weather conditions - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-29T11:26:18Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/weather+conditionsAlong the Coast: Resources help residents prepare for hurricane seasonhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/along-the-coast-resources-help-residents-prepare-for-hurricane-se2015-06-03T16:30:00.000Z2015-06-03T16:30:00.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p> As we head into the 2015 hurricane season, it’s not too early to make preparations … just in case. Southeast Florida has not experienced the effects of a serious tropical weather system in 10 years, and some reminders may be in order. <br /> There are numerous preparedness and information resources available, including websites and smartphone apps. <br /> Some you may find helpful include:</p>
<ul>
<li> Palm Beach County Emergency Management: <a href="http://www.pbcgov.com/dem/knowurzone">www.pbcgov.com/dem/knowurzone</a></li>
<li> Palm Beach County Evacuation Zones: <a href="http://www.pbcgov.com/dem/evacuate/">http://www.pbcgov.com/dem/evacuate/</a></li>
<li> Palm Beach County Special Needs Shelter: <a href="http://www.pbcgov.com/dem/sections/logistics/scu.htm">www.pbcgov.com/dem/sections/logistics/scu.htm</a></li>
<li> Generators in PBC (gas stations, Home Depot, Lowe's, Publix): <a href="http://www.pbcgov.com/dem/hurricane/">http://www.pbcgov.com/dem/hurricane/</a></li>
<li> National Hurricane Center: <a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/">www.nhc.noaa.gov/</a></li>
<li> NOAA Extreme Weather Information: <a href="http://www.ncddc.noaa.gov/activities/weather-ready-nation/newis/">http://www.ncddc.noaa.gov/activities/weather-ready-nation/newis/</a></li>
<li> Pet Friendly Shelters by County: <a href="http://www.floridapetfriendly.com/pet-friendly-hurricane-shelters.htm">www.floridapetfriendly.com/pet-friendly-hurricane-shelters.htm</a></li>
</ul>
<p><br /> Also, a refresher on the National Hurricane Center definitions of storm watches and warnings and what actions to take is in order.<br /> Understanding the difference between National Weather Service watches and warnings is critical to being prepared for any dangerous weather hazard, including hurricanes.<br /> A watch lets you know that weather conditions are favorable for a hazard to occur. It literally means “be on guard!” <br /> During a weather watch, gather awareness of the specific threat and prepare for action: Monitor the weather to find out if severe weather conditions have deteriorated and discuss your protective action plans with your family.<br /> A warning requires immediate action. This means a weather hazard is imminent: It is either occurring (a tornado has been spotted, for example) or it is about to occur at any moment. <br /> During a weather warning, it is important to take action: Grab the emergency kit you have prepared in advance and head to safety immediately. <br /> Both watches and warnings are important, but warnings are more urgent.<br /> <br /> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;"><strong>Watches</strong></span><br /> Tropical storm watch: An announcement that tropical storm conditions are possible within the specified area. <br /> Hurricane watch: An announcement that hurricane conditions are possible within the specified area.<br /> Because outside preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.<br /> During a watch, prepare your home and review your plan for evacuation in case a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued. Listen closely to instructions from local officials.<br /> <br /> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;"><strong>Warnings</strong></span><br /> Tropical storm warning: An announcement that tropical-storm conditions are expected within the specified area. <br /> Hurricane warning: An announcement that hurricane conditions are expected within the specified area.<br /> Because outside preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.<br /> During a warning, complete storm preparations and immediately leave the threatened area if directed by local officials.<br /> Extreme wind warning: Extreme sustained winds of a major hurricane (115 mph or greater), usually associated with the eyewall, are expected to begin within an hour. Take shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.<br /> <em>— Compiled by Kathleen Bell</em></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;"><strong>Helpful phone numbers:</strong></span><br /> Palm Beach County Emergency Management: 712-6400<br /> Emergencies: 911<br /> Traffic updates: 511<br /> Palm Beach County Sheriff: 688-3000<br /> South Palm Beach Police: 586-2122<br /> Lantana Police: 540-5700<br /> Manalapan Police: 585-4030<br /> Hypoluxo Police: 540-5701<br /> Boynton Beach Police: 732-8116<br /> Ocean Ridge/Briny Breezes Police: 732-8331<br /> Gulf Stream Police: 278-8611<br /> Delray Beach Police: 243-7800<br /> Highland Beach Police: 688-3400<br /> Boca Raton Police: 338-1234</p>
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<p> Most preparations fit into three categories: people, pets, and property. A few suggested items to keep on hand and items to check include:</p>
<p><br /> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;"><strong>For people:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li> Bottled water and nonperishable food</li>
<li> Prescriptions and personal hygiene supplies</li>
<li> First aid kit</li>
<li> Cash</li>
<li> Personal identification, insurance cards</li>
<li> List of medications, doctors, emergency contacts</li>
<li> Flashlights, batteries, solar lights</li>
<li> Identify shelter in case an evacuation order is issued.</li>
</ul>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;"><strong>For pets:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li> Bottled water and food</li>
<li> Medication</li>
<li> Waste bags and litter</li>
<li> Leashes, carriers, crates</li>
<li> Favorite toys, blankets</li>
<li> Identify shelter or boarding in case an evacuation order is issued.</li>
</ul>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family:georgia, palatino;"><strong>For property:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li> Important documents and irreplaceable items</li>
<li> Cell phones, tablets, laptops, and chargers</li>
<li> Back up computer records to flash drive or external hard drive</li>
<li> Inspect, test, repair shutters</li>
<li> Inspect and test generator</li>
<li> Home and auto insurance policy and contact information</li>
</ul></div>