Very concerning situation developing in the Caribbean with Tropical Storm Michael forming. It is forecast to go through the Yucatan Channel (the goalposts between Cancun/Cozumel, Mexico and western Cuba) before it impacts Florida in 3 days. The current forecast is a category 2 when it impacts the FL panhandle, but the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico bathwater could intensify it further, especially if it slows on a northern approach
Hurricane watches issued for coastal Alabama (Mobile bay)
Tropical storm warnings issued from the Suwanee River, FL to Sugarhill Mills, FL and coastal Alabama
Tropical storm watches issued for the Mississippi coast (Biloxi, Gulfport) and the FL Gulf Coast down to Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg
NHC says about 30 miles NW of the western tip of Cuba and 520 miles S of Apalachicola, FL
80 mph winds, traveling almost due N at 9 mph
Central pressure 978 mb
8-12 foot storm surge expected in the Big Bend region of FL as Michael approaches in 48 hours
I guess it's because there aren't many BBIers along the Florida panhandle area.
The reality is, it’s a massive storm hitting an area that thankfully has a relatively small population. And not much infrastructure. No “pretty pictures” of the aftermath that the media would want.
I’ve seen/read a lot of coverage. Don’t know where you’re looking,
We lost Weatherman, our in-house emergency alert system. :-)
link to video from storm chasers - ( New Window )
webcam link - ( New Window )
Last hurricane the complaint was too much attention. Football games got cancelled, jimmies were rustled.
Hunker down and stay safe