Florida officials prepare for Tropical Storm Claudette

By Paul Flemming
news-press.com Capital Bureau
August 16, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - Florida officials have partially activated the state's emergency operations center as Tropical Storm Claudette approaches the Panhandle coast ahead of an expected evening landfall.

Heavy rainfall - up to 10 inches in isolated areas - and winds up to 60 mph are expected from Claudette as it moves ashore around Apalachicola.

"It looks like Claudette is going to continue at its 10-15 mph pace which will hopefully cut down on the rainfall totals," said state meteorologist Ben Nelson."It's a very lopsided storm. Anywhere that's east of where Claudette makes landfall is going to get lots of rain."

Though landfall will occur at a low tide, on-shore winds will persist through high tide around midnight. Nelson said combined tide and surge could result in 5 or 6 feet of water above normal levels at the coast.

"We do have a threat for some inundation for storm surge, particularly in Franklin and Wakulla counties," Nelson said. "It's probably similar to Fay or Gustav."

Mike Stone, spokesman for the state's Division of Emergency Management, said conference calls with county and federal emergency planners took place Sunday morning. Mid-afternoon there were no requests from counties for assistance.

"Right now the No. 1 factor that is of concern is the rainfall," Stone said. "If you don't have to be out this evening, don't. Hopefully, it will push through this evening and be over."

State planners are also keeping watch on named storms Ana and Bill forming in the Atlantic.

"We've been monitoring those for several days," Stone said. "This is the time of year that our season begins to pick up. The tropical activity you're seeing in the Atlantic basin is par for the course."

Nelson said Tropical Storm Ana faces conditions that may be its demise: dry air and mountainous land.

"When the air aloft is dry, that really impedes development," Nelson said.

On its current path, Ana is forecast to traverse the island of Hispaniola and its mountainous terrain.

"We've seen those mountainous regions tear apart major hurricanes," Nelson said. "There's some big obstacles ahead for Ana, especially Tuesday and Wednesday."

If it does survive as a storm and enter the Gulf of Mexico, Nelson said Ana would have the same chance to gather strength as Claudette has.

Bill looks like it will develop into a major hurricane, up to a Category 3 storm, though its path is uncertain beyond five days. Nelson said there are conditions that could steer Bill clear of Florida.

"There's a decent chance Bill will stay to the east of Florida," Nelson said. "Everything points to Bill being a major hurricane. That's going to be a big storm, but hopefully it stays off our coast."

With Claudette coming ashore and storms and waves forming, state planners are beginning the busiest part of the hurricane season ready. Officials urged people to prepare themselves now.

"Take this time now to look at your plans," Stone said. "Be mindful. Respect water, respect the power of water."