It’s still far too early to know where Gustav will make landfall but there are developments that could keep edging the forecast westward:
BUT IN THE LONGER-TERM…A HIGH OVER THE OHIO VALLEY IS EXPECTED TO CAUSE GUSTAV TO GRADUALLY BEND TO THE LEFT. HOWEVER…THERE IS A LARGE UNCERTAINTY IN THE TIMING AND SHARPNESS OF THE BEND. THE UKMET AND GFS HAVE HAD LARGE CHANGES TO THEIR FORECAST FROM THE PREVIOUS RUNS…AND GIVEN THE INCREASING MODEL SPREAD…WE’VE OPTED TO KEEP THE FORECAST SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS ONE. HOPEFULLY A G-IV MISSION LATER TODAY WILL HELP RESOLVE SOME OF THESE DIFFERENCES.
In other words there’s still a high degree of uncertainty in the forecast but if this pattern holds Texas could be in Gustav’s sights. I still think Sunday will be a key day for Gulf Coast residents. Take advantage of the weekend and prepare if you’re in the cone of uncertainty.
Video: Texas National Guard Prepares for Hurricane Gustav – Helicopters and C-130s Requested
Texas is not alone. There are 65,000 troops on standby along the Gulf Coast: Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said there are 65,000 guardsmen...
Texas Prepares for Hurricane Gustav – Disaster Declared – 5,000 Troops on Standby
It’s reassuring to see state and local governments across the Gulf Coast ramp up disaster operations well ahead of the storm: Gov. Rick Perry has issued a disaster declaration for...
Gustav Strenghtens Overnight – Forecast Track Moves West Towards Texas
The National Hurricane Center’s 5:00 AM update: AN AIR FORCE RECONNAISSANCE PLANE HAS FOUND A SURPRISE THIS MORNING. GUSTAV HAS EITHER REFORMED TO THE SOUTH OR BEEN MOVING MORE TO...
Gustav Heads for the Gulf of Mexico – Could Reach Strong Cat 3 or Minimal Cat 4 Within 72 Hours
Gustav’s brush with land slowed it a bit but conditions favor strengthening: GUSTAV IS ON THE EAST SIDE OF A LARGE UPPER-LEVEL ANTICYCLONE…WHICH IS INDUCING SOME LIGHT NORTHERLY SHEAR ON...
Which Hurricane Forecast Model Should You Trust?
Dr. Jeff Master’s has posted an excellent analysis of the various models and points to a lot of data. The bottom line: In conclusion, the official NHC forecast outperforms all...
For Immediate Release – August 28, 2008
As Tropical Storm Gustav Approaches, Coastal Residents Are Urged to Fill Fuel Tanks
In addition to stocking up on bottled water, non-perishable food items, first aid kits and cash, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is encouraging coastal residents to fill their tanks with fuel as Tropical Storm Gustav approaches the Texas Gulf Coast. While gasoline and diesel are expensive, this is a necessary step in preparing for landfall of the storm.
Hurricanes and tropical storms bring many fuel-related concerns. Prior to the storm, the Governor’s fuel team is pushing additional fuel supplies to the coast – but this additional supply may become more difficult to deliver if an evacuation order is issued and the roads become more congested. Because of this, it is important that coastal residents fill their tanks early, rather than wait. Additionally, winds from these storms are known to down power lines, which may prevent the pumping of gas from service station underground tanks until power is restored.
For information on Texas road conditions, call the Texas Travel Information Center (800-452-9292) or visit TxDOT’s website: http://www.txdot.gov. For information on responding to Tropical Storm Gustav, log on to Texas Online: http://www.texasonline.com/portal/tol/en/emergency.
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