Projected Path of Hurricane Ike and Emergency Resources

While the projected path of Hurricane Ike, now a Category 4 storm, remains uncertain for the U.S, both Tropical Storm Hanna (projected to reach Category 1 status) and Hurricane Ike threatens the southeastern seaboard (from Florida through New England). Following the path of Hurricane Hanna, Hurricane Ike's projected path shows that U.S. landfall is possible sometime next mid- to late-week. Meanwhile, you can track the projected path of Hurricane Ike and make preparations for these serious Atlantic storms.

Ike may be over the Bahamas within five days and on the way toward southern Florida, according to National Hurricane Center forecasts, but know that the projected path of Hurricane Ike is easily subject to change.

Moreover, as noted in a related AC article, Hurricane Ike may be the most dangerous hurricane this year. FEMA Administrator David Paulison "compared Ike with Hurricane Andrew because like that storm, which devastated south Florida in 1992, it's compact and powerful," reports Bloomberg.

Following on the heels of Hurricane Gustav and the long disorganized Tropical Storm Hanna, it is all too easy to become complacent or suffer from weather news exhaustion-- a risk for those who live in Hurricane Ike's path.

Even without hurricane force winds, Southeastern states, in particular, may see flash flooding and/or tornadoes. Additional regions may be affected, with or without landfall. Here in Arkansas, for example, the state is just now seeing an end to rains from Hurricane Gustav. This while Hurricane Hanna has Southeastern states, including Virginia, in emergency mode.

Hurricane Ike Tracking

Several hurricane radar resources exist to follow the projected path of Hurricane Ike. As an AC Hurricane Gustav article elaborates, these are not limited to Ibiseye.com, The National Hurricane Center (nws.noaa.gov), Accuweather.com and the Weather Underground (wunderground.com). These interactive weather sites maintain hurricane tracking informaton and the projected path of Hurricane Ike, each via a unique presentation.

Having more than one resource to track hurricane Ike enables more user-friendly information and a broader scope of meteorologic interpretations. Even NOAA has changed its hurricane radar map format this season to better reflect danger and safety zones. Individuals can choose which radar maps, forecasts, wind damage reports and the like that prove most helpful.

As you follow the projected path of Hurricane Ike, and/or Hanna, become informed about hurricane disaster preparedness, flooding and, if needed, tornado safety. The following resources will help.

Path of Hurricane Ike, Preparation and Disaster Recovery

Ready.gov -- Provides concise information on hurricanes, hurricane preparation, links to state and local resources as well as the Red Cross and Fema.gov, which is also useful for disaster assistance, information on flooding and flood insurance.

Dept. of Transportation -- Check with you local DOT website for road closings. Alternatively, check with your local news or AccuWeather.com. Flooding, rather than wind, is the number one cause of death during a hurricane.

NOAA Weather Radio -- Visit the National Weather Service site to learn how to best program and understand your weather radio. An incorrectly programmed radio with SAME code technology will fail to provide proper weather alerts.

ReliefWeb.com -- Sponsored by the United Nations, this site provides international natural disaster information, charitable needs and governmental response for the global community.

Social Networks -- Sites like Topix.com and Ning.com maintained forums and groups for Hurricane Gustav victims. Visit The Hurricane information Center on Ning.com for an example of an effective hurricane social network.

Cell phone service -- Check with your cell phone provider for additional instructions. Companies such as T-mobile are prepared yet recommend text messaging, shorter calls and a fully charged phone.

Sources:
http://www.accuweather.com/news-top-headline.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&date=2008-09-04_12:55
The Hurricane Information Center, (http://gustav08.ning.com/)
Sources listed.