Tropical Storm Bonnie Heads For Land
July 23, 2010
The second tropical storm of the 2010 season is named Bonnie and what was just a tropical depression a couple of days ago, now is appearing to be forming into a tropical storm over the western Bahamas, Haiti and eastern Cuba. It is yet unknown if Bonnie will develop into a full fledged hurricane.
Given the strong, high pressure aloft over the Southeastern portion of the U.S. which stretches into the Atlantic, tropical storm Bonnie should continue on a west-northwest track near or to the southern tip of Florida today and into the Gulf of Mexico this weekend.
The primary threat of flooding rain exists as well as locally heavy showers with gusty winds, which will most likely spread into Florida today. Beyond that time frame, the storm will be closely monitored as it tracks into the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend. Every small town and large city along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coasts of the United States is at risk for the direct impact of Bonnie. Over the years, some of these areas have experienced hurricanes more often than others and are more prone to experiencing stronger hurricane direct hits.
If Bonnie does strengthen and makes landfall along the coastline, it can bring more than powerfully destructive winds ashore. It can also impact the local weather patterns to create a storm surge, resulting in heavy flooding and it could even spawn tornadoes. Not only could the heavy rains create severe flooding in the area where Bonnie comes ashore, but it can also adversely affect areas hundreds of miles from where it hits land. If the storm does come ashore, it would not be uncommon for it to dump five to ten inches of rain and if it is massive and slow moving, the rainfall amounts can far exceed those numbers. As the system moves inland, the tropical moisture and topography of the land can contribute to severe flooding – especially in low-lying areas.
Bonnie has the potential to bring with it wind speeds ranging from 75 mph to 155 mph. Wind is the culprit responsible for much of the structural damage that is caused by hurricanes. High winds can tear entire trees out of the ground from their roots and knock down power lines. It can rip the roofs off buildings and send large, unsecured items flying in the air.
Residents in the area should be on high alert. The National Weather Service will provide the public with constant updates on the storm’s path. One of several key alert messages could be issued for those living in the affected areas which includes tropical storm watches and warnings, coastal flood watches and warnings and hurricane watches and warnings.
Parts Of Iowa Under News Flood Advisory
July 12, 2010
When Iowa Governor Chet Culver and several local officials arrived on the scene on Rabbit Run Road in Wapello County to assess the flood damage, a small boat appeared navigating the flood waters. Inside the boat were two men who were forced to leave their homes situated on the banks of the Des Moines River. The boat was driven up a drive that was being used as a boat launch. Neither man seemed all that concerned as they are accustomed to flood risks and have lived through three major foods in seventeen years.
Wapello County has been flooded again this summer but not as badly as it was in 2008. The main issue plaguing the county is the fact that many people were forced to raise their buildings after the 2008 floods, prompting them to move to another place of residence while the work was being carried out. Thankfully the flood waters of the most recent storms did not rise to the same damaging levels that they did back in 2008.
The Army Corps of Engineers has been working to control the Red Rock Lake reservoir which was constructed solely for flood control purposes. Many locals are angry with the Corps as they say they have lost their main focus which is flood control and instead put it on recreation. Governor Culver asked President Barack Obama for a formal presidential disaster declaration for thirty-five Iowa counties that were hard hit by recent flash flooding.
Rain and thunderstorms continue to work their way across the state of Iowa and the National Weather Service has warned that a heavy rain is once again threatening the state into the coming weekend in many areas, including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Waterloo. Residents in flood prone areas were being being advised to prepare for flash floods by gathering up important records and valuables and putting them in a safe location. It is also advisable to take photographs of properties and contents as well as of vehicles. Families should figure out alternative locations to live such as with friends or relatives or at local Red Cross shelters if forced to evacuate.
If time allows, it is a good idea to unplug as many appliances as possible and move them to higher ground. However, this should not be attempted if the area is full of standing water or even if the floor is damp. Packing as if you are going on a long vacation is a good rule of thumb to follow and anyone taking medication is advised to pack an extra supply just in case it is not possible to return home for a long period of time due to road closures.
