Cyclones Lost yacht Grib files.

[Jacana]

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to all.Sitting at home with boat tyed up and a cyclones approaching each side of our country have a look on Home Page - Bureau of Meteorology at the moment winds at 70 to 80 increasing and we are 250ks from centre.Last week a yacht reported abandoned off North Stradbroke Island struck and stuck on sandbar in heavy seas 3pobs all safe no info on yacht guess would be broken up in storm by now.Makes you realise how quick our lives can be turned around and so easy to say at least they only lost their boat,they can always get another,dont think i could replace mine in a big hurry.Just hope they are okay now ,does anyone have more information? Been looking recently at GRIB US weather files and now comparing with current cyclones to see how reliable the GRIB FILES are would also appreciate feedback on reliability of 7 day forecast of same. thanks Geoff.

[Hud3]

Jacana,

I've found the GRIB forecasts to be "pretty good" 3-4 days out, but iffy beyond that, especially if there's some major weather approaching. I think the key is to use several sources so you can compare and make judgements. Here are a couple of good weather sites with global reach. You can navigate around and find a bunch of info and links on the Weather Underground site. Windfinder is just a nifty presentation of the GFS model forecast.

Tropical Storm: Tracking Map : Weather Underground
Wind & weather forecast / Wind & Wettervorhersage Brisbane Airport

Happy New Year to you, too. Glad you're tied up and safe.