Severe Weather Update: What To Know About Tropical Cyclone 4
You might want to cancel your Sunday plans and look forward to staying home. The National Hurricane Center has given an update on the latest development of the tropical disturbance ( Tropical Cyclone 4) that is closely being monitored. At this moment, there’s no reason to panic, the disturbance is not yet a “depression” or a “storm” but WILL bring heavy rain and possible flooding to the Tampa Bay area this weekend.
Although this has not been named an official storm, some Florida counties have been put under a tropical storm advisory. A tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours, while a watch means conditions are possible within 48 hours. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the disturbance progression from Saturday night into Sunday morning. If the system does develop into a named system, it will be named Debby.
Where To Find Sand Bags In Tampa Bay Ahead of Tropical Cyclone 4
According to the National Hurricane Center, Potential Tropical Cyclone 4 was located about 420 miles southeast of Key West, Florida, and was moving west-northwest at 16 miles per hour. The system had maximum sustained winds of 30 miles per hour with higher gusts.
Local weather guru Denis Phillips from ABC Action News said on the current track; “the disturbance could make landfall somewhere between Pinellas and Levy County on Sunday. He also expects winds between 40 and 50 miles per hour with higher gusts, which is similar to some of the afternoon thunderstorms that roll through Florida.”
The counties that are currently under a tropical storm watch are: DeSoto County, Hardee County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, Polk County, and Sarasota County.
Another factor that might come into play with this storm is the new moon on Sunday, which will bring higher tides. WTSP says that if the track stays to the west and off land, it could get strong and bring about a 1-3 ft surge.
Always remember Denis Phillips’ rule #7: Don’t freak out. Most Floridians know not to panic until Publix runs out of water, Jim Cantore shows up, or they start closing Waffle House locations. But if this is your first hurricane season, then just know to expect some heavy storms.
5 Things You Should Have Before Hurricane Season Starts
Empty Sand Bags
Remember when everyone was scrambling all over Pinellas and Hillsborough counties looking for sand bags? Most pick-up locations were only allowing people to pick up 2-3 bags per person, which is probably not enough to surround your house/belongings.
BBGI
If you order these empty sandbags on Amazon now, you should have them by next week. It will make your life a lot easier to just drive to your nearest beach or causeway and fill the bags up that way.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Battery Powered Fan
We all know how crappy it is to lose power in the middle of a hurricane. In some cases, you may not know when it will be restored. Amazon has this really cool battery powered camping lantern with a fan for only $20. Reviews say that 1 set of D batteries lasted them over 10 hours.
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Footwear
If you live in Florida and don’t have a decent pair of rain boots, now is your time to get a pair. If the thought of gross storm water touching your skin freaks you out, you should grab a pair of these knee high waterproof boots.
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Honorary Mention: Board Games/Deck of Cards/Coloring Books
This one may seem obvious, which is why we made it an honorary mention in case it does slip your mind. Remember how bored you were when you lost power from Ian? Some board games, deck of cards, or coloring books should help you pass the time, without killing your phone battery.
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