#15,543
As tropical threats go, ETA is currently on the lower end of the scale, after having battered Nicaragua as a major (CAT) 4 hurricane 5 days ago - then dissipating into a depression over land - before strengthening back into a tropical storm over water.
An unlikely turn of events, even in September. But in November, even less likely. Except this is 2020, where the unlikely has become the new normal.
Expected to cross Cuba today, and threaten South Florida and the Keys overnight, Eta is then expected to meander off the west coast of Florida for the next several days. Cooler Gulf waters should help impede its ability to strengthen, but much of the peninsula will be under the gun until the end of the week.
The 5 day forecast (see above) shows Eta, still posing a threat to Florida's west coast on Friday.
Impacts to Southern Florida over the next 24 to 48 hours, and to the West coast in the days ahead, could include heavy rains, tropical force winds (with hurricane gusts possible), and coastal flooding. The National Hurricane Center's key messages at 5 am this morning reads:
Tropical storm Eta is a record-setting 28th storm of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season, and may not be the last. Hurricane season runs through the end of November, and post-season storms - while rare - are not unheard of.
Even though hurricane season is winding down, the importance of being prepared remains.
Blizzards, ice storms, prolonged power outages, earthquakes, and yes - even pandemics - can all disrupt supply lines and essential services, threaten lives, and put you and your family in the position of fending for yourselves for days, or longer.
While overshadowed by COVID-19, and an extremely active hurricane season, FEMA, Ready.gov, and many other outlets (including this blog), spent the month of September promoting National Preparedness Month.
Since the future is unknowable, going forward being better prepared to deal with disasters - both large and small - makes sense. Having a good first aid kit, a NWS weather radio, an emergency plan, and enough food and water to last a week or more will make you and your family better able to deal with whatever may come.
In case you missed any of them, a few of my preparedness blogs from last September include:#Natlprep: Whatever Future Threats May Come
#NatlPrep: Giving Your Preparedness Plan A Shot In The Arm
#NatlPrep: When Evacuation Is The Better Part of Valor
#NatlPrep : First Aid Kits - Don't Leave Home Without One
#NatlPrep: Half Of All Americans Need An Earthquake Plan
