Like It or Not, Here We Go Again,

Hey folks,

It’s the 12th day of hurricane season here in sunny Florida, and the first named storm of the season is heading right toward us. For my friends on the west coast, get ready.

Turns out that this "really non-issue" mass of clouds has turned into Tropical Storm Alberto that has maximum sustained wind near 50 mph. They are still saying that it is not likely to grow into a hurricane, the National Hurricane Center said. Alberto was centered about 275 miles south-southwest of Apalachicola. It was moving north-northeast at about 8 mph and could make landfall Tuesday night.

According to Ron Goodman, a meteorologist at the National Hurricane Center,

"Right before landfall they expect a little stronger: 55 gusts to 65. It won't be quite hurricane strength," He added "Things can change, but right now it's not expected to be a hurricane."

After the past three years, this should be great news for Floridians. But as I said, it is only day 12.

Now I know that there are some that suggest that the news media, leading up to this hurricane season, was just trying to scare people. This is stupid as far as I’m concerned. I hope people get scared enough to get out IF another BIG ONE comes. Remember what happened just in the last two years? Hurricane preparedness and yes, even a healthy fear of what they can do, can save your life. Last year's hurricane season was the most destructive on record. Hurricane Katrina devastated Louisiana and Mississippi and was blamed for more than 1,570 deaths among Louisiana residents alone. This one will not be even close to that strength, but be ready for anything. It is just that simple.

As of right now a tropical storm warning was issued for most of Florida's west coast, from Englewood to Indian Pass, meaning tropical storm conditions were expected there within the next 24 hours. A tropical storm watch remains in effect from south of Englewood to Bonita Beach.

I for one know, that if another BIG ONE comes in my direction again, I will be taking shelter and saying a prayer or two. It really does work. To my friends on the west coast, heads up, get ready, be ready, three day supplies, batteries, flash lights, batteries, radio, batteries etc. The radio and flashlight does no good if the batteries run out. Come on, we should all be experts by now. Consider this Tropical Storm, Alberto, to be practice..
Peter