Hurricanes on the Horizon

I chose to live in a tiny floating home to be able to travel to beautiful tropical islands, Where The Coconuts Grow. Just as other parts of the world face natural disasters like tornados and earthquakes, the part of the world I live in faces volcanoes and hurricanes.

Just last month I was checking for an update on the underwater volcano, Kick ‘Em Jenny which happens to sit in the most preferred navigational route when sailing from Carriacou to Grenada. I knew we’d be sailing right for her and I knew there had been some recent news about this area.

Kick ’em Jenny is the only ‘live’ submarine volcano in the Eastern Caribbean and a modern day example of how all the volcanic islands in the Lesser Antilles were created. She’s been unusually active lately and at one point last month, the Seismic Research Center bumped up the alert level to Orange meaning eruption may begin with less than 24 hours notice. It’s since been reduced back to Yellow but things change quickly when you’re dealing with Mother Nature.

You might think that just because it’s underwater it’s safe, but boats only float on liquid – not gas bubbles! A precautionary 5 km exclusion zone is currently advised for all vessels.

Between the months of June and November, the Atlantic Hurricane Season is in effect. This year is predicted to be much quieter than the Pacific side, but August and September are the most active.

My boyfriend and I are spending our second Hurricane Season on the boat in Grenada, just South of where most hurricanes statistically travel. A very interesting app on the NOAA website gives you an interactive look at the history of all recorded hurricane tracks.

Grenada is not always safe, but the chances of a Hurricane coming here are much less than they are anywhere else in the Eastern Caribbean.

Over the past week, we’ve been watching a particular tropical wave that came off of the coast of Africa slowly build and turn into what is now Hurricane Danny. He’s on track to pass through the Eastern Caribbean within a few days. At one time he was forecasted to be a Cat 3, but the models have drastically reduced the forecasted strength.

While I feel very relieved that Danny will not be affecting Grenada, I have many friends in the Virgin Islands that are preparing their tiny floating homes for what could be a direct hit.

During this time of year, we all check various weather sites several times a day to see if there are any new disturbances that have a chance of cyclone formation.

 

As you can see, there are two new disturbances that we will be watching very closely. In the event that these move toward Grenada, we’ll be preparing our boat for the worst.

If you’re curious what this actually entails, take a peek over at two great resources here and here.

Though there are dozens out there, my personal favorite weather sites are the following:

• National Hurricane Center – Tropical weather advisories from NOAA/National Weather Service
• Mike’s Weather Page – Up to date tropical computer models, graphics, links and storm discussions at www.spaghettimodels.com
• Current Storm Info – Global Tropical Cyclone and Disturbance Info from Tropical Tidbits, including predicted intensity graphics
• StormCarib Satellite Images – Particularly helpful to see the tropical waves and Saharan dust coming off Africa towards the Caribbean Islands
• WunderMap – Interactive Weather Map and Radar from Weather Underground, with radar images for the Caribbean Islands
• Weather Underground – Weather Forecasts and Reports
• Windfinder – Wind and Waves
• WindGuru – Wind and Waves

There is a lot that goes into making sure my family and my home are safe. With hurricanes on the horizon, this time of year keeps us on our toes and always preparing for what may come.

What precautions do you take to keep your home safe?

By Jody Pountain for the [Tiny House Blog]