Hurricane Ike Upgraded to Category 4

The National Hurricane Center in Coral Gables, Florida, at 11 a.m. eastern time issued Advisory 14 regarding Hurricane Ike. The storm has developed into an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane with the possibility of strengthening into a devastating Category 5 hurricane. With a current wind speed of 140 mph, Ike is following the track laid down by Tropical Storm Hanna. Unlike TS Hanna, Hurricane Ike, the 9^th tropical cyclone in an active average season, has developed rapidly over the past 24 hours and has formed a tight eye wall.

It is displaying all the earmarks of a Hurricane Katrina type storm. The storm is moving in WNW direction at 16 miles per hour. Forecasters are advising residents on the East Coast of the United States to be especially watchful as this potentially devastating storm makes its way across the Caribbean. Miami, Florida could feel the effects of the storm as early as Tuesday morning, September 8, 2008. Current models put Hurricane Ike less than 200 miles off shore at that time.

Above Average Storm Season Predicted

The National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center updated its 2008 Atlantic hurricane predictions on August 7, 2008. The center assigned an 85% probability that this year will be an above average year for storm formation. So far, this prediction is accurate. The Climate Prediction Center anticipates that there will be 14-18 named storms with 3-6 becoming major hurricanes. A major hurricane is defined as a storm having wind speeds above 110 mph. To date, the Atlantic basin has produced 10 named storms, two of which have at some point in its development achieved a Category 3 or above status.

Personal Emergency Preparedness Planning

Under pressure, it is easy to forget even the most routine things. To minimize the amount of time you and your family will need to be ready to evacuate prepare well in advance of a storm's arrival. In addition to having three days of non-perishable food and bottled water on hand, here are few things you can do in advance.

Know your evacuation route. Most cities and counties in areas affected by hurricanes have evacuation routes posted on their website. Drive it ahead of time so that there is no confusion if you need to leave suddenly.

Keep an eye on the tropics. If a storm is likely to impact your area, make sure that you have all your prescription medication ready to go. If your insurance company only allows refills every 30-day and it is more than a few days until your next refill, you can request your pharmacist to request an emergency override to fill your prescription.

Make a Hurricane Supplies box. Covered plastic storage containers are great to keep some much needed emergency gear dry and at hand. Suggested items for your kit include flashlights, battery-operated lanterns, a portable radio, batteries, a disposable camera, and a can opener. Candles are not a good idea due to the fire hazard. During and after a storm, firefighters may not be able to respond quickly.

Don't forget the pets. Make sure that you have enough food and water for each of your pets to last 72 hours. If you have a pet who gets upset on road trips, a visit to your vet for medication to help keep your pet calm may be in order.

Set aside your favorite photos for easy retrieval. Your grandmother's wedding photos or pictures of your child's first birthday can never be replaced.

Take a copy of your home owners or renters insurance with you when you evacuate. Make sure that your agent's phone number is on your paperwork.

Completing tasks like these ahead of an anticipated natural disaster can make all the difference to you and your family.