON STATE PORT................92 MPH/INSTRUMENT 65 FEET HIGH. STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO AND OTHER LOCAL MEDIA FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR UPDATES.

Local Storm Reports as they came in real-time

Following are preliminary storm reports of damage, winds, and precipitation from local National Weather Service offices as they came in during the storm (or summarized afterwards). This data is from the IWIN (Interactive Weather Information Network). To find such data after a storm, go to the map of the states, click on a state, and then click on 'Public Information Statement'.

Local Storm Reports from Florida

NWUS52 KEYW 150341 LSREYW PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE KEY WEST FL 1140 PM EDT SAT AUG 14 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 0800 AM HURRICANE 70 W KEY WEST 24.55N 82.87W 08/13/2004 XXX XX PARK/FOREST SRVC DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK RANGERS REPORTED A BOAT DOCK AND COASTAL-MARINE AUTOMATED NETWORK PLATFORM DRYF1 DESTROYED. THE EYE OF HURRICANE CHARLEY WAS DIRECTLY OVER FORT JEFFERSON NATIONAL MONUMENT AT 900 AM EDT.

NWUS52 KMLB 140037 LSRMLB PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MELBOURNE FL 837 PM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 0810 PM NON-TSTM WND GST POINCIANA 28.15N 81.45W 08/13/2004 0 MPH OSCEOLA FL AMATEUR RADIO 60 MPH SUSTAINED WINDS. 0820 PM NON-TSTM WND DMG POINCIANA 28.15N 81.45W 08/13/2004 OSCEOLA FL PUBLIC TREES UPROOTED WITH ESTIMATED 80 MPH WIND GUSTS. 0834 PM NON-TSTM WND GST ORLANDO 28.50N 81.37W 08/13/2004 0 MPH ORANGE FL OFFICIAL NWS OBS 87 MPH WIND GUST AT ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ASOS. 0835 PM NON-TSTM WND GST KISSIMMEE 28.30N 81.41W 08/13/2004 0 MPH OSCEOLA FL AWOS 61 MPH SUSTAINED WINDS WITH GUSTS TO 75 MPH.

NWUS52 KMLB 140042 LSRMLB PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MELBOURNE FL 842 PM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 0744 PM TORNADO SOUTH DAYTONA 29.16N 81.00W 08/13/2004 VOLUSIA FL LAW ENFORCEMENT GULF VIEW BLVD. AND BEVILLE RD. 0747 PM TORNADO SOUTH DAYTONA 29.16N 81.00W 08/13/2004 VOLUSIA FL LAW ENFORCEMENT EASTERN RD. FIRE AT GAS STATION. 0750 PM NON-TSTM WND DMG DAYTONA BEACH SHORES 29.17N 80.98W 08/13/2004 VOLUSIA FL LAW ENFORCEMENT *** 1 INJ *** ROOF COLLAPSED ON CARDINAL BLVD.

NWUS52 KMLB 140101 LSRMLB PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MELBOURNE FL 901 PM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 0740 PM TORNADO SOUTH DAYTONA 29.16N 81.00W 08/13/2004 VOLUSIA FL EMERGENCY MNGR THREE BLOCK SQUARE AREA VICINITY OF US1 AND BEVILLE. ROOF OFF OF SUNSHINE MALL. TREES ON HOMES.

NWUS52 KMLB 140109 LSRMLB PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MELBOURNE FL 909 PM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 0905 PM NON-TSTM WND GST ORLANDO 28.50N 81.37W 08/13/2004 105 MPH ORANGE FL OFFICIAL NWS OBS ORLANDO INTL ARPT ASOS

NWUS52 KTBW 140147 LSRTBW PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAMPA BAY AREA - RUSKIN FL 947 PM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 0445 PM TSTM WND DMG LEHIGH ACRES 26.60N 81.63W 08/13/2004 LEE FL TRAINED SPOTTER LARGE TREE DOWN...2 FEET DIAMETER. WAL MART SIGN DOWN. GAS STATION METAL ROOF FLEW ACROSS LEE BLVD ONTO HOUSE. 0600 PM TSTM WND DMG WAUCHULA 27.55N 81.81W 08/13/2004 HARDEE FL EMERGENCY MNGR CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE OVER COUNTY...UNNUMBERED INJURIES. HOSPITAL OUT OF SERVICE. 0600 PM TSTM WND DMG ZOLFO SPRINGS 27.49N 81.79W 08/13/2004 HARDEE FL AMATEUR RADIO EXTENSIVE TREE DAMAGE. POWER LINES DOWN. MAJOR ROADS BLOCKED. CANNOT GET INTO ZOLFO SPRINGS. MOBILE HOME PARKS DESTROYED. ROOF DESTROYED AND COMMS TOWER DOWN AT HOSPITAL. 0600 PM TSTM WND DMG SEBRING 27.49N 81.45W 08/13/2004 HIGHLANDS FL AMATEUR RADIO EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO POWER GRID. HIGHWAY 27 IMPASSABLE IN PLACES AROUND SEBRING AND LAKE PLACID. 0700 PM TSTM WND DMG LAKE WALES 27.90N 81.59W 08/13/2004 POLK FL AMATEUR RADIO NURSING HOME COLLAPSED

NWUS52 KMLB 140203 LSRMLB PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MELBOURNE FL 1003 PM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 0929 PM NON-TSTM WND GST ORLANDO 28.50N 81.37W 08/13/2004 85 MPH ORANGE FL OFFICIAL NWS OBS ORLANDO EXECUTIVE AIRPORT ASOS 120/85 AT 2129 AND SUSTAINED 130/66 AR 2134 EDT 0953 PM NON-TSTM WND GST SANFORD 28.79N 81.28W 08/13/2004 69 MPH SEMINOLE FL OFFICIAL NWS OBS SANFORD ASOS 100/69 0954 PM HIGH SUST WINDS SANFORD 28.79N 81.28W 08/13/2004 56 MPH SEMINOLE FL OFFICIAL NWS OBS SANFORD AIRPORT ARPT 100/56

NWUS52 KMLB 140210 LSRMLB PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MELBOURNE FL 1010 PM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 0905 PM NON-TSTM WND DMG ORLANDO 28.50N 81.37W 08/13/2004 ORANGE FL OFFICIAL NWS OBS STRUCTURAL DAMAGE AT ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL ARPT

NWUS52 KMLB 140225 LSRMLB PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MELBOURNE FL 1025 PM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 1009 PM NON-TSTM WND GST SANFORD 28.79N 81.28W 08/13/2004 92 MPH SEMINOLE FL OFFICIAL NWS OBS SANFORD AIRPORT ASOS 120/92 1010 PM HIGH SUST WINDS SANFORD 28.79N 81.28W 08/13/2004 72 MPH SEMINOLE FL OFFICIAL NWS OBS SANFORD AIRPORT ASOS 120/72

NWUS52 KMLB 140256 LSRMLB PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MELBOURNE FL 1056 PM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 1030 PM NON-TSTM WND GST PORT SAINT JOHN 28.48N 80.79W 08/13/2004 68 MPH BREVARD FL TRAINED SPOTTER 1053 PM NON-TSTM WND GST DAYTONA BEACH 29.21N 81.03W 08/13/2004 85 MPH VOLUSIA FL PUBLIC

NWUS52 KMLB 140303 LSRMLB PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MELBOURNE FL 1103 PM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 1100 PM NON-TSTM WND GST DAYTONA BEACH 29.21N 81.03W 08/13/2004 70 MPH VOLUSIA FL TRAINED SPOTTER DAYTONA BEACH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

NWUS52 KJAX 140312 LSRJAX PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSONVILLE FL 1111 PM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 1100 PM TROPICAL STORM 5 S BUNNELL 29.39N 81.26W 08/13/2004 FLAGLER FL TRAINED SPOTTER 60 MPH WINDS REPORTED BY TRAINED SPOTTER.

NWUS52 KMLB 140326 LSRMLB PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MELBOURNE FL 1125 PM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 0815 PM NON-TSTM WND DMG POINCIANA 28.15N 81.45W 08/13/2004 OSCEOLA FL PUBLIC POWER LINES DOWN.FIREDEPT.LOSTROOF 1115 PM NON-TSTM WND GST DAYTONA BEACH 29.21N 81.03W 08/13/2004 83 MPH VOLUSIA FL TRAINED SPOTTER DAYTONA BEACH ARPT 015/83 1115 PM HIGH SUST WINDS DAYTONA BEACH 29.21N 81.03W 08/13/2004 69 MPH VOLUSIA FL TRAINED SPOTTER DAYTONA BEACH AIRPORT SUSTAINED WINDS 015/69

NWUS52 KTBW 140340 LSRTBW PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAMPA BAY AREA - RUSKIN FL 1140 PM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 0645 PM TSTM WND DMG LAKE WALES 27.90N 81.59W 08/13/2004 POLK FL EMERGENCY MNGR LAKE WALES HOSPITAL/NURSING HOME DAMAGED 0645 PM TSTM WND DMG BARTOW 27.90N 81.85W 08/13/2004 POLK FL EMERGENCY MNGR BARTOW WATER TOWER BLOWN INTO ELECTRIC SUBSTATION

NWUS52 KJAX 140352 LSRJAX PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSONVILLE FL 1151 PM EDT FRI AUG 13 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 1140 PM NON-TSTM WND GST BUNNELL 29.47N 81.26W 08/13/2004 0 MPH FLAGLER FL EMERGENCY MNGR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORTED A MEASURED WIND OF 60 KNOTS GUSTING TO 67 KNOTS. NUMEROUS REPORTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY OF 50 KNOTS GUSTING TO 60 KNOTS. 1140 PM HAIL PALM COAST 29.57N 81.21W 08/13/2004 0.75 INCH FLAGLER FL EMERGENCY MNGR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORTED DIME SIZED HAIL IN PALM COAST.

NWUS52 KMLB 140401 LSRMLB PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MELBOURNE FL 1201 AM EDT SAT AUG 14 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 1112 PM NON-TSTM WND GST PORT ORANGE 29.16N 81.00W 08/13/2004 100 MPH VOLUSIA FL TRAINED SPOTTER 1125 PM NON-TSTM WND GST DAYTONA BEACH 29.21N 81.03W 08/13/2004 86 MPH VOLUSIA FL OTHER FEDERAL DAYTONA BEACH FAA TOWER REPORTED SUSTAINED WIND AT 86 MPH GUSTING TO 97 MPH. DATA OBTAINED FROM LOW LEVEL WIND SHEAR ALERT SYSTEM.

NWUS52 KMLB 140437 LSRMLB PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MELBOURNE FL 1237 AM EDT SAT AUG 14 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 1045 PM NON-TSTM WND DMG SCOTTSMOOR 28.77N 80.88W 08/13/2004 BREVARD FL PUBLIC LARGE TREES UPROOTED. DAMAGE TO MOBIL HOMES.

NWUS52 KJAX 140459 LSRJAX PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSONVILLE FL 1257 AM EDT SAT AUG 14 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 1250 AM NON-TSTM WND DMG BUNNELL 29.47N 81.26W 08/14/2004 FLAGLER FL EMERGENCY MNGR NUMEROUS TREES DOWN ALL OVER COUNTY. POWER OUTAGE NEAR 80 PERCENT. ISOLATED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. WINDS DOWN TO 30 KNOTS GUSTING TO 45 KNOTS.

NWUS52 KCHS 141959 LSRCHS PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT ... CORRECTION NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC 359 PM EDT SAT AUG 14 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 0745 AM HURRICANE FOLLY BEACH 32.65N 79.94W 08/14/2004 CHARLESTON SC LAW ENFORCEMENT POWER POLES AND POWER LINES DOWN IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANE CHARLEY. TIME ESTIMATED. 0900 AM HURRICANE CAINHOY 32.93N 79.83W 08/14/2004 BERKELEY SC COUNTY OFFICIAL TREES DOWN IN CAINHOY ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANE CHARLEY. TIME ESTIMATED. 0900 AM HURRICANE HUGER 33.10N 79.80W 08/14/2004 BERKELEY SC COUNTY OFFICIAL TREES REPORTED DOWN IN HUGER ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANE CHARLEY. TIME ESTIMATED. 0900 AM HURRICANE ISLE OF PALMS 32.78N 79.78W 08/14/2004 CHARLESTON SC LAW ENFORCEMENT TREES DOWN IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANE CHARLEY. TIME ESTIMATED. 0900 AM HURRICANE MOUNT PLEASANT 32.79N 79.86W 08/14/2004 CHARLESTON SC LAW ENFORCEMENT TREES DOWN ON US-17 NORTH AND RIFLE RANGE ROAD. TREES ALSO DOWN ON OTHER SECONDARY ROADS EAST OF US-17 AND NORTH OF THE ISLE OF PALMS OF CONNECTOR. A FEW AWNINGS BLOWN OFF HOMES. 0930 AM HURRICANE MCCLELLANVILLE 33.09N 79.46W 08/14/2004 CHARLESTON SC DEPT OF HIGHWAYS TREES DOWN ON SC ROUTE 45 IN AND NEAR MCCLELLANVILLE. TIME ESTIMATED. 0930 AM HURRICANE 4 E SHULERVILLE 33.19N 79.56W 08/14/2004 BERKELEY SC DEPT OF HIGHWAYS TREES DOWN ON SC ROUTE 45 IN AND NEAR HONEY HILL ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANE CHARLEY. TIME ESTIMATED. 0930 AM HURRICANE MCCLELLANVILLE 33.09N 79.46W 08/14/2004 CHARLESTON SC COUNTY OFFICIAL NUMEROUS TREES DOWN ON US-17 NORTH IN AND NEAR MCCLELLANVILLE ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANE CHARLEY. TIME ESTIMATED.

NWUS52 KCHS 151852 LSRCHS PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC 251 PM EDT SUN AUG 15 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 0900 AM HURRICANE MOUNT PLEASANT 32.79N 79.86W 08/13/2004 CHARLESTON SC NWS EMPLOYEE SEVERAL TREES AND TREE BRANCHES DOWN IN SEASIDE FARMS SUBDIVISION. TIME ESTIMATED. 0900 AM HURRICANE MOUNT PLEASANT 32.79N 79.86W 08/13/2004 CHARLESTON SC NWS EMPLOYEE TWO LARGE OAK TREES DOWN ALONG ENTRANCE TO SNEE FARM SUBDIVSION OFF US-17. NUMEROUS SMALL TREES AND TREE BRANCHES ALSO DOWN IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE SUBDIVISION. TIME ESTIMATED. 0900 AM HURRICANE MOUNT PLEASANT 32.79N 79.86W 08/13/2004 CHARLESTON SC NWS EMPLOYEE SEVERAL SMALL TREES...PARTS OF TREES AND TREE BRANCHES DOWN ON LONG POINT ROAD. PART OF A LARGE WOODEN FENCE BLOWN OVER. TIME ESTIMATED.

NWUS52 KCHS 151107 LSRCHS PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC 705 AM EDT SUN AUG 15 2004 ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 0658 AM FLASH FLOOD CHARLESTON 32.78N 79.94W 08/15/2004 CHARLESTON SC LAW ENFORCEMENT ROADS FLOODING NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF KENT AND DORCHESTER ROAD. 0701 AM FLASH FLOOD CHARLESTON 32.78N 79.94W 08/15/2004 CHARLESTON SC PUBLIC FLOODING IN PROGRESS OFF OF U.S. 17 IN DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON INCLUDING 1/2 TO 1 FOOT OF WATER OVER RUTLEDGE AVENUE. 0701 AM FLASH FLOOD CHARLESTON 32.78N 79.94W 08/15/2004 CHARLESTON SC PUBLIC STREETS AROUND MEDICAL UNIVERSITY SOUTH CAROLINA FLOODED AND IMPASSABLE.

Apparently, with all the media focusing on Charley making landfall in Tampa, many people to the south did not evacuate, even though they were clearly under a hurricane warning and in the danger zone. Some made tragic bets that the storm would hit right in the middle of the hurricane warning area, and were shocked when the storm made landfall further south. Apparently, there is still much need for public awareness of hurricane warning terminology and appropriate actions to take.

A few days after the storm, the Tallahassee Weather National Weather Service Forecast Office issued the following hurricane preparedness guidelines to emphasize the inherent uncertainties in hurricane track and intensity forecasts.

NOUS42 KTAE 161847 PNSTLH 171843- PUBLIC INFORMATION MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL 243 PM EDT MON AUG 16 2004 ...ARE YOU REALLY PREPARED?... NOW THAT WE ARE IN THE HEART OF HURRICANE SEASON, THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WANTS TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE PREPARED FOR A HURRICANE. RECENT EVENTS OFFER A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO ANALYZE YOUR STATE OF READINESS. HERE ARE A FEW QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: DID YOU KNOW THAT THE AVERAGE 24-HOUR TRACK FORECAST ERROR FOR A TROPICAL CYCLONE IS ABOUT 100 MILES? IN OTHER WORDS, IF A HURRICANE IS FORECAST TO HIT APALACHICOLA 24 HOURS FROM NOW, THE ACTUAL POSITION COULD END UP BEING ANYWHERE FROM DESTIN TO STEINHATCHEE. THE AVERAGE TRACK ERROR FOR A 3-DAY FORECAST IS 230 MILES! AS YOU CAN SEE, EVEN WITH ALL OF THE TECHNOLOGY AND IMPROVED UNDERSTANDING OF THE ATMOSPHERE WE STILL HAVE QUITE A BIT OF UNCERTAINTY IN OUR TRACK FORECASTS. THAT IS WHY HURRICANE WARNINGS ARE ISSUED FOR MUCH LARGER SECTIONS OF COASTLINE THAN THE OFFICIAL TRACK FORECAST MIGHT SUGGEST. FOR EXAMPLE, SUPPOSE A HURRICANE IS FORECAST TO HIT APALACHICOLA IN 24 HOURS. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE HURRICANE WARNING WOULD EXTEND FROM DESTIN TO STEINHATCHEE BECAUSE THOSE POINTS ARE WITHIN OUR AVERAGE ERROR RANGE. WE HAVE TO GIVE A SPECIFIC FORECAST TRACK, BUT WE RECOGNIZE THAT THERE IS AN ENVELOPE OF OTHER POSSIBLE TRACKS SURROUNDING OUR FORECAST TRACK, AND WE MUST WARN FOR AREAS WITHIN THIS ENVELOPE. THAT IS WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE YOUR HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS DECISIONS BASED ON THE WARNINGS, AND NOT THE ACTUAL FORECAST TRACK. SUPPOSE A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED FOR YOUR AREA BUT THE STORM IS EXPECTED TO ONLY REACH 110 MPH, WHICH IS JUST A CATEGORY-2 HURRICANE. WOULD YOU EVACUATE? THERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER. FIRST OF ALL, THE AVERAGE WIND SPEED ERROR FOR A 24-HOUR FORECAST IS 10 MPH. SO IT'S POSSIBLE THAT THE STORM COULD REACH 120 MPH BY LANDFALL, WHICH WOULD BE A MAJOR HURRICANE. BUT THIS IS THE AVERAGE FORECAST ERROR. THERE WILL BE TIMES WHEN THE WIND FORECAST WILL BE OFF BY EVEN MORE THAN 10 MPH...ESPECIALLY FOR SOME STORMS THAT UNDERGO RAPID INTENSIFICATION PHASES. THIS CAN BE A FRIGHTENING SCENARIO WHEN YOU ARE PREPARED FOR A CATEGORY-2 STORM AND END UP WITH A CATEGORY-4. IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO EVACUATE BY THE TIME YOU REALIZE THE STORM HAS INTENSIFIED. BE SURE YOU ARE IN A WELL-CONSTRUCTED BUILDING AWAY FROM WATER BEFORE MAKING A DECISION TO NOT EVACUATE. MOBILE HOMES DO NOT OFFER ADEQUATE SHELTER AND SHOULD BE EVACUATED WHEN A HURRICANE THREATENS. IF YOU ARE UNDECIDED ABOUT WHETHER YOU SHOULD EVACUATE, ASK YOURSELF WHAT YOU WOULD DO IF THE HURRICANE APPROACHING YOUR AREA STRENGTHENED A CATEGORY MORE THAN FORECAST. DO YOU HAVE A DISASTER PREPAREDNESS KIT? IF NOT, NOW IS THE TIME TO GET ONE. THIS SHOULD INCLUDE AMPLE FIRST AID SUPPLIES, BATTERIES, FLASHLIGHTS, SEVERAL DAYS WORTH OF WATER AND NON-PERISHABLE FOOD, A CAN OPENER, AND PLENTY OF CASH. YOU CAN AVOID THE LAST MINUTE SHOPPING RUSH AND THE RISK OF NOT BEING ABLE TO GET THESE SUPPLIES IF A HURRICANE THREATENS BY GETTING THESE SUPPLIES NOW. A DISASTER PREPAREDNESS KIT IS ALSO GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND IF OTHER DISASTERS OCCUR...ESPECIALLY IN THIS ERA OF TERROR THREATS. ONCE YOU HAVE A DISASTER KIT AND A PLAN YOU WILL HAVE THE PEACE OF MIND OF KNOWING YOU ARE PREPARED FOR UNEXPECTED EMERGENCIES.

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