Path of Hurricane Gustav 2008, Hanna and Hurricane Updates

The nation watches as the path of Hurricane Gustav 2008 nears. We are watching more intently than when the Category 3 Hurricane Katrina hit on August 29, 2005. Through Katrina and flooding, we've learned. Gustav, technically a tropical storm, has Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas bracing for Hurricane Gustav 2008, which may strengthen to a Category 3 this weekend. Albeit, the tropical storm could change in strength and/or direction. Additionally, this is bad timing for some politicians --who also have more reasons than ever to respond to and track Hurricane Gustav effectively.

Path of Hurricane Gustav 2008 and the Republican National Convention

Sad to say, the Associated Press found need yesterday to write an article entitled, Gustav could be perfect storm for political spin. Yet, the facts are what they are: politics do play a role in addressing (or not) natural disasters. The good news is that officials now know that they need to get Hurricane Gustav right.

While tracking the path of Gustav, Gulf residents under greatest risk can rest assured that some state leaders will not abandon them for the Republican National Convention. This includes Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, who will remain in his state, and Gov. Rick Perry of Texas who has postponed his plans for the St. Paul, Republican convention pending developments. Additionally, Gov. Haley Barbour of Mississippi, like JIndal and Perry, announced yesterday a State of Emergency issued for Hurricane Gustav. Florida's Gov. Charlie Crist is following both Gustay and Hanna.

Gustav 2008 Hurricane Updates

Citizens can track the path of Hurricane Gustav via a number of online resources, useful to supplement local television broadcasts.

Ibiseye.com enables viewers to track the projected path of Hurricane Gustav and even compare its characteristics and progress to past hurricanes, including that of Hurricane Katrina or Andrew, for example.

The National Hurricane Center, (nch.noaa.gov) provides tropical storm and hurricane weather maps and data, and the Web site is more compatible with lower-end computers. Hurricane preparation and disaster response information is also available. However, FEMA.gov is a bit more accessible for quick facts.

The Weather Underground (http://www.wunderground.com/) is favored spot to not only to track the path of Hurricane Gustav and tropical storms, such as Hanna, but also for its informative weather blogs. One blogger, Dr. Jeff Masters explains, for instance, how the threat and path of Hurricane Gustav affects oil prices for the country. Note that not all hurricane bloggers are created equal.

All-purpose weather websites such as The Weather Channel or AccuWeather may offer additional real-time data as well as local TV broadcasts. Compare mobile phone and e-mail update services as needed to track the path of Gustav while on the road.

Hurricane Gustav 2008 and Disaster Response

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) response is thus far reassuring: FEMA has more than "2.4 million liters of water, 4 million meals, 478 emergency generators,141 truckloads of tarps and 267 truckloads of blankets and cots for the Gulf states," reports the Houston Chronicle. The National Guard has also been activated with thousands ready to respond. City and state officials have many organizations ready to help with evacuations and aid hurricane victims if needed.

Given the potential dangers and path of Hurricane Gustav 2008, Florida, Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana residents are urged to follow hurricane preparedness recommendations.

Hurricane preparation tip

While tracking the path of Hurricane Gustav 2008, find an alternative form of communication. Avoid reliance on one method such as a cell phone. Look into VOIP service (voice over your computer or web phone) from the likes of Skype or PalTalk or with your instant messaging provider. This may help if you can obtain a wireless internet connection out of your home should service become unavailable. Decide on an out-of-state, or out of disaster area, contact for all family members to message as to whereabouts and status.

Lastly, keep an eye out for tropical storm Hanna as needed, in addition to tracking the path of Gustav.

Sources
(http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm)
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/aug2008/2008-08-28-092.asp
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/5973020.html
http://www.sunherald.com/newsupdates/story/778208.html
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at2.shtml?5day#contents
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/29/america/NA-US-Hurricane-Politics.php
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5972884.html