Hurricane Florence

[CarlF]

Compounding the problem is that water temperatures are 3 degrees above normal. As we all know, hurricanes feed on heat.

But did you notice that the hurricanes last year actually strengthened as they approached the coast? A NOAA scientist explained to me that big hurricanes used to be somewhat self-limiting. A Cat 4 or 5 would churn up huge waves far offshore. This would bring cooler water to the ocean surface that would rob the hurricane of heat - tamping down the energy a bit.

Recent measurements in southern waters show that climate change has made the water warmer down to 50ft depths. Those big waves now just churn up more heat for the hurricane.

The Florence forecast seems to be assuming this. She will build.

Preparing a boat for a Cat 1 or 2 is pretty easy. There's not much you can do to prepare for a direct strike of a cat 4 or 5.

[Clamdigger]

You may very well be few going through now if other Southbounders have already holed up in LI Sound holes. You dont want to be underway on tuesday because of the history on that date has everyone on pins and needles. Monday or Wednesday better, though not weatherwise.

Either way you know you're welcome here. Just wished I had known you were singlehanding sooner. I would have tried to get up to you and crewed so you could take a break during the transit.

Back in the 1970's - 1980's I could have made one or two phone calls and had a qualified deckhand at your dock in 12-24 hours! I knew that many sailors from racing on the Sound from East to West!

[seandepagnier]

Originally Posted by Clamdigger

You dont want to be underway on tuesday

What is the problem with tuesday?

[laika]

Another good tropical wx source..
https://www.tropicaltidbits.com/

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by boat_alexandra

What is the problem with tuesday?

Tues is the 11th day of Sept.
However I’d still evacuate, other than a day of remembrance, I’d drive on.
We have enough time if someone is underway to get clear, assuming of course no major course deviations.

[Clamdigger]

Originally Posted by boat_alexandra

What is the problem with tuesday?

Many here locally were affected one way or another on that day.

Personally hearing, "ALL STATIONS", almost makes me want to immediately vomit. That's one date in my life I will always spend alone, with or without a drink in my hand, sitting on a bench that has helped me cope. I have sat there all day on that date since 2005. Nothing further, come sit next to me on the bench, I'll have an air sickness bag for your convience.

[WindLove]

Some marinas are making people leave their marinas to go anchor out. Isn't that more unsafe?

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by WindLove

Some marinas are making people leave their marinas to go anchor out. Isn't that more unsafe?

Depends on the Marina.
Some are far worse than running for the Mangroves or up a Bayou.
It’s best that if your home marina requires you to leave, that you have a plan.

I do not think they can physically remove you, but if you stay, your there illegally and I assume you can’t sue them for anything that happens.

[Clamdigger]

You can find another yard to short haul your boat if you are not done sailing for the season. The marinas insurance company dictates their policies imo.

[hpeer]

Windlove,

In Sandy and the one the year before our marina came too very close to overtopping the pilings holding the floating docks. Had that happened the entire dock would have been swept down to a 15’ clearance bridge.

Consequently a few of us worked to secure the docks independent of pilings. In short we anchored the docks, anchored our boats tied to the docks, tied to telephone poles, etc.

The worst did not happen, but it was close.

[Saleen411]

Interesting tidbit...

"Only 10 major hurricanes have made a direct landfall between Jacksonville and Cape Hatteras since 1851. #Florence could be the 11th this week."

[Peeew]

I’m in the south Chesapeake bay and will not be in town during predicted landfall I’m heading a bit north and having the boat pulled since it needs some bottom paint anyway.

[gaucho]

As of 12:00 CST on Sept 10, Florence is now a Category 4.

I also second Levi Cowan as your hurricane season source of information. He is absolutely fantastic; clear, concise, short discussions, talks about the **** that needs discussing, doesn't talk about irrelevant crap, and he teaches you a lot while you listen to his podcast (or youtubecast I would say). He doesn't add "drama" to anything, he doesn't beat around the bush with useless info (like that guy that got posted before in this thread, Joe whoknowwhat). Levi Cowan is by far the best.

www.tropicaltidbits.com

[Suijin]

Another vote for tropical tidbits. His nightly presentation is clear and to the point. I religiously hit it up every evening when a storm is on the way.

[DeepFrz]

Flo. has started her turn to WNW and picked up speed slightly.