Weather

By Steve Norris

Aug. 29, 2019 CURRENT SITUATION

Hurricane Dorian is forecast to be a Major Category 4 (or higher) Hurricane with winds over 130 mph as it approaches the east coast of Florida on Sunday. Expect strong tropical storm or hurricane force winds to affect Hernando County as early as Sunday. 

Dorian has now been upgraded to a hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph. The center of Hurricane Dorian is located near latitude 18.3 north, longitude 65.0 west. Dorian is moving toward the northwest at 13 mph, and this motion is expected to continue for the next day or two. On this track, Dorian should continue to move near or over the U.S. and British Virgin Islands this afternoon and then move over the open Atlantic well east of the southeastern Bahamas. Dorian is forecast to continue strengthening during the next few days over the Atlantic waters.

SITUATION
The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Warning for coastal areas of Hernando County, which is in effect from 7 PM this evening to 1 PM on Friday.

All of Hernando County is under an Areal Flood Advisory due to widespread rain and isolated thunderstorms. This will cause significant ponding of water on streets and low-lying areas. Rainfall of 2 to 5 inches has fallen. Additional rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is expected over the area.

It’s that time of year again. The long sleeve shirts come out of their boxes. The patio actually seems inviting. The baristas stop assuming you want your drink iced. Yes, the first taste of autumn in Florida is upon us. Well, it was. By the time you read this it’ll probably be in the 80’s again, but that won’t last forever. This year, forecasters are calling for a warmer than average winter across the United States, with a weak El Nino fueling increased rain in the southeast.

(Brooksville, FL) The greatest threat from Hurricane Michael in Hernando County continues to be coastal storm surge. A life-threatening storm surge of four to six feet above normal is expected for 20 hours. Higher than usual tides could begin as early as Tuesday night, but more likely beginning Wednesday into Wednesday night. 

Tide schedule:
Bayport
High: 3:01 a.m., Wednesday
High: 3:55 p.m., Wednesday
High: 3:32 a.m., Thursday
Aripeka
High: 2:11 a.m., Wednesday
High: 2:59 p.m., Wednesday

CURRENT SITUATION 

The National Weather Service has issued a **TROPICAL STORM WATCH AND STORM SURGE WATCH FOR PARTS OF THE FLORIDA WEST COAST INCLUDING HERNANDO COUNTY**. A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within 48 hours. A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline within 48 hours. 

SITUATION

The storms of 2017 left a path of destruction across Florida. Now is the time to prepare for 2018 hurricane season which starts soon.