I am starting this new thread for some of us who were going to attend the Mississippi River gathering, and because of Hurricane Irma have decided to wait until we know that our homes are reasonably safe from Hurricane Irma or those who went to the gathering and want to cruise the Tennessee River.
The reason this storm concerns me, is the depth of its low (dropped 10millibars in 3 hours today), the size of the storm--far wider spread than the average, and the velocity of its winds--gusts in the high category 5 (some talk of devising a cat. 6!)
The steering currents have been mostly influenced by what is termed the "Bermuda High" This is the major high which controls the Atlantic Weather (also termed the "Azores high", "North Atlantic (Subtropical) High/Anticyclone high" or the "Bermuda-Azores High"), Much like the Pacific high, which often controls the West Coast of the US weather has a clockwise rotation pattern. The high has East flowing winds above the high, and West flowing winds below the high (the Trades). In the case of Irma, the Bermuda High has pushed the storm down and to the west--preventing a northward turn. There were several high ridges and troughs which were supposed to influence the storm, and allow it to take a more northernly course. The more the Northward trend is delayed, the more likely this hurricane is to go into the Gulf of Mexico.
Current models this site has a good selection of graphs and models in one place. Shows a possibility of being in the Tennessee Valley in about 7 to 9 days. By that time the wind should be down to manageable levels, and probably some rain events. We have to be back in Pensacola on Sept 24. Right now, I am considering leaving here (assuming we did not get a direct hit, or there is severe storm damage on Monday, the 11th and launching on the 12th at Pickwick State Park, just above Pickwick dam. But there are other options which might be better such as launching somewhere near Decatur AL, which is just off I 65. Jay's Landing has a marina, RV park and boat ramp--looks as if it might be an area for a week or so parking. (Advertised as a "hurricane refuge!). I can call and see about leaving trucks and trailers there) This is on Wheeler Lake--and we can go East or West from there--should be some good anchorages and marinas, with small towns to visit. .
If you are interested, give a shout!
The reason this storm concerns me, is the depth of its low (dropped 10millibars in 3 hours today), the size of the storm--far wider spread than the average, and the velocity of its winds--gusts in the high category 5 (some talk of devising a cat. 6!)
The steering currents have been mostly influenced by what is termed the "Bermuda High" This is the major high which controls the Atlantic Weather (also termed the "Azores high", "North Atlantic (Subtropical) High/Anticyclone high" or the "Bermuda-Azores High"), Much like the Pacific high, which often controls the West Coast of the US weather has a clockwise rotation pattern. The high has East flowing winds above the high, and West flowing winds below the high (the Trades). In the case of Irma, the Bermuda High has pushed the storm down and to the west--preventing a northward turn. There were several high ridges and troughs which were supposed to influence the storm, and allow it to take a more northernly course. The more the Northward trend is delayed, the more likely this hurricane is to go into the Gulf of Mexico.
Current models this site has a good selection of graphs and models in one place. Shows a possibility of being in the Tennessee Valley in about 7 to 9 days. By that time the wind should be down to manageable levels, and probably some rain events. We have to be back in Pensacola on Sept 24. Right now, I am considering leaving here (assuming we did not get a direct hit, or there is severe storm damage on Monday, the 11th and launching on the 12th at Pickwick State Park, just above Pickwick dam. But there are other options which might be better such as launching somewhere near Decatur AL, which is just off I 65. Jay's Landing has a marina, RV park and boat ramp--looks as if it might be an area for a week or so parking. (Advertised as a "hurricane refuge!). I can call and see about leaving trucks and trailers there) This is on Wheeler Lake--and we can go East or West from there--should be some good anchorages and marinas, with small towns to visit. .
If you are interested, give a shout!