Tropical Storm Isaac #1 22 AUG 12

Tropical Storm Isaac has formed in the eastern Caribbean and has gained intensity overnight.  While TS Isaac is many days away from affecting the United States, residents along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast should monitor this storm closely.  NOTE: Forecast and model graphics can be found at the end of this entry.

This morning's official forecast from the National Hurricane Center indicates that TS Isaac will affect the south Florida coast late Sunday into Monday of next week.  This forecast reflects the consensus of most computer models.  However, one model places Isaac in the central Gulf of Mexico next Tuesday as a hurricane.  Bear in mind that there are numerous variables that affect the model predictions and the storm's ultimate path.  No single model or forecast track should be considered as final.  Therefore, residents are encouraged to use the time available to check their family preparedness plans and supplies.

Here are a few preparedness tips for you to consider as Isaac develops:

• Check and update food & water supplies for your family (minimum of 3 days worth)
• Review local and state evacuation routes
• Determine evacuation location alternatives (friends, family outside the potential affected areas)
• Establish contact with those locations
• Establish an out-of-state point of contact
• Maintain fuel levels above a half-tank in your cars
• Set your own evacuation decision triggers.  It's better to be ahead of the crowd!

For my friends in the Amateur Radio community, take advantage of the fair weather we're experiencing to check your station equipment and antennas.  The Hurricane Watch Net is currently on standby for activation, and will be found on 14.325 MHz USB when they activate.  Amateur Radio stations in Mississippi may access our Section Emergency Plan at www.arrlmiss.org.  Other HF nets of interest to the southeastern United States are:

• Mississippi Section Phone Net, 3862 kHz (night) and/or 7238 kHz (day)
• Delta Division: 3890 kHz (night) and 7275 kHz (day) (active in regional emergencies)
• MS-STEX-LA: 3873 kHz (night) and 7280 kHz (day) (active in regional emergencies)
• Gulf Coast Sideband Net: 3925 kHz
• Maritime Mobile Net: 14.300 MHz
• Caribbean Emergency Weather Net: 3813 kHz

A listing of Caribbean regional emergency nets can be found by clicking here.

Here's the latest NHC forecast map, followed by a map depicting the various model tracks.

***DO NOT USE THIS WEBSITE AS YOUR SOLE SOURCE OF WEATHER INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY WATCHES AND WARNINGS. THIS WEBSITE DELIVERS FOCUSED INFORMATION FOR A SPECIFIC GEOGRAPHIC AREA AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE TIMELY WEATHER WARNING INFORMATION***