Hurricanes and Acts of God (not Obama...

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Author Message Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 874 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - 04:51 pm:    So I decided not to burden Liz's post with BS about upcoming hurricanes and politics, thought I'd post it here instead and maybe poke a little fun at the republicans, at least until Obama/Biden screws up again (please lets not turn this into a political forum, I just want what's best for the country, wish the republicans and democrats would want the same)....the 2pm & 5pm NOAA updates for TS Issac does take it west of ealier updates, looks like Tampa could get a hurricane next week...but it could go even further west and threaten New Orleans and the Gulf States, though Tampa would than be on its northeast side, not the best position to be in. For some reason Issac feels bad to me, living in FL for over 50 years I've seen my share of hurricanes, but this one I think will do some damage. I worry most about its travel over the Florida Straits, it could strengthen dramatically over that warm water or turn east and hit South Florida, the economy is just starting to rebuild here and though roofers dream of a hurricane these days, for most of us that dream is more like a nightmare. Lynn Javoroski FCSI CCS LEEDŽ AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 1548 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - 04:58 pm:    We'll keep all of you in our prayers. The whole region... J. Peter Jordan Senior Member Username: jpjordan Post Number: 481 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - 04:59 pm:    I have lived most of my life (all but 5 years) within 60 miles of salt water and about half of that within 1 mile of a bay or ocean. I have lived through a couple of hurricanes and done damage survey work after one. I have the CaneCast app, consulting it frequently. I look at the forecast and at the spaghetti models. It doesn't take a direct hit to really screw things up, and it doesn't even take a hurricane. From Houston, we will be watching and hoping that it will miss Florida and take an eastward turn out to the Atlantic so none of us have to worry about a storm for another week or so. Jerry-keep the water cans filled, fresh batteries handy, and a full tank of gas. We have a spare desk in Houston if you need to work remote for a few days. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 875 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - 05:36 pm:    Thanks Peter, keep that in mind...after Hurricane Andrew we had no power for 8 long hot days, what really sucked was the neighbors across the street had power, but our side didn't, and of course all my immediate neighbors took off after the storm, I packed my wife and daughter in one of our cars and sent them north to Jacksonville, and I guarded the house for those 8 days...boy was I an idiot, worse 8 days of my life, considering the neighborhood was not good to begin with...I now live in a better neighborhood, but being 20 years older and a lot less healthy, I have a few generators on hand that will provide some relief for a while. My luck hasn't changed much, I live in a PUD and it seems that our sub development always loses its power the longest, and after the last major hurricane (Wilma) FPL (Florida Plunder & Loot) promised that our Grid was better than ever. I'm told our grid is bad, not sure I know what that means, but recently we had a brief outage and all my other friends in my PUD had power. Not a good sign with hurricane season in full swing. I want to mention something about the commaraderie on this forum, it truly amazes me how gracious and kind most folks are here, I've never met Peter Jordan, yet he reaches out to me and I am sure others who post here. Lynn too among others with kind words and great suggestions. I've had my share of misery and hardship, I appreciate the commaraderie. There are good people who post here, many who have increased my knowledge of specwriting and this profession we all work in, 4specs remains my most frequented website (accept for Amazon.com), for both the knowledge and the people. I've visited other forums some of a personal nature, wow there are some real wierdos out there, glad that's not the case here....even linkedin has gotten hacked lately. And facebook, forget it how many 'friends' does anybody need? Cudos to Colin. J. Peter Jordan Senior Member Username: jpjordan Post Number: 482 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - 05:55 pm:    We live in a townhouse developemnt that is less than 10 years old. We went through Ike with minimal damage, but the power was out for almost two weeks; water was out for 3 days. We had a cold snap right after the hurricane so it wasn't too bad (showered in the dark), but the heat and humidity came back, and toward the end, we were looking for a hotel room. Yeah; about the power... most of the people in our townhouse development had power several days before we did. Boy, does that suck. Melissa J. Aguiar, CSI, CCS, SCIP Senior Member Username: melissaaguiar Post Number: 164 Registered: 12-2003 Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - 06:04 pm:    One day I will write my survival of an EF5 tornado back 3/1/97. Lost several friends that day, and almost my brother. Still to this day any low laying black storm clouds affect me. Melissa J. Aguiar, CSI, CCS, SCIP Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 876 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - 06:10 pm:    Melissa is it true an approaching tornado sounds like a freight train, fortunately I've never been that close to a tornado, but that is what I've been told. Melissa J. Aguiar, CSI, CCS, SCIP Senior Member Username: melissaaguiar Post Number: 165 Registered: 12-2003 Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - 06:15 pm:    The one that dropped in on our party, literally, was a mile wide black wedge shaped cloud...it didn't sound like a train. It sounded like two jet engines. But that sound happened when it was too late. We only had seconds to scramble for safety. My brother ended up in the top of a tree. Melissa J. Aguiar, CSI, CCS, SCIP Lynn Javoroski FCSI CCS LEEDŽ AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 1549 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Thursday, August 23, 2012 - 10:20 am:    Thanks for the kind words, Jerome. This is a wonderful community and I'm blessed to be part of it. Remember, you don't always get what you asked for, but you'll probably get what you need (grin). I've been through a couple of hurricanes when I lived on Long Island back in the '50s and an earthquake or 2 in California (as well as fires) in the '70s. Earthquakes are a lot more scary - you have no warning at all! Consequently, there's no option to get to safer ground (hah hah). You kind of expect that other things move, but when the solid earth beneath your feet moves, it's terrifying. So stay calm, be prepared as much as you can (I like the generator idea), and have Plans A, B, and C in mind. Blessings. Robert W. Johnson Senior Member Username: robert_w_johnson Post Number: 207 Registered: 03-2009 Posted on Thursday, August 23, 2012 - 12:17 pm:    I remember a time in Southern California when I was in a conference room interviewing someone interested in replacing me since I was leaving the firm and relocating to the East. A substantial earthquake struck during the interview - to the extent the building really shook with substantial noise and we crawled under the table in reaction. Funny think, that person no longer had any interest in the position after that meeting! Lynn Javoroski FCSI CCS LEEDŽ AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 1550 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Thursday, August 23, 2012 - 12:36 pm:    Robert, that wasn't the '71 quake was it? We had a friend who got in her car once the initial shaking was over, drove to Arizona, and called her husband to say that if he wanted to see her again, he would have to move to Arizona because she wasn't coming back to California! Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 877 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Thursday, August 23, 2012 - 12:40 pm:    TS Issac has not done much in the past day, still a minor TS, but it has slowed down its movement which may mean it will start increasing its wind speeds and organization. NOAA projections continue to indicate it will affect Florida, more so the Gulf side, so Naples, Fort Myers,Tampa, and Sarasota beware. Although tracking systems have gotten so much more sophisticated and able to predict patterns, I remain extremely cautious, anything could happen with this one, folks down here in South Florida seem to be heeding the warnings, no panic yet, I avoid the long lines by shipping most of my supplies in, cases of water will be arriving today, dog and cat food, and med refills, other supplies as well, if I had time I'd just hit our local Costco...but time is something I never have enough of. I like reading the weatherundergound reports by Jeff Masters, over the years he seems to be the most thorough with his predictions and data. Jeff also predicts that when Issac enters the warm water of the Florida Straits major changes will take place, meanwhile he is very concerned about Issac's impact on Haiti, an island that will probably see significant flooding. Jeff is currently predicted landfall near the Florida/Alabama border on Wednesday. With Florida's Gulf coast on the north side of Issac, I expect significant erosion, rain, and wind damage. Tampa doesn't require impact resistant fenestrations, I just finished several spec jobs there, I expect if Issac grows to a significant storm, Tampa construction will be tested, I personally think all coastal contruction should include impact resistant requirements. Too bad for the Republicans it might be a soggy convention, worse will be the diminished economic impact for Florida. Let's hope the Republicans do not call off the convention...meanwhile the Paul Ryan campaign must refrain from using Twisted Sister's "We're not gonna take it anymore" song, seems Dee is not a fan, cudos to Dee...I'd be willing to bet someone slips up and plays it anyway during the convention...it is such an appropriate song during these times. Jeff's blog: http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/show.html zzzspecs Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 878 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Thursday, August 23, 2012 - 12:48 pm:    For those that don't remember, Dee Snider wrote this song in 1984 (a few excerpts follow): We're not gonna take it No, we ain't gonna take it We're not gonna take it anymore We've got the right to choose and There ain't no way we'll lose it This is our life, this is our song We'll fight a 1000 legions Don't pick our destiny 'cause You don't know us, you don't belong We're not gonna take it No, we ain't gonna take it We're not gonna take it anymore Oh you're so condescending Your goal is never ending We don't want nothin', not a thing from you Your life is trite and jaded Boring and confiscated If that's your best, your best won't do cudos to Dee Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 879 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Friday, August 24, 2012 - 02:35 am:    2am NOAA update has Issac continuing to drift west, now New Orleans looks like a possible landfall area, well at least the Mississippi River will get some much needed rain, still its a tough call, I for one won't be relieved until Sunday evening when Issac will be clearly in the Gulf, S FL does not need anymore rain, but my friends in GA, AL, MS, LA, TX will probably be happy for the rain...worried about local flooding though, and poor Haiti is getting a direct hit, only as a TS, so lot's of rain, still not something all those refugees in tents need, Haiti reconstruction is such a mess....so no one is in the clear, Tampa could still get a major hit and Cuba too. This hurricane season is just now really getting started, I shelled out the big bucks today, had the tree trimmers over, major trimming of my beloved canopies, but better safe than sorry, of course they will all grow back, but my house and office looks so naked now, and if that is not enough both generators are leaking oil, so much for being prepared....so stay away Issac I really don't need your visit right now, I'm sure your sisters will be following soon. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 880 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Friday, August 24, 2012 - 01:20 pm:    Happy Anniversary Hurricane Andrew survivors, 20 years today Andrew became the most hated name in South Florida, hitting us as a Cat 5 hurricane. Issac is a baby compared to Andrew, let's hope it never grows to be its twin brother. Issac is strengthening, at 11am it was a stronger TS clocking 60 mph winds, looks like FL Panhandle will be today's pick for landfall+, though anywhere from New Orleans to Tampa could be likely hits. And for us in South Florida, NOAA seems to be indicating we are in better shape to avoid it, but I will wait for Sunday night before jubilation...I still feel in my bones wherever Issac hits, it will cause major damage. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 881 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 04:19 pm:    I hate getting up early on Saturday,but I had to do it as soon as I heard SW Broward where I call home was now under a Hurricane Warning, though that was clarified later to a Hurricane Watch, still I needed to get to the Bank, to the Gas Station, and the Market to pick up last minute items. I was not alone, had to wait in line at the Gas Station, there were no parking spaces close to the Market, and the ATm was a little finicky but I was able to get some cash. As far as I am concerned Issac's landfall remains uncertain, but since schools are being closed Monday and the Gov has declared a state of emergency, we all know TS aka Hurricane Issac is coming, I think by Sunday evening it will be a minor hurricane. Even a minor hurricane can cause damage. I've heard of a lot of flooding on Haiti, some deaths, and their hardship continues. Rainwise, this is a huge storm system, I was hoping it would hit the states that need rain, and from what I've read Arkansas might see some much needed rain, but where rain will be concentarted, they don't need it. Maybe instead of building more mass transit they should be building giant rain collection systems that funnel all that precious water via pipeline to the dryest part of our nation...just a thought. Margaret G. Chewning FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: presbspec Post Number: 220 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 04:27 pm:    We are thinking about you Jerry. We've been watching the NOAA reports. Here in Norfolk we have had our storms too, (not as bad as you tho'). Good luck and let us know when it gets to the other side of you that you are OK. Margaret Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 882 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 08:01 pm:    Thanks Maragaret, haven't heard from you in a while. The problem with Hurricanes is that even when they have left the area, they can always change direction and pay you another visit. Issac is still just a tropical storm, but it will soon be in the FL straits where anything can and has in the past happened. I'm not too worried right now about Issac, at least not yet. BTW, my late wife, Susie was a major storm junkie, she would be glued to the weather channel, her favorite TV program was Storm Chasers and than anything medical (she was a Nurse Practioner), sitcoms or real life depictions. Susie would have loved a website I visit during hurricane season these days, Stormjunkie.com and for all you crazed storm junkies, stormjunkie.com has a live feed from Panama City to 'watch' the storm as it approaches the Panhandle. I'm not a storm junkie, sort of doing this in memory of my wife, while trying to be a good parent to my own daily hurricane, my daughter Andi, and a few of her loser friends who have no where else to go. This afternoon one of those friends put on a t-shirt that my wife wore all the time, it just happened to fall on the floor and Loser #1 decided to put it on cause his was dirty. Andi went ballistic, oh yeah her wounds remain very deep, I too was upset, only because he did not ask first, Loser #1 may be sleeping somewhere else tonight. Its been almost two years since my wife passed away, her pressence remains everywhere in our house, Andi won't let me give anything away, esp. clothes, Loser #1 has been repaying my generosity by helping me organize, some of this stuff, even more of a reason why he should not have put that shirt on. I call him Loser #1 because he is 25, he has a big family yet no one has offered him a place to stay, he has managed to father three children in his short life and of course no marriages, and believe it or not he once robbed my daughter, that in itself is a long story, still she has forgeiven him, so I am trying. Loser #1 is unemployed, he is required to perform one task per day worth about $25 in labor, for that he gets a place to sleep, bathe, and eat, and he does eat well. His stay will only be short term, there have been a few other losers staying here, some of those have become winners, most remain losers. Once again I guess I am doing this in honor of my wife, Susie used to tell Andi if any of her close friends got in trouble, she was available to help, there were many times Susie got up at 3am to retrieve a kid in trouble, sometimes in some really bad neighborhoods. At Susie's funeral, Andi was accompanied by her friend Kat, Kat made the trip up to Jacksonville because Susie had rescued her one night, from an abusive boyfriend in a crack house, my Susie did have guts, anyway it made an impression on Kat, I'd like to say Kat is a winner, but she is not, her track record makes Andi look like an angel. Before I forget, for those who wish to donate to the people of Haiti, there is a really good organization called Portlight Strategies accessible at portlight.org - its a great organization that specializes in helping storm victims globally. NOAA TS 8pm update is out, TS Issac is almost over open water, just skirting the coast of Cuba, still only 60mph winds. Seems my neighbors are getting busy (damn its dark outside), I hear chainsaws and hammering, preparations are underway. My trees were cut yesterday. We have plenty of water, canned goods, and dried and freeze dried survival food (actually these are my snacks) I will probably close up the storm shutters facing south and west tomorrow, a few months ago we installed our first hurricane resistant windows, so we won't be totally in the dark, its too bad we never got the generators fixed, if power goes its gonna be hot, and messy, oh well. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 883 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 11:06 pm:    11pm update...boring, still at 60mph wind speed, hugging the coast of Cuba, flooding out villages, about 340 mi ESE of Key West...reminds me of an old Patsy Cline song: (Just movin' along, Just movin' along) Well, I'm chasin' the blues Right out of my mind I'm leavin' my cares And worries behind 'Cause I'm on my way I'm leavin' town today (Just movin' along, Just movin' along) My lonesome old heart Is broken into I've been walkin' the floor Every night over you But our love is all gone I'm movin' on I'm a-leavin' town today (movin' along) I got no love, no cares Just heartaches I'm leavin' them all behind Like the sun and the moon And the stars above We're gonna be one of a kind Well, I'm movin' along I gotta be free I'll find a new love Wherever I'll be But my old love is gone I'm movin' on I'm a-leavin' town today (I got no love, no cares) (No heartaches) (I'm leavin' them all behind) Like the sun, and the moon And the stars above We're gonna be one of a kind Well I'm movin' along I gotta be free I'll find a new love Wherever I'll be But my old love is gone I'm movin' on I'm a-leavin' town today (along) I'm leavin' this town today...(Just movin' along, Just movin' along) Hey, this would make a great Rebublican Party theme song both for the convention and the election. zzzzspecs Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 884 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 11:12 pm:    zzzzspec Hurricane tip: Freeze water bottles, some may break from the expansion, so if you are concerned, open them, pour out a little, retighten them and freeze them. The more frozen items in your freezer the longer it will keep cold, as the day goes by, you will have nice cold water and the food may stay colder longer after the power goes out. are we having fun yet? Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 885 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 11:46 pm:    oh and make sure everyone has plenty of gasoline, if Issac rains havoc in the Gulf, gas prices will go up, superficially of course.... Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 886 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Sunday, August 26, 2012 - 11:20 am:    well it looks like Issac is indeed following the predicted intital path, still we are under a full day Flood Watch and Tornado Watch. Its interesting that Jeff Masters advised his concern several days ago that New Orleans might be in danger and sure enough Issac continues to slightly swift to the west, so now landfall may not be in Florida. The republicans are still in jeopardy in Tampa, they are on the dirty side of the storm, so anything can happen. Issac is a massive storm and its not yet a hurricane, still only 65 mph winds, but on radar there is a lot of rain, maybe you folks in drought areas might get some rain. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 887 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Monday, August 27, 2012 - 03:17 am:    Its been really wet, some flooding, but not serious. Issac has not done much damage so far, but my area is under a tornado watch until 9am which may be extended until 1pm. Very windy outside, some limbs down, one fell within inches of my car, but so far no damage to home that I know of. I'll inspect the exterior tomorrow morning, but it looks like we really lucked out, as did most of S FL, Homestead had some major flooding, but no comparison to past storms. According to the 2am NOAA advisory Issac remains a TS, clocking 65 mph winds, apparently dry air in the region has kept it from intensifying, but it is definitely a rain event. So although it is still looking like a direct hit on New Orleans, Issac will be dumping lots of rain on drought stricken states, which I guess is a good thing. I hope my N Orleans specwriter brothers and sisters stay dry and get to high ground. Fortunately they have a couple of days to prepare. Cudos again to Jeff Masters for his early prediction, and too bad the republicanConvention will go on sans one day of activities. Doesn't really matter, there will be enough hot air coming out of Tampa to blow everyone away. Justatim Senior Member Username: justatim Post Number: 40 Registered: 04-2010 Posted on Monday, August 27, 2012 - 07:32 am:    Jerome, Now that you're out of immediate danger, I notice that your storm updates appear to have missed some sage advice that a friend had sent me during my years in Florida on occasions when storms were on enroute to my house: (Unfortunately, 4specs forum lacks the ability for different font sizes and color highlighting.) Alert! ...... IT'S TIME TO PANIC! In case you haven't heard, the weather report is calling for near-hurricane winds and RAIN!! The time to panic is NOW!!! Trees will be crashing EVERYWHERE!!!! Power outages!!!! Streets blocked!!!! Dining establishments CLOSED!!!!! Go IMMEDIATELY!! to the nearest supermarket, preferably one with lines that go to the back of the store!!! Look disheveled!!! Buy the following items: 1 quart of whole milk, 1 loaf of Wonder Bread, and a 4-pack of Charmin toilet paper!!!!!!! Remember to look dazed and desperate during the entire shopping process!!!!!!!! This is what a natural disaster is all about-- DO YOUR PART!!!!!!!!!! Steve Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 888 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Monday, August 27, 2012 - 11:24 am:    Issac continues to dump rain on us, albeit it the intensity has diminished, we are still under severe weather warnings, now until 6pm. I hope Issac dumps the same amount of rain on the drought areas. I just received a flash flood alert until 2pm, fortunately I am on higher ground, power is still on, and cutting the trees prior to the storm was a smart move, several of my neighbors will have major clean-up tomorrow. Based on the 10am (now they are 2 hrs apart)advisory, Issac remains a 65mph TS, still moving toward New Orleans area. Dale Hurttgam, NCARB, AIA,LEED AP, CSI Senior Member Username: dwhurttgam Post Number: 104 Registered: 10-2005 Posted on Monday, August 27, 2012 - 03:24 pm:    Reading the messages - reminds me of what I sometimes ponder: Why our great State of Michigan ("Pure Michigan") is losing population, business and jobs (although that seems to be starting to reverse itself - with a much more positive outlook). We do not have huricanes, earthquakes or forest fires (did have one in the UP this summer - but not common). We do have ocasional tornados which can be devasting. We have plenty of fresh water (no one is very far away from one of the "Great Lakes"). We have a friendly neighbor to our North and East that can be a fun place to visit (our neighbor Canada) Its a great place to live - y'all can come and help us prosper! Robert E. Woodburn Senior Member Username: bob_woodburn Post Number: 12 Registered: 11-2010 Posted on Monday, August 27, 2012 - 03:34 pm:    So Michigan is a great place to visit, but a bad place to live and work? Could it be that decades of concerted effort have produced a business climate that has driven businesses (and with them, jobs and population) to states with a more favorable business climate? Isn't it ironic that some of the states with the worst climate (hurricanes, drought and forest fires, not to mention the infamous heat & humidity) have such a good business climate? Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 889 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Monday, August 27, 2012 - 04:35 pm:    Dale, Bob: One word: Snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is no snow in Florida, at least not as much as Michigan....in fact in the winter if it gets down to 50 we are all freezing, usually though by afternoon its back up to 70. In my experience no one who has to drive or walk to work or school or commerce likes snow, except kids and Santa. Liz O'Sullivan Senior Member Username: liz_osullivan Post Number: 83 Registered: 10-2011 Posted on Monday, August 27, 2012 - 04:41 pm:    I think it's a different word - clouds. We get lots of snow in Colorado, but not so much cloud cover as Michigan gets. The sun makes all the difference in the world. Russ Hinkle, AIA, CDT, LEED AP Senior Member Username: rhinkle Post Number: 105 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Monday, August 27, 2012 - 05:10 pm:    Grand Rapids - Beer City USA 2012 Art Prize www.artprize.org Two great reasons to live in Michigan. And football is just not as much fun if there is no snow. Go Blue! Russ Hinkle Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 890 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Monday, August 27, 2012 - 10:32 pm:    Is finally back to normal here, 30-40% rain predicted for rest of week, mostly in afternoons, minimal damage, though I have not had time to survey my property, lots of foliage debris to pick up. There are a couple of tropical waves in the Atlantic, but none look promising, maybe for us Labor Day will be a non weather event. Surprisingly Issac remains a strong TS, though its center remains disorganized, it does bring with it lot's of rain, my front yard looks like a war zone after the flooding subsided. NOAA still has it heading straight for N Orleans, odd too it may hit on the 7 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, wierd. Perhaps we will hear from a New Orleans specwriter or Architect as they prepare for Issac. Now its back to specwriting, full speed ahead, as I've been doing most of the day. J. Peter Jordan Senior Member Username: jpjordan Post Number: 485 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - 07:41 am:    I am on my second time of service of Program Chair of CSI Houston Chapter. For the second time in ten years (last time was a three-year term about ten years ago), a hurricane has prevented a speaker from making the trip. In both cases the local rep stepped up with about them hours notice, and the show went on. Melissa J. Aguiar, CSI, CCS, SCIP Senior Member Username: melissaaguiar Post Number: 166 Registered: 12-2003 Posted on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - 07:52 am:    Jerome. I heard last night that we are getting Issac in Arkansas by Thursday. They are preparing us for a wild ride. Flooding and tornadoes possible. Hopefully it will slow down and just breeze on by us. Melissa J. Aguiar, CSI, CCS, SCIP Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 891 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - 04:32 pm:    Melissa, I thought you guys were in such a bad drought, any rain would be welcomed. Issac finally matured into a Hurricane, 75 mph, a Class 1 but it is 185 miles wide, a storm that big will cause trouble no matter where it hits. Good Luck New Orleans. Lynn Javoroski FCSI CCS LEEDŽ AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 1556 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - 04:46 pm:    Um, Russ: Milwaukee (we're kind of noted for the beer as well as the brats), the Calatrava addition to the art museum (original building by Saarinen), and the Green Bay Packers - great reasons to live in Wisconsin! Plus, when snow misses us, it usually dumps on our neighbor across the lake! Jerome, looks like you mostly got rain - lots of it - but "just" rain. To friends along the Gulf Coast and in New Orleans - prayers are being said. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 893 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - 04:57 pm:    yes Lynn, we were fortunate, but this is just the start of the real hurricane season, another depression formed today, but it looks like its projected path is out to sea. Than there is another tropical wave as well. From now until 15 Nov (maybe later this year) we will need to be prepared. Hopefully New Orleans residents remember what happened during Katrina and lets hope the ACE knew what they were doing when they spent all that money to protect New Orleans, I guess we should know more in 48 hours. Melissa J. Aguiar, CSI, CCS, SCIP Senior Member Username: melissaaguiar Post Number: 167 Registered: 12-2003 Posted on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - 01:26 pm:    OK, I don't want to cry, but I am getting nervous. I feel for LA, and surrounding states getting hit with this no moving CAT 1 (yeah right, this bad boy is worse than cat 1) This model is not looking good for my state http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2012/aug/29/heavy-rain-expected-tornadoes-possible-when-isaac-/ Like I said, I have now lived through countless tornadoes and several tropical depressions but this one looks to be a strong TD when it comes through our state. I am feeling the winds from it already and its down in LA. Sorry. But I am nervous. Yes, I am praying for everyone getting hit right now but GOD I dont want to lose my home or family again. PRAYERS EVERYONE. STAY SAFE. MEL Melissa J. Aguiar, CSI, CCS, SCIP Lynn Javoroski FCSI CCS LEEDŽ AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 1557 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - 02:21 pm:    Melissa, our prayers are with you. You've got a place to stay in Wisconsin if you need it. Just show up at my door. Praying hard. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 894 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - 06:10 pm:    Melissa, hang in there, we were under a tornado watch for 36 hours, there were a few sightings, but no touch downs. Of course your part of the country is prone to tornados more than we are, so stay safe. I had to step away from watching Hurricane Issac, last I heard it was slowly moving toward New Orleans, from my experience in South Florida, slow moving storms seldom produce tornadoes, rain and flooding most definitely.