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Keeping Wary Eye On Trouble Named Wilma

Published: Oct 20, 2005

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Wednesday, while you were minding your own business, the hurricane named for an animated Stone Age homemaker became the Barry Bonds of Atlantic cyclones -- that is, a rippling record-breaker.

Gaining strength faster than any of steroid-pusher Victor Conti's rumored superstar clients, Hurricane Wilma dashed into the history books as the all-time champion muscle storm, blowing away the previous throne-sitter (1988's Gilbert) even as it threatened to do the same to Cancún.

Wilma's sinew and progress are important to us because steering currents have ceased sending nature's wrath north and west to Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Mexico. Prevailing winds suggest a course that might bring her to Florida's west coast, possibly to our doorstep, by this weekend.

Therefore: Attention must be paid. Close attention.

Wise Up, Stock Up

As this is written, Wilma is Big Trouble. Forecasters say it will remain so even after it careens east-northeast and draws a bead on Florida. Those upper-level shearing winds may prevent the storm from maintaining its Category 5 status, but many models predict it will make its approach as a Cat 4, Charley's status when it pummeled Port Charlotte last year.

In short, this is no case-of-Vienna-sausage, blister-pack-of-batteries storm. The time has come to inspect what you purchased during the hurricane-preparedness sales tax holiday and compare it against the list published by the National Hurricane Center at www.nhc.noaa.gov.

Got gas? A hurricane is no time to be caught with your fuel gauge warning light glowing.

Got cash? Any widespread power outage could take ATMs off-line for days.

Got radio? You'll want one that runs (and runs and runs and runs) on batteries.

Got water? You'll need one gallon daily, minimum, for each person in your household; having a week's worth on hand isn't a bad plan.

Got blankets? Got pillows? If you're headed to a shelter, you'll want some comforts from home.

Going to ride it out at home? Never underestimate the value of plastic sheeting and duct tape. The hurricane center folks also recommend keeping a set of tools handy.

Minds Of Their Own

Beyond that, the questions get tougher. To board up, or not to board up? What's the plan for the household animals who, though adorable, are unwelcome at most shelters? Does everyone know the escape route, and where to reassemble if you have to evacuate your homestead?

I know, I know. For the moment, we appear to be near the edge of the fabled cone of uncertainty. Chances are, the weekend for us will be nothing more than an opportunity to fly kites and thank, once again, the quirkiness of our location that seems, somehow, impervious to direct hits.

So why stir up trouble and worry, right?

Two reasons: (1) It's my job, and (2) Remember what Charley did last year? Virtually every forecast track had it smacking us square in the mouth. Then, just hours from reducing Pinellas County to the Isle of Dunedin and turning Oakstead into Gulf-front property, it hooked right to pound Port Charlotte and strafed South and Central Florida.

In other words: Meteorologists may have computer tracking, but hurricanes -- darn 'em -- don't consult computers.

Don't say you weren't warned.



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