Well, Gustav made landfall this morning between 9 and 10 am just west of Grand Isle on a track that was pretty much as expected. The strength wasn't forecast properly and that's a god thing. While there was considerable damage to a few buildings there wasn't widespread devastation and not a larger loss of life. Another example of how the track of a forecast is easier than the intensity. There has been upwards of 7 to 10 inches of rain in southern Louisiana and nearly 6 inches to the east in coastal Mississippi and Alabama. Now the storm seems to be headed northward through Louisiana and the effects in Texas will be minor. We've seen a few brief passing sprinkles today, some breezy winds and a canopy of high clouds. The clouds should hang around for another day, but only a few spotty showers are likely the next few days as the spiraling rain bands pinwheel into the state.

Now things are getting more interesting. Hanna is a hurricane that will likely slide up the East coast of the U.S., propelled by the same high pressure that sent Gustav into the Gulf. Hanna will be to the left of the high and Ike will be to the right. That means Ike has a chance of getting into the Caribbean by early next week and we could be doing this all over again. Let's hope not. By the way, there's a new wave off the West coast of Africa that may become Josephine soon.

1 Comments

Edward Gish said:

I wish that you wuld show something about IKE. He is the next store that will effect us.

September 3, 2008 1:52 PM

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