First Harvey and now Irma. A Category 4 and a Category 5. I sure am glad there's no such thing as "climate change" and "global warming", or we might really be in trouble, and face years of increasingly severe and frequent hurricanes, blizzards and heat waves. Of course, everything we're seeing now is "just weather, not climate change..." so no need to stay in the Paris Accord or do anything now to curb greenhouse gases. Let future generations worry about it, because it would hurt profits in the now. Meanwhile, talk is of "tens of billions" in federal relief for Harvey. Who wants to guess how much more will be needed if Irma whacks Florida? Sure am glad the president wants to cut corporate taxes, so we taxpayers can bail out another disaster while carbon-producing corporations reap maximum profits shielded from taxes as much as possible. Thanks Trump, for your real leadership. :-p
24
Akin to the saying that there are no atheists in foxholes we can add that everyone's a socialist after a major natural disaster.
For all of you in the path of Nature's wrath, Godspeed.
For all of you in the path of Nature's wrath, Godspeed.
9
Irma will potentially devastate several Caribbean countries, in addition to Puerto Rico and southern Florida. The US will have it's hands full responding to Harvey and Irma. Countries in the Americas are going to have to step up and send aid and resources immediately: Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, this means you.
3
This is going to be common place, from here on! But, the oil and gas industries will continue to exploit the earth as long as they have almost every Republican deny the climate science!!
15
As Bill Mckibben suggests, these super storms should be named after the fossil fuel companies who are causing them; I would include the politicians too. Let's call this one Hurricane Inhofe.
20
I know the weather folks like to keep everyone updated. Personally having lived here for many years you need to wAit and see where the big guy goes. Then get it together and go were you'll be safe. Then once you get there start praying. God loves to hear from you. He smiles down on you. Keep Him in your hearts because He is thinking of you right now.May God bless our state, keep us safe from harm. And bring in the lost.
2
These comments are what's wrong with the country. I can't believe people are actually wishing the hurricane to cause harm. You are just as bad as the people you are complaining about. It's even funnier than you believe in Mother Nature but not God. How ironic. I hope that everyone in the state takes care of themselves and their families. I hope there are no lose of lives. And yes, I PRAY that everyone is safe. I have lived thru many hurricanes and will never move from this state. I can't imagine living anywhere else. God bless everyone in the state. For those of you that don't believe in GOD, I bless you even more.
3
Liberals love these storms because it gives them a platform from which to bloviate about climate change, global warming, or whatever they want to call it. And then after the storms hit and cause huge damage, loss of life, home, and livelihoods, they say don't donate money to the Red Cross, but rather to left wing causes. I don't know what has happened to the world in the last decade, nothing makes sense.
4
Those are lies and you know it.
16
Dear Southern Boy,
Don't rush to generalize all liberals actions there. I'm a liberal, and I'm usually going off not only about climate change, but about our dilapidated infrastructure, our careless overbuilding, and the inevitability of loss of our coastlines. But I also donate to the Red Cross and a variety of other disaster response organizations. And I feel badly for the people who are killed or have their homes destroyed by these inevitably larger and stronger hurricanes.
Don't rush to generalize all liberals actions there. I'm a liberal, and I'm usually going off not only about climate change, but about our dilapidated infrastructure, our careless overbuilding, and the inevitability of loss of our coastlines. But I also donate to the Red Cross and a variety of other disaster response organizations. And I feel badly for the people who are killed or have their homes destroyed by these inevitably larger and stronger hurricanes.
8
Maybe you ought to just take it easy. And realize that you don't know about climate change for sure, either. Time will tell, and that's the truth. I never heard anybody say not to donate to the Red Cross, and I'm a liberal myself. But not an awful person, mainly a person like you, I love my family and do the best I can to understand what's going on. I'm not here to bloviate about anything, actually. We have to stop attacking each other the way we have been, and we have to stop listening to people who tell us to attack each other, or that we're monsters when we aren't. And try to be kind, storm or not, whoever we are. If we could do that, it would be a great start.
18
How many more lives will be lost and how much more property damage will happen before we wake up to the widely scientifically accepted notion that our precious planet is warming? Record winds, rains and droughts, worldwide retreating glaciers, bleaching reefs, and rising global temperatures are the canaries that say our planet is not happy with our civilization's daily spewing of harmful climate warming gases. We need to take heed of these warnings!
14
Taxpayers in my state (and others with few disasters) are funding the coastline lifestyle of building in high risk areas.
Loss Statistics of Natural Disasters by State since 1978 is revealing.
Check out: https://bsa.nfipstat.fema.gov/reports/1040.htm
Loss Statistics of Natural Disasters by State since 1978 is revealing.
Check out: https://bsa.nfipstat.fema.gov/reports/1040.htm
9
...2/3 of the payout having gone to just the coastal Confederate states.
4
I grew up in the Midwest and now live in Florida. What we get in rain the Midwest gets in snow. Please do not point the finger at lifestyle because that does not have anything to do with the weather.
3
In my opinion, we all need to stop being so insular and polarized about important issues that affect humanity. Neoconservatives are in denial about the opinion of 95% of scientists about climate change & what probably needs to done to avert its most serious consequences, if it's not too late already. On the other hand, liberals go into denial sometimes too, e.g., the near collapse of Venezuela at the very least seems to indicate that headstrong socialism without careful forethought & balance can lead to disaster. You don't hear many liberals acknowledging that.
2
I'm not sure you can explain away Venezuela's problems by referencing socialism....
6
By golly, our POTUS needs to show some leadership by insisting (and threatening) Congress to do something.
2
As long as the devastation hits the climate denying states we can rejoice. Yup that' includes you Texas a state suing to ruin DACA. Divine
8
Do you really mean to condemn so many people in one attack? To hate democrats, climate-change advocates, liberals, children, babies, elders, handicapped people, mentally ill people, and animals, to want them dead so that you can see the republicans in those states whom you hate destroyed? Do you really mean that? Because if you do, I'm sorry to have to tell you that you are not superior to them in any moral or spiritual way in the least. Please think about that.
7
Do you know how many Latinos live in Florida? In Texas?
1
Well said, jb. I identify as far left but these liberals saying that Florida should be destroyed because a plurality of our citizens voted for Trump make me sick.
3
when Mara Lago gets hit maybe we'll see some real response
7
...to save the Golf (sic) Coast
2
Too bad this storm wasn't named Hurricane Impeachment.
7
Hate government now, Scott?
8
in the last 64 years, Texas has been scoring 800% more natural disasters than Michigan. (per FEMA)
And FL voters elect people like Rubio, who has a 6% environmental rating, and other representatives with even worse records.
League of Conservation Voters: http://scorecard.lcv.org/
Lack of action can come back to bite you AND those of us who don't build near the ocean.
And FL voters elect people like Rubio, who has a 6% environmental rating, and other representatives with even worse records.
League of Conservation Voters: http://scorecard.lcv.org/
Lack of action can come back to bite you AND those of us who don't build near the ocean.
9
I was born in Ann Arbor but your posts make me sick. Of course places with gulf coastline have had more disasters than places in the Midwest. Common sense!
4
Do you really want the population of Texas, Florida and both the coasts, of tornado alley and more, coming to live in fortunate, virtuous Ann Arbor? I imagine even the non-ocean-building citizens in your neck of the woods might have some troubles then...
2
Here in the middle of Illinois we have had an almost delightful summer with just a smattering of very hot days. If we are going to blame climate change for these awful storms than we should be thanking climate change for our good weather.
2
Unfortunately those nice weather spots are few and far between. In the West there was extreme rain this last winter and intense heat and fires during the summer. Flooding has been horrendous in many parts of the country. And now hurricane season has started with two truly notable storms. This does not bode well for the nation as a whole, especially those areas with most of the population.
10
This might not be such a big deal if only we would change the rating scale. It only seems big because we're using an old, short stick to measure it with. The climate's not really changing at all, the past was only different. Perspective is everything. You see we really can pollute and consume as much as we want just so long as we accept the terms and adjust ourselves accordingly to abide by them. The rich will always find a way to get the poor to pay for it for them.
5
It's pretty difficult here in the Virgin Islands watching the national news express concern regarding Americans being affected when the storm gets to the states. We are all US citizens here in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The islands went through an identical storm, Hurricane Hugo, in 1989, that had the same 185mph center with gusts to 220 mph.
It's impossible to describe the devastation here. But imagine not a single leaf, piece of grass or bird as you make your way through the wreckage of your house amidst downed trees and power lines after a night of terror.
I only say this, because I want to put into perspective what a craven man our president is. At times like this, it's clear what people are made of. No matter what your politics, open your eyes, because you're looking at a man of such low character, that he made his appearance in Houston all about him. (the second visit
Although nearly all climate scientists & their computer models have been projecting these kinds of major storms for years, it doesn't work for Trump's economic model, so it's a "hoax". So, here we are. It's looking like the island of Saint Croix, where I live, may escape the full brunt of the hurricane. It's possible that parts of St Thomas, St John & Northeastern Puerto Rico will experience severe damage.. Will we be helped?
We are US territories and unable to vote in presidential elections. The plus side is that there's no chance Trump will come here. There's othing in it for him.
It's impossible to describe the devastation here. But imagine not a single leaf, piece of grass or bird as you make your way through the wreckage of your house amidst downed trees and power lines after a night of terror.
I only say this, because I want to put into perspective what a craven man our president is. At times like this, it's clear what people are made of. No matter what your politics, open your eyes, because you're looking at a man of such low character, that he made his appearance in Houston all about him. (the second visit
Although nearly all climate scientists & their computer models have been projecting these kinds of major storms for years, it doesn't work for Trump's economic model, so it's a "hoax". So, here we are. It's looking like the island of Saint Croix, where I live, may escape the full brunt of the hurricane. It's possible that parts of St Thomas, St John & Northeastern Puerto Rico will experience severe damage.. Will we be helped?
We are US territories and unable to vote in presidential elections. The plus side is that there's no chance Trump will come here. There's othing in it for him.
28
He might come and say things like "you are happy living in shelters" or what the heck, this is paradise, stuff grows back quickly in those climes.
I'm sorry for the people who are going to suffer from this next storm. However, I can't help but feel there is a certain degree of poetic justice in that these storms are impacting precisely those areas where a large number of climate change deniers live. They will also be depending upon science and scientists to give them up to date information about the storm's direction and possible impact. Reality has a nasty habit of intruding into our personal belief construct. Good luck to them.
13
Uh, I didn't know that folks in the Caribbean and Puerto Rico, were avid climate deniers? Show me the article/report/survey results?
8
SM,
I wasn't referring to them as I suspect you know. They will suffer unduly, as many other poor countries around the world will who had very little to do with creating conditions that contribute to climate change.
I wasn't referring to them as I suspect you know. They will suffer unduly, as many other poor countries around the world will who had very little to do with creating conditions that contribute to climate change.
4
You might be surprised how many good, decent, and reasonable people will suffer, while you condescend from your currently safe spot in LA. Good luck to you.
4
Whether or not the ferocity of these storms is due to climate change or something else one would think that our elected officials, particularly those of the GOP persuasion, would be interested in protecting their seats. What will they do if the districts they represent wind up permanently under water? Who will they represent?
9
They'll just keep representing the now-bigger swamp they always have.
7
never roll the housing dice in florida bigger than you are willing to lose it all.
thats why up till the mid 1970's
it was mostly mobile homes. lose that with no insurance and
move on with your life.
floridians are much too heavily invested now.
thats why up till the mid 1970's
it was mostly mobile homes. lose that with no insurance and
move on with your life.
floridians are much too heavily invested now.
10
Few know that the building boom in Florida, largely in Miami in the 80s, was fueled by laundered drug money. That area was not developed by the usual type of investors: experienced real estate investors and banks but an artificial market force generated by drug dealers and their money handlers to legitimize their ill-gotten gains.
So, what your left with is an area where the underlying risks were never taken into consideration the way they would have been, given the risk/reward investment models that legitimate investors would have been guided by that has also become a haven for foreign investors looking to anonymously offshore their own ill-gotten gains from their countries of origin.
In other words, the whole ever-expanding sprawl that is the Miami area was built without any thought of safety, the long-term viability of the communities that haphazardly mushroomed up, or the effect of the complete absence of planning that will eventually place those who live there in tremendous peril.
Given the degree of corruption and the infusion of dirty money in Florida, it comes as no surprise to me that half of Florida will be swallowed up by the sea in the next few decades.
So, what your left with is an area where the underlying risks were never taken into consideration the way they would have been, given the risk/reward investment models that legitimate investors would have been guided by that has also become a haven for foreign investors looking to anonymously offshore their own ill-gotten gains from their countries of origin.
In other words, the whole ever-expanding sprawl that is the Miami area was built without any thought of safety, the long-term viability of the communities that haphazardly mushroomed up, or the effect of the complete absence of planning that will eventually place those who live there in tremendous peril.
Given the degree of corruption and the infusion of dirty money in Florida, it comes as no surprise to me that half of Florida will be swallowed up by the sea in the next few decades.
5
Trump has demonstrated through every event where he should show leadership he fails because he is incapable of expressing empathy, compassion and many other event appropriate human emotions. The only inklings of concern have been truly fake because he was straight-jacketed into reading from a speech writer's TelePrompTer. So these comments are directed at Trump and not the countries, territories, states,, etc. who will experience Irma's wrath. I do hope that Irma makes a sharp turn out to sea.
Trump wants North Korea to nuke the storm so Mar a Lago doesn't turn into Mar-in-Lago.
Trump will ban all visitors from the African continent until hurricane season is over.
Trump believes Irma is a good hurricane as opposed to a bad one like the so-called hurricane Jose who will cross the border illegally plus Irma is female but he wouldn't physically accost her because she's too wide and her name is archaic.
Trump has ordered the secret service to stockpile chocolate cake in case the frightened hurricane victims deplete the nation's inventory.
Mrs. Trump will announce the availability of her recently designed stiletto galoshes. As an aside, I watched her walk across the White House lawn to the helicopter in stilletos the other day. The WH gardener must appreciate her aerating the lawn.
Trump's speech writers are scanning thesaurus' to come up with bigger and more beautiful words to describe the storm and its aftermath.
After my purge I still feel Trumpxiety.
Trump wants North Korea to nuke the storm so Mar a Lago doesn't turn into Mar-in-Lago.
Trump will ban all visitors from the African continent until hurricane season is over.
Trump believes Irma is a good hurricane as opposed to a bad one like the so-called hurricane Jose who will cross the border illegally plus Irma is female but he wouldn't physically accost her because she's too wide and her name is archaic.
Trump has ordered the secret service to stockpile chocolate cake in case the frightened hurricane victims deplete the nation's inventory.
Mrs. Trump will announce the availability of her recently designed stiletto galoshes. As an aside, I watched her walk across the White House lawn to the helicopter in stilletos the other day. The WH gardener must appreciate her aerating the lawn.
Trump's speech writers are scanning thesaurus' to come up with bigger and more beautiful words to describe the storm and its aftermath.
After my purge I still feel Trumpxiety.
16
Is it irony or logic that these freak, act of god-like storms keep hitting states with evangelical, Bible-thumping, GOP governors. Maybe God is trying to tell them something!!
22
I have family down there, who are as liberal as I am, which is a lot, and we aren't alone. It's pretty tiresome getting stereotyped so much because of where you live, as much fun as apparently it is to mock people for it.
7
No. As awful as those governors are, and many of the people who voted for them, no one deserves the horror and destruction these storms bring. I wish we could retire this would-be "clever" trope.
4
It is far cheaper to deal with reducing emissions and mitigating damages now than ignoring it and pretending it isn't happening. How many people need to die before those running the country realize they have blood on their hands?
16
They don't care!
1
It's been said by earlier posters, but just a tad more attention is due to the potential perils facing Puerto Rico. I was working in San Juan when Hugo hit nearly 30 years ago. The condo next door to mine collapsed on top of my poor car. From the 17th floor of a neighbor's condo building, I watched Hugo rip off the metal storefront coverings and toss them around like a piece of tissue paper. We were without power for days. Puerto Ricans are pros when it comes to getting prepared for a storm, but hurricanes of this magnitude reap extraordinary devastation. Hoping for the very best for Puerto Rico, others in the Caribbean and those in Florida.
28
Puerto Ricans have experience and common sense in living in a subtopical climate, with its extreme storm risks. Note that in one of the photos with the Times article, the water bottles are gone from the shelves in the store while the beer shelves are pretty full. Some people know when it's time to get serious. Vaya con Dios!
3
Jose will become a hurricane, and it will follow right behind a week later.
Two-for-one Pork, Marco.
Two-for-one Pork, Marco.
5
If Irma makes it to the Gulf - not taking a Northward Turn - and hits the very warm waters there, things could get very serious very quick.
Hoping everyone takes this storm seriously and does the prudent things.
Hoping everyone takes this storm seriously and does the prudent things.
9
Sadly, it may be for the best if Irma smashes into Florida full force. Americans, especially those in the South/Red states, need to be convinced that the climate is changing and that these kind of monster storms are going to come/are coming much more frequently and with devastating effects. Many red state Americans are deeply committed to the idea that climate change is a hoax, and that scientific and intellectual "elites" look down on them and want to take away their monster trucks and cheap gas. It is an important part of their identity that they refuse to accept facts and knowledge from people whom they resent and demonize. They need to be convinced that they are wrong, that they are making mistakes that are going to have direct personal effects on them. Right now, the worst effects of climate change have been felt/will be felt by people in the developing world - those who have done the least to contribute to the problem but will suffer the most. When other people suffer the effects of their actions, Americans are amazingly adept at ignoring those effects. It is only when they feel it themselves that they begin to take notice.
41
"The great question ... is shall we make peace with nature and begin to make reparations for the damage we have done to our air, our land and our water?... Clean air, clean water, open spaces -- these should once again be the birthright of every American.... The price tag is high. Through our years of past carelessness, we have incurred a debt to nature. Now that debt is being called.”
— Richard Nixon, 1970, State of the Union
— Richard Nixon, 1970, State of the Union
33
when Mar-O-Logo is damaged.the American people will have to haver fixed with our tax dollars.
6
We just got through hearing how hurricanes bring out the best in people (Americans). But from reading these comments I think it's clearly the other way around.
10
Oh, these comments are mild. If you want a real idea of how divided Americans are go to the comments on FoxNews's website. You'll never see anything so repulsive in your life.
10
Well spotted.
1
Wonder what Donald will think about climate change if Irma makes landfall near Mar A Lago? When he visited Houston on Saturday, he seemed to think he was at a celebration.
If Mar A Lago is flooded, will he echo his own comments in Houston after Harvey, "As tough as it's been, it's been a wonderful thing to watch?" Will he be, as he judged the Houston residents in a temporary shelter, "really happy with what's going on?" Will he be, as Glenn Thrush observed, in an optimistic, nearly exuberant mood?" I wonder. More likely, he'll be bullying his insurance company and screaming at FEMA. And trying desperately to figure out how pin the blame on Obama...
Well, in any event, we can all wish him well and reassure him with his own parting words, "Have a good time, everybody!"
If Mar A Lago is flooded, will he echo his own comments in Houston after Harvey, "As tough as it's been, it's been a wonderful thing to watch?" Will he be, as he judged the Houston residents in a temporary shelter, "really happy with what's going on?" Will he be, as Glenn Thrush observed, in an optimistic, nearly exuberant mood?" I wonder. More likely, he'll be bullying his insurance company and screaming at FEMA. And trying desperately to figure out how pin the blame on Obama...
Well, in any event, we can all wish him well and reassure him with his own parting words, "Have a good time, everybody!"
39
When are they going to name Hurricane Trump?
Hope all go well and safe time ahead for all for all that matters!
Hope all go well and safe time ahead for all for all that matters!
4
Fear not, Florida. It is only when blue states ask for help with natural disasters that Republicans vote them down.
30
q.v.: Ted Cruz, a profile in demagogy.
2
It looks like Irma is going to hit San Juan and then Key West before entering the Gulf of Mexico; Mar-A-Lago will not get the worst of it. This storm is a monster; everyone in the Keys should batten down and head up US 1 ASAP.
10
Before we feel empathy, yes it should make us all furious that states that voted in a climate change denier who wants to shrink the federal government are about to get a bunch of federal aid to rebuild cities that should never have existed in the first place.
37
Thanks for Trump. Nice job there.
1
Who wants to bet Trump will be first in line for hurricane relief aid? Just like with Sandy, even though he had no damage.
22
Everyone wishing Mar A Lago is wiped out by IRMA, what is wrong with you?? The next storm is named JOSE. Hold off for some sweeter justice.
46
Make Florida institute an income tax before they start begging the federal government (i.e. me) for repair money.
18
The first US citizens to be affected by this storm will be those in the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. It's a shame no one considers them.
28
Clearly we need a wall to keep the hurricanes out.
27
From Zeus and Thor, who both hurled thunderbolts, to Noah's flood, the ancients considered fierce, epic storms a sign of god's wrath at human conduct. Harvey, Irma, what does this storm season say about the gods' pleasure with Trump's conduct?
15
As a former resident of St. Martin and going through Hurricane Luis in Grand Case, my pray for safety for all in the path of Irma. Previously, Hurricane Luis was a Cat 5 and wreaked havoc on many foreign islands. Irma will do the same.
The US news as a whole needs to stop obsessing about American threats and focus on international and national impacts of storms. I am amazed that even if there is mention of another country, the focus is still about America as reporters usually find an American abroad to report their personal experience.
There are many stories out there and yet we all hear the same hype prior to the storm and then about a month of post storm stories. It is lazy journalism.
Let us become human again and stop the politicking every aspect our lives. Focus on human stories this time please.
PS. There are Americans in Sint Maarten.....
The US news as a whole needs to stop obsessing about American threats and focus on international and national impacts of storms. I am amazed that even if there is mention of another country, the focus is still about America as reporters usually find an American abroad to report their personal experience.
There are many stories out there and yet we all hear the same hype prior to the storm and then about a month of post storm stories. It is lazy journalism.
Let us become human again and stop the politicking every aspect our lives. Focus on human stories this time please.
PS. There are Americans in Sint Maarten.....
13
The solution to this is obvious. Make the border wall REALLY high.
(and make the hurricane pay for it).
(and make the hurricane pay for it).
17
We have an incompetent government hater in The White House, a fifth-amendment-pleading medicare fraudster in Florida's Governor's Mansion, an overwhelmed FEMA dealing with the aftermath of Harvey, the 49th best social services available in the United States and now a category 5 hurricane headed our way! I'm scared. If you are poor, start hitching a ride North today because we don't have a Cajun army to save you.
24
A just Deity would assure Mar-a-Lago is reframed as Mucho Mar!
18
the real sad and stupid part of this is that Houston will be rebuilt and the same thing will happen again sometime in the near future. 3 - 500 year floods in the last 3 years proves that humans are an insane species. The definition of insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. As a taxpayer, i demand they pack up and move Houston to a flood-free zone. Otherwise let Trump and those Texas republicans pay for themselves.
30
I understand your point - both our Senators are all for small government until it's time to hold their hands out for federal cash - but try to remember that Houston is an island of blue in a deep red state.
Besides, the chances are good that, wherever you live, the voters are just as short-sighted. Will Oregon pass a law that people can't build in the forest, because there are forest fires that may someday burn them to cinders, but probably not this year? Would you demand that San Francisco "pack up and move" because they will likely, someday, have another earthquake?
Besides, the chances are good that, wherever you live, the voters are just as short-sighted. Will Oregon pass a law that people can't build in the forest, because there are forest fires that may someday burn them to cinders, but probably not this year? Would you demand that San Francisco "pack up and move" because they will likely, someday, have another earthquake?
3
Hey Marco! Make sure to add 100 billion to the GOP Pork Barrel in advance. One tenth of it comes from my State.
9
You'd think it was Irmageddon.
7
Trade mark registered?
4
Nope, no global warming here.
14
What irony! Even as any observant person can see the clear changes in our environment, the rise of sea levels, the increased frequency and intensity of storm systems, the spread of tropical diseases, Rick Scott (like most of the anti-science, anti-education GOP) remains a fervent climate change denier. I should feel sorry for you Floridians, but you voted this moron into office.
38
Cannot give huge amounts of taxpayer money to Texas or Florida since they bot voted for smaller government and lower taxes. Sorry, you must learn personal responsibility, you folks. The taxpayer should not have to bail you out from your tropical paradise turned tropical disaster. Smaller government is good.
68
Texas and Florida are the two most populous states other than California. Do you really think you know what every person in these states believes in? Should every single person be held responsible for how the whole state votes?
Think before you post.
Think before you post.
7
Well, the rest of us are being held hostage by the minority of the electorate who voted for Mr. Trump, so, sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.
2
We always have preachers blaming natural disasters on the sinful practices of those in harm's way. God used Katrina to put the kibosh on the Southern Decadence celebration. Harvey was the result of Houston's acceptance of sexual immorality. Irma will no doubt be attributed to South Florida's acceptance of sexual minorities. How come these people who have a hotline to God never blame these events on our failure to be good stewards of the planet over which we supposedly have dominion? (Personally, I see Irma as God's wrath over Trump's DACA decision)
38
Border wall money anyone? No? The Trump/GOP clown car wants to lower taxes for the rich again. Maybe a couple of hurricanes will change that priority.
26
Just got back from the stores. No bottled water left on the shelves. Panic among customers.
13
@Ben:
Don't ppl in SoFlo have tap water? Why do ppl have to buy bottled water? Why not just fill up a bunch of bottles with that?
Don't ppl in SoFlo have tap water? Why do ppl have to buy bottled water? Why not just fill up a bunch of bottles with that?
3
Good luck, Stay safe.
1
I'm north of Tampa. All the bottled water at Publix was gone this morning. One of the managers said they're getting an emergency supply later. People buying several cases at once, leaving nothing for others.
1
Dear Irma,
Mira Largo needs remodeling, please provide FEMA relief.
Signed,
DT.
Mira Largo needs remodeling, please provide FEMA relief.
Signed,
DT.
31
Whoever has picked the NYT Picks has sure missed the boat here:
"Cinderblock houses" could lead to dangerous collapses.
"Enough with the climate change" has already contributed to a collapsing democracy.
"Cinderblock houses" could lead to dangerous collapses.
"Enough with the climate change" has already contributed to a collapsing democracy.
6
I am so with you.
2
To quote Homer Simpson, "Who though reading and writing would ever pay off." Hurricane Irma is just a liberal hoax, just like the moon landing or hurricane Katrina. Climate science is for losers…Sad! Go GOP! Go Trump!
17
Hope it inundates Trump's grotesque palace, Mar-a-Lago.
20
He would use our taxpayer money to rebuild it.
1
Gigi...He might try, but I dare him.
2
I work for Airbnb customer service and you would not believe the calls I've been dealing with the last few weeks! (Harvey was a nightmare) Stay safe everyone.
9
Mother Nature ALWAYS bats last. And it seems she is sending messages - to Texas for its oil activity and the folly of building on flood plains. And to Florida, whose governor banned the words climate change.
It's not nice to fool Mother Nature.
And it's tragic and unfortunate that the developers and others who profited handsomely off building where smart money says you shouldn't, have already waltzed off with their ill-gotten gains, leaving humanity to fend for itself.
It's not nice to fool Mother Nature.
And it's tragic and unfortunate that the developers and others who profited handsomely off building where smart money says you shouldn't, have already waltzed off with their ill-gotten gains, leaving humanity to fend for itself.
39
I completely believe that Donald Trump is responsible for these man made disasters. If only he had signed the Paris climate accords, then we'd be so much safer and none of this would've happened. I think that 6 months of Donald Trump's toxic presidency has changed global weather very quickly. Any person with half a brain and a true believer in the Climate Change Religion can see that. If Obama was here we wouldn't even have the North Korean crisis, he would've sent Kim 500 billion dollars and the white flag. Obama's Peace at any cost is far better than Donald's Peace through strength which sounds threatening to me.
5
You could have made your key point a lot better (that six months isn't long enough to cause real climate change) without couching it in a lot of unnecessary snark and misleading hypotheses.
24
Um, Obama wasn't eligible for a 3rd term. Please read the Constitution. Trump isn't responsible for these disasters, but please don't get upset if they continue to get worse and worse on account of our lack of leadership and reliance on God Almighty to save us.
4
You people still hating on Obama? Pal, Trump is president now. How you like being under the microscope so far? Isn't politics fun? Weeeeeeee.
5
I think that we need to see what happens to the Southeast from Hurricane Irma before we discuss tax reform. If we are not careful we could raise deficits and jack up the national debt without benefitting the country.
10
Seems to be the GOP plan. We will pay by taking money out of SS, Medicaid and Medicare. Take it to the bank!
Is it too much to hope that Mar a Lago gets wiped out by a hurricane? Especially a *female* hurricane. Fingers crossed.
45
Wouldn't affect Trump in the least. He'd find a way to milk money out of it.
7
So, Trump voters in the Florida Keys, I assume you plan to ignore all these hurricane trajectory warnings.
After all, they only are models of the future cooked up by the scientific elite who don't want Trump to cut their budgets.
After all, they only are models of the future cooked up by the scientific elite who don't want Trump to cut their budgets.
49
So the NYT paywall comes down for Hurricane Harvey coverage, but not for Hurricane Irma?
7
Dear Samarkand,
It hasn't hit the U.S. yet. When it starts severely affecting the U.S., I'm sure they'll take down the paywall again temporarily.
It hasn't hit the U.S. yet. When it starts severely affecting the U.S., I'm sure they'll take down the paywall again temporarily.
16
At this point in a hurricane's development there is better coverage on the free weather sites.
6
Irma is going to move on Mar-A-Lago like a ...
23
To Hurricane Irma: Please aim for Mar a Lago and then spin out to sea
42
Back when Jesus died, they said the World was ending, then in the Middle Ages, the apocalyptic Black Death hit Europe and millions died. Entire cities were dead. They said the Earth was ending. Then the River Themes in London froze for a year with global cooling. The Sahara desert was once thick forest. Antarctica used to be a rocky land with vegetation and get this------no ice. We have lived through a lot of crap, but the cockiness of this Human generation that it can control this Earth's climate is beyond comprehension. Next the Liberals will think that they can stop Volcanos, the worst of the CO2 emitters, and dwarfing anything that man can produce. Climate change? Yes. Human activity? Delusional. Nature's free will? Absolutely.
2
Nobody thinks we can control climate, only contribute to it. Delusional, as you say, to think otherwise.
20
So I guess you also think that the hurricane predictions for Harvey and Irma are also delusional rantings of scientists. Because the computer models which are predicting the path of these storms are based on the same mathematical models of "nature's free will" as the climate change models.
7
It used to be the crazy people dressed in rags with the signs, "The End is Near", and the scientists saying they were nuts. Now it's the scientists saying that 100 years from now things will be dire, and it's the crazies saying the scientists are nuts. Go figure.
5
I remember when the gas crisis hit in the 70's. There was all this thinking about alternative energy. It all seemed like the time to devote our minds toward a better way. Then Reagan got in and it all well by the wayside. It may come down to Reagan and his fossil fuel boys being the largest mass murderers in history. Hyperbole much, we'll see. All for the buck.
40
I shudder to think of what a Category 4 or 5 hurricane will become if it enters the warm, energy-enhancing waters of the Gulf of Mexico just after the devastation of Harvey.
20
Shhhhh, Paul Wortman! Don't say that! Don't even think that!
I see the climate change deniers commenting. They don't believe climate change is real. I wonder how many of them didn't believe scientists that predicted the date of the solar eclipse. I didn't see any of them show any scepticism about that event. Go figure.
42
Some helpful things to have;
Dry foods like cereal, breakfast bars and pop tarts for energy rich food, and peanut butter and bread.
A survival water bottle with internal filter that you drink almost any water except salt water and polluted water from.
Spare cellphone batteries or a USB charged multi-amp hour lithium battery bank designed for recharging mobile phones several times.
Use texting only on your mobile phone to conserve battery power.
LED camping lanterns and required batteries. They will light for several days off and on with one set of batteries.
A first aid kit.
A portable broadcast band radio and spare batteries. Some include the national weather service band for the most up to date information. This is vital to stay tuned even in loss of power for days in case the following Hurricane follows so you know.
Pillows and a blanket for everyone.
Your medicines.
Flashlights for getting around.
The wisdom to evacuate to a shelter if told you should, your lives are everything, a home can be replaced, you can't be.
God's blessings in abundance.
Dry foods like cereal, breakfast bars and pop tarts for energy rich food, and peanut butter and bread.
A survival water bottle with internal filter that you drink almost any water except salt water and polluted water from.
Spare cellphone batteries or a USB charged multi-amp hour lithium battery bank designed for recharging mobile phones several times.
Use texting only on your mobile phone to conserve battery power.
LED camping lanterns and required batteries. They will light for several days off and on with one set of batteries.
A first aid kit.
A portable broadcast band radio and spare batteries. Some include the national weather service band for the most up to date information. This is vital to stay tuned even in loss of power for days in case the following Hurricane follows so you know.
Pillows and a blanket for everyone.
Your medicines.
Flashlights for getting around.
The wisdom to evacuate to a shelter if told you should, your lives are everything, a home can be replaced, you can't be.
God's blessings in abundance.
31
What would FEMA do without God's abundance and your advice? Duct tape?
5
God's blessing is the hurricane
2
I just love the comments that a story like this generates. Everything from "it's climate change" to "I was in [some other hurricane] and I ran away" to blaming the GOP, or Trump, or saying it's god's will.
Stop talking. Stop pointing fingers. Stop blaming. Shut up. Pack up. Get out.
Stop talking. Stop pointing fingers. Stop blaming. Shut up. Pack up. Get out.
10
Harvey produced the most rain ever recorded in the USA . Irma is the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic . Yet Trump and many in the GOP believe climate change is a hoax .
35
Bernardo, the only hoax here ARE trump and many of the GOP. This presidency and administration are collectively one of the worst hoaxes ever perpetrated. It is not a GOVERNMENT; it is a CRIME SYNDICATE.
1
Trust in God, but always build on the high ground.
46
Now there is a true statement!
6
I'd rather trust in sound engineering and peer reviewed science.
2
Will the US Government be as generous with the USVI and Puerto Rico as it looks to be with Texas? If their poor record of stewardship of the territories is any indication, islanders will be left to fend with their own, often meager, resources. Anyone who travels regularly to these island know they are America's own Paradise, national treasures we should be taking much better care of. France does much better with Guadeloupe and Martinique than we do with our island territories.
68
@Lisa B:
Why would we take care of the nat'l treasures of our Caribbean territories when our gov't is talking about ripping up more of the same on our own continental lands for oil/gas/coal?
You must be mixing up our gov't with one that has at least one collective brain.
Why would we take care of the nat'l treasures of our Caribbean territories when our gov't is talking about ripping up more of the same on our own continental lands for oil/gas/coal?
You must be mixing up our gov't with one that has at least one collective brain.
3
Nope, lived on St Croix. It's a dump ever since Hess and the Venezuelan oil company built the Hovensa oil refinery on the south shore of the island -- one of the largest refineries in the world! It was open for 2 years, now it's a huge eyesore. You're right -- other countries seem to "get it" that using pristine space to develop fossil fuels is silly. But please don't confuse the USVI with a paradise.
2
Yeah, but France didn't treat their Pacific islanders so well, with nearly 30 years of nuclear testing in Polynesia giving the islanders cancer!
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/frances-nuclear-tests-in-...
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/frances-nuclear-tests-in-...
4
I'd like to formally pray that there is minimum loss of life during this hurricane, not just for people in Florida but for all the nations that are going to get hit first. In the islands they might prepare better for these things, so maybe Florida will need more in the way of divine intervention.
But this storm is coming fast, and Jose is right behind it. The time to brace ourselves for a punishing end to the hurricane season is now. Good luck to all the millions in the path of this storm and the next.
But this storm is coming fast, and Jose is right behind it. The time to brace ourselves for a punishing end to the hurricane season is now. Good luck to all the millions in the path of this storm and the next.
16
Thank you, Dan, for your graceful and rightful prayer, from a person with dearly loved ones in the path of the storm. They're bracing now.
1
Just to be mean, I hope this think wreaks havoc with a sharp right turn just before key west and heads straight up the east coast of FL while remaining slightly off coast. That ought to create the 7-10 split that the next one, currently TD Jose, will take care of.
Only then people might realize: DO NOT BUILD ON SANDBARS.
Only then people might realize: DO NOT BUILD ON SANDBARS.
10
In my prior career I was the US general counsel of a major international reinsurer. About 30 years ago their climate science department issued a report about climate change and its effects on specific geographic locations as well as the increase in cost of catastrophe claims related to various risk elements.
This is not new stuff. It has been writ large upon the wall for decades. People with knowledge and economic interest in this saw it decades ago. Craven politics and pandering to special interests are the real culprits.
This is not new stuff. It has been writ large upon the wall for decades. People with knowledge and economic interest in this saw it decades ago. Craven politics and pandering to special interests are the real culprits.
161
Everybody knows the reinsurance industry is totally a liberal front to promote their climate change agenda. Even more so the ultra-liberal US Defense Department which has been making similar "predictions" for twenty years, claiming climate change poses a serious threat to US security and global influence.
(ROFL)
(ROFL)
5
You left out greed as a cause, although that is implied in special interests.
2
To Ron21; very appropriate considering the potential tragedy at hand. What comes around goes around and you will get yours too!
5
Sorry but your data is wrong....Hurricane Camille was a ferocious Category 5 hurricane when it hit Mississippi on August 17, 1969. Camille's 190 mph sustained winds at landfall were the highest winds ever recorded for a U.S. landfalling hurricane.
I was sixteen when I sat through the entire storm. Unlike anything I have ever experienced before or after!!! best, W. J. Tolbert
I was sixteen when I sat through the entire storm. Unlike anything I have ever experienced before or after!!! best, W. J. Tolbert
8
Camille was a Gulf storm, the article states tied as the second strongest Atlantic storm which is correct.
5
The article said in the Atlantic. When Camille was in the Atlantic, it was never a category 5 storm and only attained that status once in the Gulf of Mexico. The article is correct.
2
They said Atlantic hurricane, not Gulf of Mexico.
1
The huge Houston storm got every headline it deserved, and Irma looks like it too will be well-covered, but what about this wild heatwave in California--110 degrees!!--it has hardly been touched!! Readers need facts, emotions, causes, problems, photos!!! Get busy, guys and gals!!
33
It is California. You got plenty of rain over the winter and spring.
And fires, no notice at all of all the fires.
5
And then there's the many massive wildfires covering the Pacific Northwest and decimating Montana, blanketing most of the country in smoke..
Nature's real busy tearing us a new one these days.
Nature's real busy tearing us a new one these days.
14
Time to revise the Saffir-Simpson scale. There is no category 6, 7 or 8 or higher, and at the rate things are going they will be needed. Cat 5 starts at 157 mph, and Irma is now at 180. It's a cat 6. This designation is needed to call attention to warmer seas and altered global weather patterns affecting these storms brought on by the fast melting of ice at the poles.
42
Hmm, I sense that Mother Nature is showing those climate deniers who is in charge. The west is afire, Texas underwater, and Irma will blow the rest to bits. Listen up folks. This is real.
57
does not matter - stupid is stupid -
10
Unprecedented heat waves, out of control fire season, typhoons, widespread global flooding, ice melt and a line of powerful hurricanes. Is Mother Nature trying to tell us something?
49
Are our leaders listening?
8
Dear Florida residents,
Please, think back to when hurricane Harvey hit. You've got four days to seal up the house as well as possible and head to high ground. Please make good use of the time, get out of the way with plenty of time to spare, and dodge this one. It's going to be another bad one, don't chance it.
If y'all stick around, I expect to be donating to the Red Cross and other disaster relief organizations again. Good luck.
Please, think back to when hurricane Harvey hit. You've got four days to seal up the house as well as possible and head to high ground. Please make good use of the time, get out of the way with plenty of time to spare, and dodge this one. It's going to be another bad one, don't chance it.
If y'all stick around, I expect to be donating to the Red Cross and other disaster relief organizations again. Good luck.
18
Dan, your kind, concerned, and thoughtful words are appreciated. Unfortunately, many very elderly residents in Florida are home bound, with caregivers, and cannot leave, without undue stress. And if you have a sick, elderly, senile parent nearby, you hesitate to go anywhere without taking them along, and it is very difficult for them to go. It is already impossible to get gasoline for our cars. (And the shelves in many supermarkets/hardware stores are already bare, especially as regards bottled water, batteries, flashlights, and certain food items. Many service stations are cordoned off. Even if you were to fill your car to the max, where are you going to go? All motels and hotels will be filled as you drive north from Florida, and if your car runs out of gasoline, you may not be able to find a place to fill it up again. Many people ARE able to fly/drive to other friends, family, or to unaffected areas in the country. Some have already gone. If forced to evacuate, we will, but right now, it is only the Keys, and perhaps Miami-Dade County that will have mandatory evacuations. We have incredibly excellent metal hurricane shutters, but...the roof could blow off the house! Most of us are praying that it will be like the last hurricane that just skimmed us, and we never got much of anything, but I have a feeling we are not going to be so lucky this time. I just hope that there will be minimal damage, and that people will be able to stay safe...an weather the storm.
4
As the saying goes, Nature bats last. And she seems to be on a streak.
32
Shades of New Orleans all over again. Friends in Miami tell me that police and private security are blocking roads and preventing people from evacuating. The reason? Rich people don't want others driving through their exclusive areas.
15
not true.
public ways are public.
When evacuations happen, its not a free for all. Public Safety conducts people to the roads with the largest capacity.
public ways are public.
When evacuations happen, its not a free for all. Public Safety conducts people to the roads with the largest capacity.
6
And to think that just last week the Trump's Republican allies were talking about cutting $876 million from disaster relief service budgets. Perhaps they believe his current opinion that climate change is a myth and "[t]he concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive."
34
The question for future generations is whether or not hurricane/cyclone frequency will increase as the plant warms.
Unfortunately, the answer is unknown as the frequency of hurricanes due to increased global temperatures is uncertain. What is definite is the fact that warmer air and water mean more energy and bigger storms. That has already happened.
All the red herring rhetoric to the contrary is not based on science—and further delays needed action.
Having been through hurricane Iniki--it scared me to tears--all hope that this turns away from land.
Unfortunately, the answer is unknown as the frequency of hurricanes due to increased global temperatures is uncertain. What is definite is the fact that warmer air and water mean more energy and bigger storms. That has already happened.
All the red herring rhetoric to the contrary is not based on science—and further delays needed action.
Having been through hurricane Iniki--it scared me to tears--all hope that this turns away from land.
12
One thing that upsets me is that neither Texas nor Florida have state income taxes. And they boast about it. They know hurricanes are going to hit, and they know the clean up and recovery efforts will be expensive, and they rely on the Federal Government to provide the funds while attempting to deny funds for the Sandy clean up. If they were at all responsible, they would have both a state income tax and a hurricane clean up fund.
83
But the property taxes here make up the difference. And because foreigners (yankees, conservatives, etc) are moving into Texas, housing prices, and thus property taxes, are soaring.
If tax-rates.org can be believed, the average CO property tax is 0.6%, while in TX it is 1.81%. So, I'd be delighted to pay an income tax if my property tax would drop to CO's level.
If tax-rates.org can be believed, the average CO property tax is 0.6%, while in TX it is 1.81%. So, I'd be delighted to pay an income tax if my property tax would drop to CO's level.
3
As President Bartlet said in the debate: "Can we have it back please"
1
we have taxes, but not income tax. because our property and sales tax are not deductible, we pay higher US income tax(good for you, bad for us) but, yeah, no excuse for senator cruz.
8
"Has there ever been an organization in human history that is dedicated, with such commitment, to the destruction of organized human life on Earth?” philosopher Noam Chomsky asked the audience at a Democracy Now! event.
Now the Earth is on a rampage. It makes sense to me that the planet itself possesses a vast intelligence. Perhaps one of its missions is to use dangerous weather to communicate with the most dangerous organization in human history - the Republican Party of course.
Now the Earth is on a rampage. It makes sense to me that the planet itself possesses a vast intelligence. Perhaps one of its missions is to use dangerous weather to communicate with the most dangerous organization in human history - the Republican Party of course.
25
Does this mean Mara Lago will take a direct hit?
4
Climate alarmists wallowing in wonderment at the possibility of 2 major hurricanes hitting the US (those that aren't in Irma's path). But before you convince yourself we now have evidence for CC -- remember:
1) From 1851 to 2000 we averaged 6 hurricanes a decade. In 2000-2005 we had 7 majors -- then -- no major hurricanes hit the contiguous US for 12 years. A highly unlikely event (12 years, no majors).
2) Single weather events don't mean anything in terms of climate -- it's long term trends (years).
3) The temp data for the western Gulf of Mexico where Harvey gained strength shows nothing but normal variation since 1870 -- ditto the areas primarily on the gulf coast (from 1895). Major hurricanes hitting the Texas coast are not associated with warmer years.
4) The data that global temps have risen dramatically since 1880 is based on estimates. Example: Middle Africa nearly as large as the US. From 1880 until 1950 it averaged having about 5 active stations, near or on the coast. Today Middle Africa has 30 -- most on or near the coast. The same is true for all global land masses except the contiguous US and Europe. In short, we don't have a valid long term global temp record -- most regions even today are sparsely covered, the sites weren't & aren't randomly selected and the methods for data collection are not consistent.
But please -- if someone can produce a valid avg temp for middle Africa in 1880 (or 1900 or now), I'd love to see it.
1) From 1851 to 2000 we averaged 6 hurricanes a decade. In 2000-2005 we had 7 majors -- then -- no major hurricanes hit the contiguous US for 12 years. A highly unlikely event (12 years, no majors).
2) Single weather events don't mean anything in terms of climate -- it's long term trends (years).
3) The temp data for the western Gulf of Mexico where Harvey gained strength shows nothing but normal variation since 1870 -- ditto the areas primarily on the gulf coast (from 1895). Major hurricanes hitting the Texas coast are not associated with warmer years.
4) The data that global temps have risen dramatically since 1880 is based on estimates. Example: Middle Africa nearly as large as the US. From 1880 until 1950 it averaged having about 5 active stations, near or on the coast. Today Middle Africa has 30 -- most on or near the coast. The same is true for all global land masses except the contiguous US and Europe. In short, we don't have a valid long term global temp record -- most regions even today are sparsely covered, the sites weren't & aren't randomly selected and the methods for data collection are not consistent.
But please -- if someone can produce a valid avg temp for middle Africa in 1880 (or 1900 or now), I'd love to see it.
1
Dear Ralphie,
I know it's hard to convince you, but it does not matter whether climate change is responsible for this hurricane or not. What matters is that this major storm, and the one coming up next, are going to cause a lot of damage and some loss of life. Nobody is really pushing the climate change angle right now except people who are viscerally against climate change.
So please, drop it until the aftermath analysis, and let's try to focus on how to get people out of harm's way, and then how to help them after these storms pass. Climate change can wait.
I know it's hard to convince you, but it does not matter whether climate change is responsible for this hurricane or not. What matters is that this major storm, and the one coming up next, are going to cause a lot of damage and some loss of life. Nobody is really pushing the climate change angle right now except people who are viscerally against climate change.
So please, drop it until the aftermath analysis, and let's try to focus on how to get people out of harm's way, and then how to help them after these storms pass. Climate change can wait.
3
Ralphie, science has already left you behind along with the majority of civilized society. It's okay to admit you're wrong. It's also okay to do some research on how carbon affects our atmosphere. It's actually pretty simple and irrefutable stuff.
3
How many time do people in the denier camp need to be told that the US and Atlantic are not the entire globe? And the climate science has NEVER projected land fall on the US east coast as a sign of climate change. They have projected increase in hurricane intensity around the globe, which is exactly what has happened in the last few decades...see link in other post with actual non-ideological evidence..
Central Africa is also not the entire globe and there is ZERO evidence of any cooling in central Africa that would offset what has happened to the planet....plus most of the global warming signature has occurred AFTER 1980.
Central Africa is also not the entire globe and there is ZERO evidence of any cooling in central Africa that would offset what has happened to the planet....plus most of the global warming signature has occurred AFTER 1980.
3
With an already impaired infrastructure, Irma may put to rest the daily question of "How much worse can things get on the island?"
22
we are north of West Palm beach, Florida. we pray for our friends in need.
7
Oh good, because that is what people really need. Prayer.
2
It is just a kindness, matty...to say that they are praying for their friends. He means that he wishes everyone well, and hopes that everyone and everything will be OK. Just means he is concerned and hoping for the best. He may actually be praying, too, if he believes in prayer. At any rate, it is a decent thing.
2
As a Hurricane Andrew (1992) survivor, I can tell you that I would be in a car or plane evacuating Florida as quickly as possible. Andrew not only destroyed our home (every single window and window frame were sucked out of their foundations never to be seen again and beams of two by fours skewered doors and walls) it literally blew away all trees and vital infrastructure for miles. Also, it took FEMA and the Red Cross three to four weeks to properly intervene. The first ones on the scene were the Salvation Army (handing out sandwiches) and out-of-state church-goers. That storm made me think twice about living in Florida even though I was born in Miami. Within 18 months I'd split for the Mid-Atlantic...inland.
48
I am always amazed when people who have remained in their homes for major storms and who were lucky to be survive say how terrified they were riding out the storm and how they never thought it would be as bad as it was. The house shaking, building materials flying off, roof breaking, things hitting the house, water pouring in, power off, hunkering down in the bathtub, pitch black outside...and the sounds they describe as unending and deafening,
During Harvey, a TV crew was stationed at a hotel that had a "hurricane" proof wall. The wall collapsed. Can buildings really withstand hurricanes?
I do not understand why people stay, why municipalities haven't figured out how to preemptively move citizens who are unable to relocate on their own, why, why, why.
The challenges are immense before the storm but things must be done better so that after storm rescues and recoveries don't stay the norm. It's time to change the prestorm paradigm. We have focused so much on the storm itself as the only danger. We seem to be great at understanding storm surge but what about improving predictions about reservoir overflows, dam breaks, pump and emergency generator failures, etc. that seem to plague almost every unprecedented water event over the past decade (Columbia, SC flood, Sandy, Katrina, Harvey to name a few).
During Harvey, a TV crew was stationed at a hotel that had a "hurricane" proof wall. The wall collapsed. Can buildings really withstand hurricanes?
I do not understand why people stay, why municipalities haven't figured out how to preemptively move citizens who are unable to relocate on their own, why, why, why.
The challenges are immense before the storm but things must be done better so that after storm rescues and recoveries don't stay the norm. It's time to change the prestorm paradigm. We have focused so much on the storm itself as the only danger. We seem to be great at understanding storm surge but what about improving predictions about reservoir overflows, dam breaks, pump and emergency generator failures, etc. that seem to plague almost every unprecedented water event over the past decade (Columbia, SC flood, Sandy, Katrina, Harvey to name a few).
6
Not everyone has the resources to leave or a place to go. Have some compassion.
5
Me thinks you misunderstand Agent 99's point. Preparedness would be compassion.
2
With José right behind her. Cat 2 by Sunday with a long way to go.
17
Republicans: Let's burn down NOAA so that this never happens again!
62
Republicans want to get rid of NOAA so a private venture capital consortium can charge you for weather information.
As he conspiracy goes: The government is the only one with access to the weather satellite, so how do we know the information we get from them about the weather is the right information?
As he conspiracy goes: The government is the only one with access to the weather satellite, so how do we know the information we get from them about the weather is the right information?
8
And while they are at it, they should pass a law making global warming illegal.
5
It would be nice to reroute Irma to Montana and the Northwest, where the wildfires and smoke are creating their own brand of living hell.
18
Welcome to the new normal of global warming.
15
I used to live in Naples, Florida. My girlfriend's job caused us to move from Minnesota. It was winter. Florida seemed great. Even though Naples is considered a nice place to live, after a few years I realized I really din't like living in Florida, and had to get out. Fortunately, the relationship with my girlfriend ended, my exit strategy began. I relocated back to Minnesota for a year, remembered winter, then relocated to Southern California. How lucky I am! I will never move again. There's just something so missing from Florida, so end game in nature.. Regardless, I hope they survive the hurricane..
12
how are the fires, earthquakes and droughts treating you?
7
Earthquakes?? (Not that I'm wishing that upon you)
1
Very deserving GOP state is going to be slapped by GOD, isn't at all a coincidence. May they reap what they sow.
19
Nah, don't say that. Every place that's 60% Republican is 40% Democrat. You'd be surprised by how much places that you think of as right-wing often have plenty of left-wing people, and vice versa.
And pretty much everyone who has different beliefs than you has 'em because they were taught different things, they're looking at and dwelling on different things.
You know, there could be left-wing person who makes a great impression on a lot of people, but who's secretly a sex offender.
Think of how right-wing all those white cops and soldiers saving the black Harvey victims looked. They weren't acting mean or angry. They just saved the people.
And pretty much everyone who has different beliefs than you has 'em because they were taught different things, they're looking at and dwelling on different things.
You know, there could be left-wing person who makes a great impression on a lot of people, but who's secretly a sex offender.
Think of how right-wing all those white cops and soldiers saving the black Harvey victims looked. They weren't acting mean or angry. They just saved the people.
5
Seriously? Besides just being messed up as a thought Florida is thoroughly purple considering we went Obama twice and is pretty much split 50/50, when was the last time Georgia was blue?
6
Ironic to be happening to a state where the Governor is removing all references to climate change from all government records.
26
Everyone needs to be vigilant but calm. CNN, et al, doing their usual whipping up panic with their disaster-porn coverage. Turn off the TV and relax.
5
It's probably a lot easier to relax in London than it is in Florida right now.
24
Right. 185-mph winds are nothing to fret about.
4
Panic is useless, and helps nothing. Just be prepared, vigilant, and calm. (As they say: Keep calm and carry on!) And if you are forced to evacuate, you will.
3
Don't pay attention to the meteorologists at NOAA. Weather forecasting is an unproven science.
40
"Weather forecasting is an unproven science."
Gee, they predicted 3-4 feet of rain for the Texas coast. Soooo, 50 inched is equal to 4' 2". I'd say that's pretty darn accurate, no?
Gee, they predicted 3-4 feet of rain for the Texas coast. Soooo, 50 inched is equal to 4' 2". I'd say that's pretty darn accurate, no?
12
We should defund NOAA.
Oh, Republicans already did that.
Oh, Republicans already did that.
12
"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain."
6
No few individual events prove climate change, it's the long-term pattern which proves it. But plan on getting used to this. Until the laws of physics are revoked it's only going to get worse.
23
Six days until 9/11. 27 years since 9/11/91, the day that the Class 5 Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai with almost 250mph winds. I was in my home on the North Shore when the Eye passed right overhead. Six hrs before Chala on KONG said see you on the other side, then they shut off the power on the entire island. It would be 3 months until it was fully restored. The storm began as a massive wind and rain event, in the first hr large trees of all sorts were dropped and the rain was so intense that it came in everywhere. After 4 hrs the wind died and the ran stopped, the eye was overhead, the sky blue, the sun blinding. Falsely optimistic, I thought it was over, but then the eye wall passed and the back of the storm brought a massive, cyclonic wind and a deafening, screeching noise,and the sound of tinkling glass,wrenching, clunking and crashing as buildings dissolved and flew by and my house was taken apart. After 5 hrs of terror, it stopped. Someone outside called my name to see if I was alive. I left the bed that had protected me and went into the hall. The sky above me where the roof had been was filled with diamonds. That was Iniki in 1991. Good luck to those impacted by Class 5 Irma, we'll see you on the other side of the storm.
47
Thank you for taking the time to share this.
Best,
Chana Mark
Best,
Chana Mark
8
bahcom: Incredible retelling of your ordeal. Thank goodness that you are all right!
1
Poor Cuba: not a word about its being in the path as well.
29
This comment should get 1000 likes.
1
If it takes out the Miami, Cuba metro area, it will have done the Southern people a great service!
Harvey caused 89 to $120 billion and killed more than 30 people. If Irma hits Florida it might cause damages in the tens of billion.
Is there any scientist out there who can tell us if there is a way those hurricanes can be destroyed or stopped before they reach lands. For example, a bomb that would explode right in the eye of the hurricane and change the temperatures or something like that.
Is there any scientist out there who can tell us if there is a way those hurricanes can be destroyed or stopped before they reach lands. For example, a bomb that would explode right in the eye of the hurricane and change the temperatures or something like that.
3
The problem is that Republicans have been blocking scientists from helping us for years, from cutting President Carter's funding for expediting solar energy research to blocking regulations that keep developers from profiting by placing people in danger,
Republicans ridicule the " elite" who have worked hard to educate themselves to understand what is hoing on and make constructive, far sighted suggestions.
As for a bomb, the last thing we need to do is give the hurricane more heat. Hurricanes love heat. If you could chill the ocean a few degrees..... back to where it would have been without decades of CO2 heating up the atmosphere.....that would have helped.
Rather than waiting until all we can think of is bombing, as iin international conflicts, the best results come from in- depth understanding and long- range planning.
Republicans ridicule the " elite" who have worked hard to educate themselves to understand what is hoing on and make constructive, far sighted suggestions.
As for a bomb, the last thing we need to do is give the hurricane more heat. Hurricanes love heat. If you could chill the ocean a few degrees..... back to where it would have been without decades of CO2 heating up the atmosphere.....that would have helped.
Rather than waiting until all we can think of is bombing, as iin international conflicts, the best results come from in- depth understanding and long- range planning.
16
"Is there any scientist out there who can tell us if there is a way those hurricanes can be destroyed .."
Yes, I can tell you that there is no way those hurricanes can be destroyed. Hurricanes are tremendously more powerful that bombs: a typical hurricane releases more energy than an atomic bomb every second. To send a bomb against a hurricane would be like sending a mosquito against a tank.
Yes, I can tell you that there is no way those hurricanes can be destroyed. Hurricanes are tremendously more powerful that bombs: a typical hurricane releases more energy than an atomic bomb every second. To send a bomb against a hurricane would be like sending a mosquito against a tank.
8
"Is there any scientist out there who can tell us if there is a way those hurricanes can be destroyed or stopped before they reach lands."
Says the person who watches too many blockbuster disaster films. Maybe they can install lasers on the international space station and zap it?
Says the person who watches too many blockbuster disaster films. Maybe they can install lasers on the international space station and zap it?
8
This is a irresponsible statement: “It is too early to determine what direct impacts Irma might have on the continental United States,” the service said on Tuesday. But, it added, “everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place.”
We all know what the direct impacts will be - history is no fool, but evidently, people living in the area and Weather Service are!
To suggest "stocking up on supplies" is leading folks to consider sheltering in place. It's Tuesday, four days before Irma comes home. How many actually believe they can withstand a Cat 5?
Why are there not calls for evacuations? With whom does the responsibility for taking responsibility rest?
Four days before Irma comes home. What are YOU going to do? Wait and then what?
We all know what the direct impacts will be - history is no fool, but evidently, people living in the area and Weather Service are!
To suggest "stocking up on supplies" is leading folks to consider sheltering in place. It's Tuesday, four days before Irma comes home. How many actually believe they can withstand a Cat 5?
Why are there not calls for evacuations? With whom does the responsibility for taking responsibility rest?
Four days before Irma comes home. What are YOU going to do? Wait and then what?
11
This morning, hurricane chasers measured wind speeds of 216 mph. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale goes up from Cat 1 to Cat 5 in about 20 mph increments, e.g., Cat 1 = 74 to 94 mph, Cat 2 = 96 to 110 mph, etc. Cat 5 starts at 157 mph. This means that Irma has winds about 60 mph over the 157 mph Cat 5 floor. Extrapolating the scale, this would put it at a Cat 8.
6
Morgan, stop scaring us!
1
I really hope people evacuate as a precaution. Cannot hurt to overreact instead of under.
19
What?! Heading for the state that forbids it's workers from using the term "climate change" Maybe there is a God.
33
hey now....Many of us DO BELIEVE in climate change. AND, we didn't vote for those who do not.
10
Ayress is right, not a great idea to generalize as to over 20 million people. For example, everyone in Florida under the age of 5 is pretty blameless in the climate change debate, and they're in the path of the storm too.
6
wow, just wow- making a political comment about FL in the midst of a possible catastrophe is just wrong on so many levels.
6
The storms and their damage are a terrible reality. I can't help but wonder if the so called superlative President will run out of extravagantly simple words to communicate how beautiful these unprecedented storms are. Maybe he will have to call it like it is. DOUBTFUL.
10
Trump's hoping it's even more devastating than Harvey. You know -- bigger is fabulous. Besides, Obama never had a storm to match Harvey, so nyaaah!
12
Thanks to the NYT for including the Caribbean in headlines about Irma. It has disgusted me that other headlines elsewhere are 'Hurricane Irma heads for Florida', and the like, as if other, much more vulnerable countries in the path of Irma do not exist.
48
Rain, plus the 3,000 who died in floods in South Asia last week.
12
American newspapers and websites focusing on America. Terrible!
4
Brian Tilbury London 54 minutes ago
And one million homes lost as well in South Asia as well as 100os of deaths.
And one million homes lost as well in South Asia as well as 100os of deaths.
2
I wonder what are Trump's hurricane plans for Mar-a-Lago?
17
Likely a government socialist subsidy for repairs...as he has done in past projects.
13
trump will forget his Wall just long enough to assign FEMA just enough funds to rebuild his resort!
7
And if it is a direct hit on Mar-A-Lago, expanding the sinkhole, will Falwell understand the message?
7
Stop blaming this storm on climate change!!
There is very little evidence that any particular storm is related to climate change. By arguing otherwise, you politically undercut the sound scientific basis behind the overall issue. Arguing that Harvey or Irma are caused by climate change (other than stating, perhaps, that such storms perhaps are more likely) is no better than the climate deniers arguing that a cold spell disproves it. You are hurting your own cause!
There is very little evidence that any particular storm is related to climate change. By arguing otherwise, you politically undercut the sound scientific basis behind the overall issue. Arguing that Harvey or Irma are caused by climate change (other than stating, perhaps, that such storms perhaps are more likely) is no better than the climate deniers arguing that a cold spell disproves it. You are hurting your own cause!
7
Climate change may not cause every story but the warmer temps make the storms much wetter, more rain, more flooding etc.
15
@DRS,
I agree with you.
I agree with you.
Climate warming intensifies hurricane strength. The warmer sea gave Harvey more wallop.
16
Did Governor Rick Scott mention Hurricane Irma? Is he allowed to do that?
18
I think he has to call it "that swirly thingy."
20
I'm not even sure he knows what that is!
2
“everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place.”
≥ plastic credit cards
≥ plastic flashlight
≥ plastic bottles of water
≥ plastic car - fill with petroleum
and beware of exploding plastics factories.
≥ plastic credit cards
≥ plastic flashlight
≥ plastic bottles of water
≥ plastic car - fill with petroleum
and beware of exploding plastics factories.
21
Dear Billy,
If you're alive today on this planet and you don't rely on plastic or petrol in some way, you're in the incredible minority, and for certain you have no internet access.
In any case, it's better to have plastic around than metal during a hurricane because it's less likely to be lethally hurled by the wind. Unfortunately we don't have many plastic cars so watch out for wind-thrown cars.
If you're alive today on this planet and you don't rely on plastic or petrol in some way, you're in the incredible minority, and for certain you have no internet access.
In any case, it's better to have plastic around than metal during a hurricane because it's less likely to be lethally hurled by the wind. Unfortunately we don't have many plastic cars so watch out for wind-thrown cars.
1
Shouldn't headline be that Puerto Rico is threatened? I get that we care more about Americans, but....
2
Puerto Rican are Americans. Just like they folks in Hartford.
13
News flash: Puerto Rico is part of The United States of America. And let me have a word with you about New Mexico...
12
There's a NEW Mexico? I haven't even finished with the old one!
2
Our Congress is going to need to be held responsible for endangering the lives of Americans with their tomfoolery about climate change.
That sell-out Scott Pruitt should be charged with criminal negligence for his gutting of our EPA. He should personally be standing in polluted water helping out in Houston.
That sell-out Scott Pruitt should be charged with criminal negligence for his gutting of our EPA. He should personally be standing in polluted water helping out in Houston.
33
Once we get this administration out of the way, we can take care of that
Are you kidding me? Puerto Rico, an island of about 3.5 million American citizens might be about to be hit TOMORROW by a category 5 hurricane for the first time since 1928 and it is just lumped in with the rest of the Caribbean. What about the Americans in the Virgin Islands?
It will be almost a week before it could hit Florida, but please go ahead and tell us whatever Gov. Scott is saying. Why should we care about what's happening in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands? It's not like there are any Puerto Ricans in the mainland and specially New York that may care to know.
It will be almost a week before it could hit Florida, but please go ahead and tell us whatever Gov. Scott is saying. Why should we care about what's happening in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands? It's not like there are any Puerto Ricans in the mainland and specially New York that may care to know.
48
Doesn't President Trump think the Chinese are taking this climate change hoax way too far?
I call on him to stop the Chinese their destructive ways.
I call on him to stop the Chinese their destructive ways.
28
Thanks for pointing out the obvious cause-and-effect nature of meteorology, heretofore impenetrable even to supercomputers.
I have a home (and family) in Puerto Rico and started this day in tears thinking of what will happen. The only way that I've been able to get updates is by watching news coverage from the island. News outlets in the US keep ignoring the fact that Puerto Rico is a US territory and are focused on enticing panic with the "what-ifs" of a mainland land-fall.
Irma is making landfall on US soil -- please start covering what will happen on the island. Don't be blind to the millions of US Citizens in PR and the VI that will be pummeled by 180 - 200 mph winds over the next two days. It will take billions to recover. This will be stronger than hurricane George 20 years ago. People on the island have built their homes to withstand large storms but they will be weeks and months without electricity or water and roads will suffer severe damage.
Let's not forget that there are citizens already hunkering down in fear.
Irma is making landfall on US soil -- please start covering what will happen on the island. Don't be blind to the millions of US Citizens in PR and the VI that will be pummeled by 180 - 200 mph winds over the next two days. It will take billions to recover. This will be stronger than hurricane George 20 years ago. People on the island have built their homes to withstand large storms but they will be weeks and months without electricity or water and roads will suffer severe damage.
Let's not forget that there are citizens already hunkering down in fear.
52
Has Pat Robertson chimed in yet to let us know which group God is punishing us for THIS time?
40
Forty Six fires ablaze across the Western States and IRMA a cat 5 hurricane is heading for the Southern US. The powers that be wanna tell us Climate Change is a Liberal Left Hoax and DELUSION. When are WE gonna Wake UP AMERICA?
27
Wow...Look...I just saw five red cars in a row. They must be making only red cars now.
Oh, sorry. That might be too complicated for everyone to understand. Oh no, a hurricane hit Texas and now a Cat 5 is heading towards Florida. It must be global warming.
This will help you see all other than red cars:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_hurricane_season
Oh, sorry. That might be too complicated for everyone to understand. Oh no, a hurricane hit Texas and now a Cat 5 is heading towards Florida. It must be global warming.
This will help you see all other than red cars:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_hurricane_season
2
It this about red cars and such. Your post says nothing about climate or storms or cars..
Climate change or not is not part of a logical construction for or against.
While climate change may or may not be a storm cause...red cars are not an do not serve as an analogy in any way. Apples and oranges? No Apples and ball bearings!
Human body temperature (nature) is 98.6 and an additional 3 or 4 degrees will kill you or put you in a hospital. That is a better way to construct an accurate analogy.
One could say nature is the killer and one would be correct and or wrong. Why? Because it does not take much to make a lethal difference. There is no way to dodge the situation with logic however right or flawed.
The real question is not red cars but is the ocean warmer now or not?
Climate change or not is not part of a logical construction for or against.
While climate change may or may not be a storm cause...red cars are not an do not serve as an analogy in any way. Apples and oranges? No Apples and ball bearings!
Human body temperature (nature) is 98.6 and an additional 3 or 4 degrees will kill you or put you in a hospital. That is a better way to construct an accurate analogy.
One could say nature is the killer and one would be correct and or wrong. Why? Because it does not take much to make a lethal difference. There is no way to dodge the situation with logic however right or flawed.
The real question is not red cars but is the ocean warmer now or not?
5
It is not complicated. Did you ever take physical chemistry?
If so, you would have learned that CO2 molecules in the atmosphere absorb heat.
We also know that warmer water and air make stronger storms.
And, if manufacturers do make more red cars, you will see more of them.
If so, you would have learned that CO2 molecules in the atmosphere absorb heat.
We also know that warmer water and air make stronger storms.
And, if manufacturers do make more red cars, you will see more of them.
Real science takes real analysis....Cat 4 and 5 Hurricanes have increased in recent decades. Just as was projected a long time ago. Again, the Atlantic is not the whole globe.
"But a strong signal is found in proportions of both weaker and stronger hurricanes: the proportion of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes has increased at a rate of ~25–30 % per °C of global warming after accounting for analysis and observing system changes. This has been balanced by a similar decrease in Category 1 and 2 hurricane proportions, leading to development of a distinctly bimodal intensity distribution, with the secondary maximum at Category 4 hurricanes. This global signal is reproduced in all ocean basins."
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00382-013-1713-0
"But a strong signal is found in proportions of both weaker and stronger hurricanes: the proportion of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes has increased at a rate of ~25–30 % per °C of global warming after accounting for analysis and observing system changes. This has been balanced by a similar decrease in Category 1 and 2 hurricane proportions, leading to development of a distinctly bimodal intensity distribution, with the secondary maximum at Category 4 hurricanes. This global signal is reproduced in all ocean basins."
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00382-013-1713-0
5
Please, leave politics out of your posts on this potentially devastating event. 10 million, maybe more, of all political stripes, are at major risk.
In Houston, Beaumont, Port Arthur . . . blacks rescued whites, non-Hispanics rescued Hispanics, rich rescued poor, Democrats rescued Republicans -- anybody and everybody with the facility to do so pitched in.
There is a time for politics. This isn't one of them.
In Houston, Beaumont, Port Arthur . . . blacks rescued whites, non-Hispanics rescued Hispanics, rich rescued poor, Democrats rescued Republicans -- anybody and everybody with the facility to do so pitched in.
There is a time for politics. This isn't one of them.
10
I'll bite, when is the time for politics? People in red states didn't want to talk about climate change, FEMA funding etc. and now they've got their hands out for money earned by the residents of blue states. When are we going to talk about this?
7
The minute conservatives decided to politicize climate change as an issue – rather than acknowledging it, and then planning and working to resolve it – is when pleas like yours devolved from legitimate requests to mere political feints. And there's nothing you as an individual can do about it. Keep in mind that "potentially devastating" events such as this hurricane and its unheard-of magnitude are but a mere drop in the bucket compared to the long-term effects of global climate change. Reducing the latter to political football is tantamount to playing chicken with humanity itself - what crime should that be?
8
Although you have a good point, it is difficult to dismiss the ideological aspect when the republicans have politicized every aspect of AGW and are dismantling any type of action to mitigate the consequences to the younger generations.
8
when is China going to back off and quit hoaxing us?
15
Please, no!!!!
2
Godspeed to those in the northern Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico. The situation is dire, and seemingly all indications are showing that there is a high likelihood of immense suffering in the upcoming days and weeks ahead caused by Irma.
12
It definitely looks like we will be impacted on monday https://www.windy.com/?21.617,-61.787,4
1
I blame NASA and NOAA. If we just stopped funding these nerdy egghead agencies we wouldn't be seeing these scary space-pictures.
56
I know I shouldn't laugh, but, LOL.
9
Yes, so much better to be hit unexpectedly by hurricanes like in Galveston in 1900 when there was no weather forecasting and people didn't have to deal with the anxiety of preparing for the looming disaster. They just got steamrolled by a tidal surge and drowned by the 1000's. Who needs science?
3
There was weather forecasting. Read the book "Isaac's Storm" by Erik Larson. The weather people in the US were getting notice of what was going on from Cuba (I believe), but since it was just Cuba, and in Spanish, no one took it seriously. Instead, they wrongly "predicted" (guessed) the hurricane was going to go up the East Coast. It didn't and it destroyed Galveston.
2
Last I heard, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were part of the United States.
45
quick, someone tell trump that there's an oligarch interested in buying mar-a-lago. Maybe he'll hop aboard air force one and head down just in time to meet IRMA face-to-face. 180 mph winds would do some damage to his orange comb-over and just maybe sweep him out of the white house.....................
19
The only person rooting for the hurricane is Florida Governor Rick Scott, looking to appear heroic and gain some free TV time for his upcoming bid for U.S. Senate.
I hope his private jet doesn't get damaged, you know, the one he flies around in instead of the state owned aircraft, so nobody can track his movements when he's off on a junket for Big Sugar, etc. Oh wait, it's actually "his wife's" private jet, even though she has no way of actually owning a private jet on her own.
Okay, never mind...
I hope his private jet doesn't get damaged, you know, the one he flies around in instead of the state owned aircraft, so nobody can track his movements when he's off on a junket for Big Sugar, etc. Oh wait, it's actually "his wife's" private jet, even though she has no way of actually owning a private jet on her own.
Okay, never mind...
27
My very pregnant niece and family are evacuating here to me in Atlanta from Big Pine Key. Luckily I have friends in hospitals that can hopefully deliver her if it comes to that. She is due in about 7-10 days with her first bay coming 2 weeks early. If Miami gets hit with this monster there will be another "Houstonian" flood event, along with a wind event. Miami floods with a few inches of rain now.
Come to Auntie, I got you.
Come to Auntie, I got you.
16
Here from Florida this is scary stuff but many of us have been through these storms before including Frances and Jeanne (the same year) and then Wilma (the next year). I've already bought my water, and food supplies, gotten cash. We will get gas today for our cars and our generator. Then we will board up.
"Then we will board up."
Then you should evacuate.
Then you should evacuate.
4
Bracing for the worst !
4
President Trump might need to build a wall to protect the Mar-A-Lago golf courses. Otherwise, the entire estate could be a gigantic water trap, and how could he putt on the 18th hole?
12
What are the odds Mar-a-Lago takes a direct hit? Boy, would that make for some interesting reality TV Presidenting?
16
Lash Trump to a flag pole in front of Mar-a-lago to ride out the storm.
1
Well, gosh. Here I am, a native Floridian who decided to move from a centrally-located barrier island; I have my bags and boxes packed and ready to go, with the move scheduled for the weekend.
Two blocks from the Atlantic, I had decided, hoax climate change notwithstanding, that perhaps I should move to higher ground, higher ground in Florida being a couple of feet above a storm surge.
I stayed on the island last summer and rode out Matthew with little damage, having boarded up the house and cranked up the generator and window-shaker air conditioner.
But over the past ten years, the unannounced, unnamed storms have become more severe and more frequent here on the island. Time to go.
Two blocks from the Atlantic, I had decided, hoax climate change notwithstanding, that perhaps I should move to higher ground, higher ground in Florida being a couple of feet above a storm surge.
I stayed on the island last summer and rode out Matthew with little damage, having boarded up the house and cranked up the generator and window-shaker air conditioner.
But over the past ten years, the unannounced, unnamed storms have become more severe and more frequent here on the island. Time to go.
9
While your house is blowing off its foundation -- you can read more books and articles on HOAX Climate Change.
Latest weather report shows the eye of Irma now has winds of 180 mph and will increase to 200 mph.
Latest weather report shows the eye of Irma now has winds of 180 mph and will increase to 200 mph.
4
At least we have a steady hand to helm our country through this crisis. J/K, this is going to be terrible.
5
As if Irma was not enough here come Jose. I trust trump and the rest of the folks in DC realize the last thing we need now is tax reform, a wall and 75 more ships for the Navy. We as a people need the social programs that will help our fellow citizens. By the way I live Florida in the path of Irma.
21
If we'd have let the south secede, these hurricanes wouldn't be our problem.
22
Global warming, and you're going to get this giant white whirling pie right in your face, Florida.
Texas, Louisiana, Florida.
I'd try voting democratic next time 'round. What have you got to lose but everything?
Texas, Louisiana, Florida.
I'd try voting democratic next time 'round. What have you got to lose but everything?
9
#hurricaneinhoff
2
I hope it dissipates or veers into the ocean. I hope it causes minimal damage and loss of life. I also hope Americans gain the wisdom to make the right choices in all subsequent elections to promote common-sense measures to help reduce the increased occurrence of these superstorms.
12
Praying for those in the Caribbean in Irma's path...
18
Cat 5 coming at us. Of course this has nothing to do with climate change. Here is a quiz I developed to keep you on track.
One question : As your drive down the road in your car where do the gasses go that come out your tailpipe?
A. They go into and become a part of our atmosphere.
B. They get swallowed up by the nearest black hole.
C. The only person that can answer that question is a person with a PHD in science who works for an oil company.
Correct answer is A but most climate change deniers will answer C.
One question : As your drive down the road in your car where do the gasses go that come out your tailpipe?
A. They go into and become a part of our atmosphere.
B. They get swallowed up by the nearest black hole.
C. The only person that can answer that question is a person with a PHD in science who works for an oil company.
Correct answer is A but most climate change deniers will answer C.
9
tut tut my good man - mere happenstance - it rains all the time.
2
Hoping this storm bears down on Traitor Trump's Mar-A-Septic in Palm Beach and razes it to the ground. Hoping he and his criminal gang of relatives and hangers on are on site.
13
My thoughts and best wishes are with all those who are in the path of
Hurricane Irma, as well as with all Hurricane Harvey Victims.As a Superstorm Sandy Victim, I know the terror , devastation. damage, displacement ,grueling ordeal of mucking out, dragging possessions and sheetrock onto the curb to join my neighbors, and long, long road to rebuilding one's home and life that can take. years.
Please know that you are not alone.We Sandy Victims stand with you .
S
Hurricane Irma, as well as with all Hurricane Harvey Victims.As a Superstorm Sandy Victim, I know the terror , devastation. damage, displacement ,grueling ordeal of mucking out, dragging possessions and sheetrock onto the curb to join my neighbors, and long, long road to rebuilding one's home and life that can take. years.
Please know that you are not alone.We Sandy Victims stand with you .
S
7
If it must hit Florida, I hope it focuses its attention on Mar-a-Lago.
11
You know, I get most people don't like Trump, but that's still a hateful thing to say. A lot of people live here in Palm Beach, and if you did your thinking for yourself, you'd know that Palm Beach County voted blue in the election.
5
OK, I get it. How about a surgical strike on the resort, while missing everything else in the area?
6
Two historic storms within 2 weeks and idiot-in-chief still thinks climate change is a Chinese hoax.
10
It's actually going to be three historic storms within three and a half weeks or so, at least. But denying things doesn't help, for sure, and doesn't matter to the storms at all.
3
Climate BREAKDOWN folks! Brought to you 'gratis' from EXXON mobil & friends.
1
I'm all for my tax dollars being used to help Harvey's victims. But at least put a modicum of zoning regulations in the bill. Just think -- Rick Perry wanted Texas to secde!
7
Hello, certain voters of Trump. Looking for signs and wonders? The totality of the eclipse darkened the majority of MAGA country. Red Texas is still reeling and coming to terms with false prophets in cathedrals of glass who close their doors to the needy. And now there is a bullseye on red FL, especially those on the tip of the state that voted for a man who denies science and has a winter white house scheduled to be swallowed by the sea. Positively biblical in scope, these signs are. I'm a science believer but it DOES make me wonder.
18
Both Texas and Florida's politicians have repeatedly bashed the Federal governments role in providing financial assistance as a taxpayer funded largess, exploited by those who need help. Now they too are looking for that largess to help their constituents. You can bet your bottom dollar that once they receive the money they need, they'll be back to bashing the Federal relief efforts.
27
... and on the subject of repeated escalating disasters due to climate change, we throughout Colorado are trapped under the worst smoke from surrounding wildfires ever. Visibility in my area is half a mile (usually 50+ miles). I can usually see downtown Denver (25 miles), the nearby mesa, and the mountains (0 to 40 miles) from my house. Now I see the trees in the nearby open space and smoke. The fires are in WA, OR, ID, MT, UT, WY, CO, AZ, CA, and NM.
As we moaned about our climate-change future in the West, my friend said not worry because soon all the trees will have burned ... and then we can enjoy sand storms! All hail fossil fuels and Donald Trump!
As we moaned about our climate-change future in the West, my friend said not worry because soon all the trees will have burned ... and then we can enjoy sand storms! All hail fossil fuels and Donald Trump!
15
What has always amazed me are those fools who make (and are making - the current president is one of them) the claim that individual states should make decisions about industry within their own borders, and the federal government is overreaching by making national regulations for such industries. The evidence from the U.S. Northwest is perfect in describing that events occurring in once state affect others as well. Mother Nature doesn't care about states, or nations. She has no interest in the stupid little lines we like to draw on maps to delineate ourselves. The Earth is a thermodynamic system and behaves like one, especially as we create our own problems by ignoring that we humans DO affect our environment. We help to pump more heat into the engine; it gets nastier.
11
Texas experienced a stronger hurricane for two reasons related to climate change. First, the Gulf has been warmed 1-4 degrees, which means hurricanes pick up more moisture. Second, wind patterns have slowed due to climate change, and that let a huge system stall out over Texas. Irma is also picking up more moisture from warmer waters. Also, as ocean levels rise, we will have more flooding with these storms. We may not have more storms because of climate change, but they will be more damaging. We were warned by climatologists, and now we can see it for ourselves.
29
Hurricanes and similar storms will continue to affect coastal areas and low-lying areas susceptible to flooding, whether you believe in global warming or not. It seems to me that the more immediate issue is whether we should build and live in these areas, whether in Florida, Texas New York or anywhere else. We like our beaches, sunsets and water views and access; however, in terms of lives and costs, it may not be sustainable to do so over time.
9
Waterfront property takes on a new meaning in the age of climate change.
3
"Waterfront property takes on a new meaning in the age of climate change."
The "front" in waterfront has now become optional, at best.
The "front" in waterfront has now become optional, at best.
1
Conceptually, there is a simple, bottom line.
The value of all carbon based fuel is that it burns and gives off heat. Our generators and internal combustion engines only reclaim 25% - 35% of that energy as motion (kinetic energy) or electrical energy. The rest is vented to the atmosphere as waste heat. Add that waste heat to the heat trapped by greenhouse gases and you have a planet that is gaining heat.
Some of the heat evaporates water and some heat causes atmospheric pressure gradients that generate wind.
Hurricanes are just large collections of wind and water vapor - wind and water that we generated but do not control.
The value of all carbon based fuel is that it burns and gives off heat. Our generators and internal combustion engines only reclaim 25% - 35% of that energy as motion (kinetic energy) or electrical energy. The rest is vented to the atmosphere as waste heat. Add that waste heat to the heat trapped by greenhouse gases and you have a planet that is gaining heat.
Some of the heat evaporates water and some heat causes atmospheric pressure gradients that generate wind.
Hurricanes are just large collections of wind and water vapor - wind and water that we generated but do not control.
2
"Our generators and internal combustion engines only reclaim 25% - 35% of that energy as motion (kinetic energy) or electrical energy."
Yeah, but my new Dodge Demon has 800 horsepower and does WHEELIES!! Now, what have you got to say? Hmm?
Yeah, but my new Dodge Demon has 800 horsepower and does WHEELIES!! Now, what have you got to say? Hmm?
1
The best example of irony and wake up call I can imagine ,, were there to be a purely hypothetical conference this weekend at Mar a Lago assembling hundreds of climate change deniers to reinforce their "scientific " data.
Against that, my heart goes out to the people whose lives and livelihoods are about to be battered by Irma.
Against that, my heart goes out to the people whose lives and livelihoods are about to be battered by Irma.
8
Wouldn't work. The dolts would just cancel due to "Unexpected changes in weather" as though that fixed everything. Gotta love how the deniers focus on the variability of weather as 'proof' that statistical climate models are wrong. It's like trying to say that variability of knowing the next outcome of a coin toss somehow invalidates the realization that long term you'll get about as many heads as tails.
2
People, please. Just stop.
Hurricanes have been around since long before humans, including really nasty ones. When you blame every storm on global warming you are in fact creating "fake news" and providing ammunition for the very people who are trying to discredit actual science.
When Katrina hit, people were predicting the start of an era of raging storm systems fueled by global warming. Instead we got a decade of almost nothing. Leave the science to the scientists.
Hurricanes have been around since long before humans, including really nasty ones. When you blame every storm on global warming you are in fact creating "fake news" and providing ammunition for the very people who are trying to discredit actual science.
When Katrina hit, people were predicting the start of an era of raging storm systems fueled by global warming. Instead we got a decade of almost nothing. Leave the science to the scientists.
1
I think you may need to reevaluate your statements. It was scientists (and I happen to be a physicist, so you can't make comments there) who predicted increased intensity of storms. It's the deniers who all too frequently seem to honestly think that just because there haven't that many intense storms here in the U.S. that somehow that undermines the entire model. What is completely ignored is that the 'decade of almost nothing' you referred to WAS in fact populated by an increased number of intense and powerful storms; they just didn't hit the U.S.
11
Climate change isn't the cause of every story but it does exacerbate them.
3
oops, I meant storm.
1
Conservatives complain about the waste of money to curtail Climate Change, but it would be a drop in the bucket compared to cleaning up behind disaster after disaster if we keep on going the way we are.
Switching entirely off fossil fuels over the next decade would be crazy difficult and expensive... but not doing so will be more expensive yet. We haven't begun to see the damage that climate change will bring. Resisting all the changes we need to make is morally wrong.
Switching entirely off fossil fuels over the next decade would be crazy difficult and expensive... but not doing so will be more expensive yet. We haven't begun to see the damage that climate change will bring. Resisting all the changes we need to make is morally wrong.
6
If you live in the path of the hurricane, now is the time to think about that vacation up north and away from the coast you always wanted... Don't trust that you can ride out the storm. Today's storms are not like those of the past. And don't expect to be rescued. Just get out of the way.
9
This is the optimal time to de-fund FEMA. Think of all the money we will save!
5
This is what global warming is doing to the world.
4
...And their hypocritical Governor Rick Scott has already asked and received promises from Trump for federal aid.
Because, Scott doesn't believe in climate change, and has forbidden their State employees from using those words.
Because, Scott doesn't believe in climate change, and has forbidden their State employees from using those words.
169
However, this here blimate bhange is starting to worry people.
2
and is probably against 'big' government as well
2
I wonder how the people there are going to do without Texans saving them.
We've spent all week looking at photos and videos of Texan dudes wading and boating to save people. Wonder what the images from this storm are going to look like.
We've spent all week looking at photos and videos of Texan dudes wading and boating to save people. Wonder what the images from this storm are going to look like.
4
We will all work together and survive!
2
What is even worse right now you have some people from Florida over here helping out now they are about to have to head home quickly to get ready for Irma.
1
Thurston Howard lll and Ginger AKA Donald and Melania are on it.
Not to worry.
4
Keeping Florida in my thoughts as we recover from Tropical Storm Harvey. I hope it does very little damage and fizzle out.
15
Hope is not a strategy.
4
So you don't care about us in the Caribbean islands? Including American Puerto Rico?
3
Maybe a little collective prayer after the first storm would help more than the fantasy that humans can control the planet they inhabit.
9
Nothing fails like prayer, ERA.
Maybe a little collective alternative energy research and development and scientific thinking would be appropriate instead of asking the Easter Bunny for guidance and inspiration.
Maybe a little collective alternative energy research and development and scientific thinking would be appropriate instead of asking the Easter Bunny for guidance and inspiration.
387
Humans, with their exploitation and wasteful energy habits, have already controlled the planet. That's the problem. Funny how stewardship seems to be trumped by exclusion and blame these days in so so-called religious circles. Televangelists don't look saintly to me, they look unctuous, hypocritical, and greedy. Try the Jesus of the Gospels or leave god out of it.
39
Prayer is for the misguided to lazy to study science. Humans don't control the planet. Nor does an imaginary sky-daddy. Science controls the planet and the universe.
23
Yet, according to Trump and Pruitt there is no global warming so this must be more "fake news" like Hurricane Harvey.
119
I'm hardly a skeptic, but blaming an individual storm on global warming is irresponsible and counterproductive.
1
The problem with admitting global warming is that then, oil companies would have to be liable for their actions and you know that's too much like right, in a country which allows those mega companies you do as they please.
3
Partisanship and stubbornness are stronger than science and logic.
3
I'm afraid we will see much more of this kind of extreme weather in the future. Warmer climate and no will to try and stop global warning will make it worse. http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/highlights/report-findings/extreme-weather
31
Florida: Another hypocrite, red-state that will want federal aid, despite its disdain for the federal government. Get ready blue-states California, NY, etc. to give them your federal dollars, and then watch the Republican Congress take money from "climate warming" science projects to pay for disaster relief. Watch it extent Flood Insurance, too.
196
Please don't blame the State of Florida for the idiot Republicans, starting with our Governor Scott, who run the state. We do have a large proportion of smart, well-meaning people here who understand citizenship, how the concept of a united America is supposed to work and who, given the choice, would undo much of what the Republicans in Tallahassee have done, or not done, to forward their own personal ideological and financial interests.
And when it comes down to it, any major disaster relief, should Irma wash over Florida, will be an open battle begun by Congressional Republicans who will want to "offset" the expense by cutting Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and other programs that Americans depend upon.
And when it comes down to it, any major disaster relief, should Irma wash over Florida, will be an open battle begun by Congressional Republicans who will want to "offset" the expense by cutting Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and other programs that Americans depend upon.
4
Florida voted Obama in '08 and '12. Is your hatred so deep you want every Trump voter annihilated?
1
When the red states need help like disaster recovery money, it's always for a good cause. When anyone else needs help they are simply too lazy to take care of themselves.
5
Another major storm about to hit a Republican state....looks like they're going to need to defer the deportations for a little while until the damage has been cleaned up and the homes rebuilt. It is estimated that HALF the 800,000 construction workers in Texas are "undocumented". Kind of ironic isn't it, using federal recovery money to pay illegal immigrants to rebuild because there are not enough deplorables willing to do it.
195
Half is conservative. When you walk around the area and see the roofing crews working, it is more like 70%.
4
Why are no employers going to jail for hiring illegals? There are statutes on the books that make it a crime to hire them?
Oh wait, that would involve prosecuting white, tie wearing, corporate executives and small business owners.
Oh wait, that would involve prosecuting white, tie wearing, corporate executives and small business owners.
1
My family and I are leaving Friday morning for GA. I've been through too many storms. This might just be the one that moves me out of Fl for good.
29
Many interesting and erroneous comments that there has been a surge in the number and intensity of hurricanes, along with definitive statements linking Harvey and Irma to climate change; a conclusion that no reputable climate scientist would make.
Since 1967 there have been 18 North Atlantic Category 5 Hurricanes. The average has been 1 every 2 to 3 years. In 2005 there were four Category 5 hurricanes. This led to dire predictions that Category 5 hurricanes would triple in number, which turned out to be completely wrong. (See Nicholas Kristof 9/11/05 NYTimes column making this prediction). The number of Category 5 hurricanes has declined in the past 10 years compared to previous periods.
Year Name Max Wind, knots
1967 Beulah 140
1969 Camille 150
1971 Edith 140
1977 Anita 150
1979 David 150
1980 Allen 165
1988 Gilbert 160
1989 Hugo 140
1992 Andrew 150
1998 Mitch 155
2003 Isabel 145
2004 Ivan 145
2005 Emily 140
2005 Katrina 150
2005 Rita 155
2005 Wilma 160
2007 Dean 150
2007 Felix 150
2016 Matthew 145
2017 Irma 150
Prior to Harvey, which was a Category 4 hurricane, it had been 12 years since a hurricane made landfall in the U.S.A. (Sandy was a 'super storm', not a hurricane when it made landfall.) The 1930s was the period of the greatest number and intensity of hurricanes. IF Irma makes landfall in the U.S. as a Category 5 hurricane, it will be the first in 48 years since Camille in 1969.
Since 1967 there have been 18 North Atlantic Category 5 Hurricanes. The average has been 1 every 2 to 3 years. In 2005 there were four Category 5 hurricanes. This led to dire predictions that Category 5 hurricanes would triple in number, which turned out to be completely wrong. (See Nicholas Kristof 9/11/05 NYTimes column making this prediction). The number of Category 5 hurricanes has declined in the past 10 years compared to previous periods.
Year Name Max Wind, knots
1967 Beulah 140
1969 Camille 150
1971 Edith 140
1977 Anita 150
1979 David 150
1980 Allen 165
1988 Gilbert 160
1989 Hugo 140
1992 Andrew 150
1998 Mitch 155
2003 Isabel 145
2004 Ivan 145
2005 Emily 140
2005 Katrina 150
2005 Rita 155
2005 Wilma 160
2007 Dean 150
2007 Felix 150
2016 Matthew 145
2017 Irma 150
Prior to Harvey, which was a Category 4 hurricane, it had been 12 years since a hurricane made landfall in the U.S.A. (Sandy was a 'super storm', not a hurricane when it made landfall.) The 1930s was the period of the greatest number and intensity of hurricanes. IF Irma makes landfall in the U.S. as a Category 5 hurricane, it will be the first in 48 years since Camille in 1969.
18
Last year Hurricane Matthew made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane. So your statement that it has been 12 years since a hurricane made landfall in the US is inaccurate. Perhaps you meant to say major hurricane.
1
You didn't mention Pacific storms.
2
Look at your own data again. The first ten storms you list fall in a thirty year block of time. The next ten storms are in a fifteen year block of time. That says the frequency of these large storms has increased.
1
The good news is that most scientists have come to believe in global warming and resulting climate change. The bad news is that our leaders don't believe the scientists, or secretly do but choose to deny it for political gain. Having pulled us out of the Paris climate accord, making us the pariah of nations dedicated to preserving the planet, its signatories must find it quite amusing to watch Trump and other GOP climate deniers cope with the double whammy of Harvey and Irma.
62
"Our" leaders? Your leaders, perhaps.
"its signatories must find it quite amusing to watch Trump and other GOP climate deniers cope ..."
Not amusing, just very, very sad.
Not amusing, just very, very sad.
1
If we can't stop Irma, can we at least limit the corridor of damage? Maybe sacrifice Mar A Lago?
A climate change-intensified storm bearing a woman's name steamrolling the anti-science, anti-woman southern White House....Oh, sorry, I was daydreaming...
A climate change-intensified storm bearing a woman's name steamrolling the anti-science, anti-woman southern White House....Oh, sorry, I was daydreaming...
106
Shouldn't the Pres and his family be at Mar A Lago when the storm makes landfall to show the American people and the people of the world that he is a courageous leader willing to stand up to nature and severe climatic events? An opportunity to be a real leader...
3
You'd feel even better if Donald were down there when Mar got hit. I do worry about the secret service detail possibly injured.
1
World to NYT headline writers: PUERTO RICO braces for storm...and the rest of the Caribbean first!! Florida will take days if not a week and the projection for that part of the path still uncertain.
22
Agreed. Puerto Rico has so many troubles already, a storm there will be horrible for, remember, our people.
2
Not mention that though Puerto Rico is not a state, it is part of the US!
1
Puerto Rico, part of the USA
2
Is there still time to sell that real estate to Russian, Saudi, and Chinese billionaires, and to South American drug lords?
21
Harvey, fires across the west due to extreme heat, record temperatures, and now Irma. Better get used to it; this is the new normal.
25
Global warming is a Chinese hoax, isn't it? Or a conspiracy theory from liberals? Or controversial 'cause one scientist (Dr. Quack) disagrees with his 14 million colleagues? Anyhow, there's nothing to worry zbout -- Joel Osteen says "God's got this." - just like He had Harvey!
43
Hurricane Parties on the Key's...wheeeee! Tourists leave, yeah! Drought-stricken Maine and the Everglades await the water it will bring and the withdrawal of U.S. military from the MidEast and S. Korea to rebuild the infrastructure along the East Coast and plan for floating communities.. If the Dutch can live 20' below sea level we can too!
5
Religious people apparently believe these storms are proof that god exists. I might suggest they at least entertain the idea that he hates them.
83
Matthew (2016) hit the Gulf coast of Florida, not its east coast.
6
You are mistaken. Matthew last year skimmed the east coast of Florida and made landfall by touching the upper coast of SC.
4
Yeah, I was thinking of Hermine
My friend Virginia lives in St Marten and expects landfall at 2.00 pm today. She says she'll be fine because her house is hexagonal, built on a hill using elaborate rebar structuring and shutters. (There are some lessons there for homes built in dangerous positions in the future. Maybe more hexagonal houses?)
More elegant than Melania, she's as tough as all get out and is only worried about her chickens. Meanwhile, her friends are worried about her.
More elegant than Melania, she's as tough as all get out and is only worried about her chickens. Meanwhile, her friends are worried about her.
10
just have her bring those chicken right inside that hex house. It is what the old timers did.
2
This quote from an article in this paper this morning on President Trump and his rejecting the "Dreamers" dream:
"As late as one hour before the decision was to be announced, administration officials privately expressed concern that Mr. Trump might not fully grasp the details of the steps he was about to take, and when he discovered their full impact, would change his mind, according to a person familiar with their thinking who spoke on condition of anonymity without authorization to comment on it."
Does not fully grasp the details.
We all know he has great problems "grasping" anything. He cannot keep a thought in his mind for 2 seconds. He does not have any original thoughts and cannot grasp anything beyond what a 2nd grader can grasp!
What have we done?
How can we expect this man to understand climate change, science, hurricanes and nuclear war?
What have we done?
"As late as one hour before the decision was to be announced, administration officials privately expressed concern that Mr. Trump might not fully grasp the details of the steps he was about to take, and when he discovered their full impact, would change his mind, according to a person familiar with their thinking who spoke on condition of anonymity without authorization to comment on it."
Does not fully grasp the details.
We all know he has great problems "grasping" anything. He cannot keep a thought in his mind for 2 seconds. He does not have any original thoughts and cannot grasp anything beyond what a 2nd grader can grasp!
What have we done?
How can we expect this man to understand climate change, science, hurricanes and nuclear war?
What have we done?
107
Not all of "we" did it. 2.8 million more people said "No" to him, than said "yes." So don't include everyone in the collective horror and guilt.
People who voted for him have to swallow their pride, admit they made a mistake, and fix it, starting with the primaries.
People who voted for him have to swallow their pride, admit they made a mistake, and fix it, starting with the primaries.
2
WE, as in "WE," elected the guy. And many of us think this is wonderful.
Ergo, "we" got what "we" wanted.
Ergo, "we" got what "we" wanted.
We blew it at the last election. We believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Great Pumpkin. How can you be surprised?
1
Will Trump demand that the federal government pay to restore Mar-a-Lago after Irma? After all, he took money from the 9/11 recovery funds for one of his NY buildings that he admitted wasn't even damaged. No doubt, he'll feel entitled to do something similar if the "winter White House" is damaged.
46
Of course, he took money during 9/11. He's a crook, a scoundrel, and has no conscience whatsoever about taking food from the mouth of babes. He has no soul. He loves shiny baubles.
3
OK, same Q I posed after Harvey hit, but I'm asking it now, BEFORE Irma hits:
Why do the residents of SoFlo not evacuate - either by state order, or OF THEIR OWN ACCORD - given what is so utterly plain to see coming? Isn't it logistically easier, less costly & much less dangerous for these same people to get out & spend a few nights in a hotel, or at relatives', while the storm 1) unloads & 2) damages can be assessed? Isn't it easier to pack a sensible bag for such an evacuation before the storm, than to hastily grab whatever's at hand to stuff in a garbage bag in the terrifying midst of same? Even those in wheel chairs, or w/ other complicated medical conditions: easier and WAY SAFER to move them now than in the midst of a natural disaster!! Couldn't Florida have their national guard on stand-by, prepared with appropriate emergency supplies, so they can respond effectively & immediately once the storm moves on?
I couldn't help but wonder as I watched the tragedy unfold in SE Texas, why we learned nothing from Katrina, & now, as another tragedy heads our way, why we seem to have learned nothing from Katrina OR Harvey.
Please let's not up the human costs by letting these residents "take their chances", or have our first responders put themselves in harm's way, OR waste federal resources (equipment, supplies, water, food, medicine, shelter) by waiting until these same people are suddenly left compromised in every possible way. Irma's told us she's coming. Now set the table!
Why do the residents of SoFlo not evacuate - either by state order, or OF THEIR OWN ACCORD - given what is so utterly plain to see coming? Isn't it logistically easier, less costly & much less dangerous for these same people to get out & spend a few nights in a hotel, or at relatives', while the storm 1) unloads & 2) damages can be assessed? Isn't it easier to pack a sensible bag for such an evacuation before the storm, than to hastily grab whatever's at hand to stuff in a garbage bag in the terrifying midst of same? Even those in wheel chairs, or w/ other complicated medical conditions: easier and WAY SAFER to move them now than in the midst of a natural disaster!! Couldn't Florida have their national guard on stand-by, prepared with appropriate emergency supplies, so they can respond effectively & immediately once the storm moves on?
I couldn't help but wonder as I watched the tragedy unfold in SE Texas, why we learned nothing from Katrina, & now, as another tragedy heads our way, why we seem to have learned nothing from Katrina OR Harvey.
Please let's not up the human costs by letting these residents "take their chances", or have our first responders put themselves in harm's way, OR waste federal resources (equipment, supplies, water, food, medicine, shelter) by waiting until these same people are suddenly left compromised in every possible way. Irma's told us she's coming. Now set the table!
7
Kittredge, I understand why you have posed the question you have posed, but I don't think you understand how many people live in South Florida and how far they would have to drive to get away from a storm of this size. The Florida highway system, unless authorities made changes right now, cannot transport all of the people and their cars to a safer location because they would have to get to at least as far north as Thomasville, GA to be assured of finding safety. The hotel/motel rooms do not exist to hold all of those people, and then you have to factor in pets, children, schools being in session, etc. This movement north would be a logistical nightmare and cost the state's economy millions. Unless these people relocate permanently, no tenable solution exists for safeguarding people from this kind of natural disaster.
13
Well, it takes at least 5 hours to drive from Fort Myers or Miami to the Georgia state line on an average day. There aren't many hotels in the interior part of the state, outside of Orlando and Kissimmee. Most employers won't give workers time off until there's more certainty about the path of the storm, and many can't afford a couple of nights in a hotel.
9
Good point. But I have a question even more basic. Why don't Americans build better? Why do people live in flood zones, why do they also live in wood frame ticky-tacky houses and trailer homes in hurricane alley, etc? I don't buy the 'can't afford better' argument. Right now, I am in St Kitts waiting for hurricane Irma as our flight was cancelled. Almost every building here including houses are built of concrete on above sea-level ground. And compared to USA, this is a poor country.
33
Yes, there is a good chance Florida will be hit hard by Irma...but before that, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico will be hit. SO, the U.S. will definitely be hit hard by Hurricane Irma. Do not conveniently forget that Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands are also part of the U.S. and the people are "Americans" too. There will be even fewer safe places for them to ride out the storm.
76
They are Americans but also not really. They are territories owned by the U.S. I personally feel we should jettison Puerto Rico as more trouble than it's worth.
Agreed. The news has been completely ignoring that fact. The governor of Puerto Rico has already declared a state of emergency and has asked for the president to do so ahead of the storm. People don't realize that the impacts of the storm will be severe in the Caribbean and that the damage and it will take many years (and billions of US dollars) to recover from the devastation. Most people on the island have done the best that they can to build their homes in such a way to withstand a hurricane, but this is unprecedented. The island hasn't seen anything like this since the 50's.
1
Check out the storm in Gavelstion Texas..in 1900...largest storm in history...4000 dead...before automobiles.....
3
Hank, have you considered many people would have been killed by recent storms if we didn't have modern weather forcasting, communications, and transportation?
2
Before building codes, too.
1
Largest death toll from a storm, not the largest storm. Hurricane forecasting was not what it is today in 1900. Although reports of the storm came in ahead of its arrival, systems were not in place to disseminate information about the incoming storm, nor did they have a proper understanding of the storm's magnitude. The island also lacked basic protections that it has now, such as sea walls. The storm itself clocked in with winds of 135 mph, making it a category 4 storm.
2
Tampa Bay area could be especially hard hit:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/health/environment/tampa-ba...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/health/environment/tampa-ba...
2
Can Trump complete the sale of Mar-a-Lago before it is washed away? Or will some helpful Russian oligarch buy the site regardless?
10
There is not a "possibility that the US will be hit by back to back major hurricanes", the United States Virgin Islands (emphasis on the United States) and Puerto Rico ARE going to be hit by Irma and will need coverage and help (not to mention the other islands in Irma's path). Please cover these areas in your pre and post storm reporting.
38
So glad we pulled out of the Paris Accord... I am sure Harvey and Irma are just Chinese hoaxes.
22
I started seeing garbage about acceptance of LGBT people as the reason for Harvey because God is punishing us. I'm sure we'll hear the same after Irma.
Why isn't it ever that God is punishing us for electing Trump? Makes much more sense to me.
Why isn't it ever that God is punishing us for electing Trump? Makes much more sense to me.
31
God hates Evangelicals and is visiting his wrath upon us in retribution for their fetid "prosperity gospel".
I can't say I'm looking forward to this storm but I'm as prepared as I can be. I've only experienced one hurricane, Camille. This looks as if will be the same or worse.
3
Arrhenius using science calculated the effect of CO2 as a "global warming gas" over 100 years ago.
The last 10 years have been the hottest on record - Storms intensify (Irma now cateegory 5). The capacity of a warmer (human CO2 enriched )atmosphere (Arrhenius effect) to hold more water and deliver more punishing rains! Keep burning Carbon and it will get worse... (than it is...)
Perhaps spending monies to repair and resuscitate Tx ($150 Billion) and possibly now Fl? will obviate the need for a $20 billion Mexican "walltranza"...
Perhaps it is too late. President Trump should immediately seek to pass Carbon Fee and Dividend on Carbon produers (polluters) to put monies into ALL American families pockets - $3500 (tax free) per family. Tht would help all providing them with cash to spend (drives the economy) and in Tx (and Fl?) to repair.
The last 10 years have been the hottest on record - Storms intensify (Irma now cateegory 5). The capacity of a warmer (human CO2 enriched )atmosphere (Arrhenius effect) to hold more water and deliver more punishing rains! Keep burning Carbon and it will get worse... (than it is...)
Perhaps spending monies to repair and resuscitate Tx ($150 Billion) and possibly now Fl? will obviate the need for a $20 billion Mexican "walltranza"...
Perhaps it is too late. President Trump should immediately seek to pass Carbon Fee and Dividend on Carbon produers (polluters) to put monies into ALL American families pockets - $3500 (tax free) per family. Tht would help all providing them with cash to spend (drives the economy) and in Tx (and Fl?) to repair.
5
Boy, think how much worse Irma would be if climate change was real!
Already a Category Five? Oh...well...we could use some rain...
Already a Category Five? Oh...well...we could use some rain...
10
A new category will soon have to be developed!
6
Category 666.
2
How about category 45
2
Psychic Karma for FLA for voting Trump. Enjoy the outcome of "shaking up DC" my fellow "citizens."
8
On my visits to the Caribbean and Central America, they often have cinderblock houses. We should encourage this practice in hurricane-prone areas in the United States. There was a picture in the New York Times of a homeowner tearing down his drywall. A cinderblock house would alleviate that need.
53
No, it wouldn't. No one wants to live with cinderblock interior walls. No one wants to live in their basement.
1
They use block because it's cheap. They don't hold up particularly well, especially because they're made from the cheapest stuff around. And the roofs (sheet metal or something far cheaper) are usually the first to go anyway.
3
Wonder - I agree with your comment on the advantages of cinder block houses in areas like this, BUT.... As the devastating earthquake in Haiti years ago showed, cinder block and masonry houses are only good if they are built with reinforcing steel bars spaced out inside the blocks. And often times, in poor countries with weak building codes, they are not. Built poorly, a cinder block house can be a death trap, especially in an earthquake.
3
Please Times, report on our Caribbean neighbors--let's not be US-centirc in news coverage--it impacts other nations and people, too, not just us!
15
Trump may be getting a lesson in the truth of climate change here in a few days. As it is with most self-centered narcissists, nothing is real and of any concern until it directly affects them.
Each year, I think, we will see more destructive tornadoes, powerful hurricanes, massive heat waves, and droughts. But it's all cyclical, right?
Each year, I think, we will see more destructive tornadoes, powerful hurricanes, massive heat waves, and droughts. But it's all cyclical, right?
15
Please enlighten the rest of us and show us the science behind your climate change theory, the REAL reasons why it is happening.
I'm guessing you have none, as we do not know the cause.
I'm guessing you have none, as we do not know the cause.
Read 'Science daily' and other scientific publications and you won't have to have MDB enlighten you. The rest of us have already become aware of the science behind climate change.
2
Try this, for starters: https://climate.nasa.gov/effects/
But somehow I get the sense that this will be seen as bunk, too. To each his own.
But somehow I get the sense that this will be seen as bunk, too. To each his own.
1
Florida native here: lived through a whole slew of hurricanes.
Unlike Houston, South Florida has an extensive infrastructure of canal systems that allow for drainage and disbursement of water overflow during heavy rain periods and storm surges. The Everglades also works as a natural barrier against catastrophic flooding.
http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/manage/overview-of-florida-waters/waterbody-t...
Florida will fare much, much better than Houston should this storm hit head-on.
Unlike Houston, South Florida has an extensive infrastructure of canal systems that allow for drainage and disbursement of water overflow during heavy rain periods and storm surges. The Everglades also works as a natural barrier against catastrophic flooding.
http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/manage/overview-of-florida-waters/waterbody-t...
Florida will fare much, much better than Houston should this storm hit head-on.
4
I would not be so confident Jen. If this thing hits as a CAT 5 storm buildings will be leveled. Flooding may not be the worst of it.
6
Interesting information. Curious then, why we see so many reports with videos showing flooded Miami streets that, according to the reporters, flood after nearly every rain. And, all the reporting about Miami construction methodology being altered to allow for rising seas. Are these reports misleading or false? Please share your thoughts as a FLorida native and best of luck with the upcoming storm.
1
Surprise! Exactly as predicted with our climate changes--bigger and more intense storms. These two may not be the end of it this year, either. It is early in the hurricane season. How come so little reporting on weather extremes elsewhere, anyhow? There are heat waves and floods around the world.
7
There are two other disturbances near Hurricane Irma, one right behind the hurricane and another just off Mexico in the Gulf. The Atlantic is 2℃ warmer than normal where the disturbances track while the possible El Niño in the Pacific weakened and is gone. Check out the latest Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly page here http://www.ospo.noaa.gov/data/sst/anomaly/2017/anomnight.9.4.2017.gif .
I don't know how these events will play out but I suspect that it's going to be bad for a lot of people. The web page that NOAA posts for hurricane track prediction is here http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at1.shtml?cone#contents , and for info on all three disturbance go to this page http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ . The one near Mexico has 60% chance of becoming a hurricane while the one following Irma has an 80% chance of becoming a cyclone. It's tracking right behind Irma and a little closer to the equator.
Some people still repeat the myth that there's been a lull in hurricanes so climate change is fake, but that's not what the climate scientists have been saying. They said that larger storms have been on the increase.
Don't expect people like Trump to change their tune, Trump sees disasters as opportunities to buy up real estate so he can jack up the rents. Meanwhile, here near Seattle, ashes rained down last night on the area from the vast forest fires in the West and trees are dying from lack of rain. There is no getting away from climate change without a change in behavior.
I don't know how these events will play out but I suspect that it's going to be bad for a lot of people. The web page that NOAA posts for hurricane track prediction is here http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at1.shtml?cone#contents , and for info on all three disturbance go to this page http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ . The one near Mexico has 60% chance of becoming a hurricane while the one following Irma has an 80% chance of becoming a cyclone. It's tracking right behind Irma and a little closer to the equator.
Some people still repeat the myth that there's been a lull in hurricanes so climate change is fake, but that's not what the climate scientists have been saying. They said that larger storms have been on the increase.
Don't expect people like Trump to change their tune, Trump sees disasters as opportunities to buy up real estate so he can jack up the rents. Meanwhile, here near Seattle, ashes rained down last night on the area from the vast forest fires in the West and trees are dying from lack of rain. There is no getting away from climate change without a change in behavior.
16
Since writing the comment above this morning the disturbance following Irma has been upgraded to Tropical Storm "Jose" and is predicted to track to the Atlantic side of Florida, while Irma could snooker right into the Gulf side and travel up Florida's coast. Irma looks like it could hit the panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana if it maintains its momentum.
Jose looks like it'll stay well offshore but the storm surge won't. The Bahamas are going to get hit from both sides during the same week.
Jose looks like it'll stay well offshore but the storm surge won't. The Bahamas are going to get hit from both sides during the same week.
Maybe the governors of Florida and Texas will now admit that global warming is real and it is causing more powerful storms and greater flooding than before. How many more hurricanes will it take to convince the deniers of climate science? Or, to be callous about it, should federal aid be predicated on an acknowledgement of climate science? Of course, that would apply to Trump himself and he'll only do that when Mar-a-Lago is under water.
15
Funny how states claim they are sovereign until they need MY money.
I'm getting real tired of helping people pay their mortgages, raise their kids and rebuild their storm damaged homes now MORE than they are paying for some of these things.
I'm getting real tired of helping people pay their mortgages, raise their kids and rebuild their storm damaged homes now MORE than they are paying for some of these things.
9
Folks, don't confuse weather with climate. Climate change is real, but not all weather phenomenon is indicative of climate change.
67
@ Brian Tilbury
Would sustained triple digit temperatures in London get your attention.? How about sea water lapping over the London Bridge?
Would sustained triple digit temperatures in London get your attention.? How about sea water lapping over the London Bridge?
2
The trick is, to tell which one IS indicative.
1
This from a guy in London who basically never has to deal with hurricanes. Thanks for the soothing advice, sir.
1
Note to FEMA:
No funds can be issued to repair Mar a Largo if they threaten the debt ceiling.
Thank you,
The tax payers of the nation.
No funds can be issued to repair Mar a Largo if they threaten the debt ceiling.
Thank you,
The tax payers of the nation.
22
Governor Rick Scott should be impeached for forbidding the term "climate change" from being mentioned in the Florida legislature.
43
This is beginning to follow the global warming vs air conditioner battle.
A. C. Is a major cause of global warming, which causes use of more A.C. that then leads to more global warming. So now we have states heavily committed to supporting climate warming deniers that are hotter, using evermore A.C. And getting hit harder by Hurricanes that are fed by warner sea water from ... GLOBAL WARMING due to more use of...A.C.
We are Doomed!
A. C. Is a major cause of global warming, which causes use of more A.C. that then leads to more global warming. So now we have states heavily committed to supporting climate warming deniers that are hotter, using evermore A.C. And getting hit harder by Hurricanes that are fed by warner sea water from ... GLOBAL WARMING due to more use of...A.C.
We are Doomed!
4
Both Mother nature and Kim Jong-un are pointing out the weakness of our positions.
124
Texas has a $10 billion dollar "rainy day" fund. Out of respect for the Texas/GOP monetary philosophies not a penny of my tax dollars should be used to help the people of Texas until such time that Texas has minimal resources. The Federal government should apply the same set of requirements on Texas that Texas imposes on its residents before granting aid.
48
You have to wonder how rainy does it have to get to use the rainy day fund?
9
RichWa: Your compassion is overwhelming.
Federal government flood relief must be allocated on the same basis to Puerto Rico, Florida and Irma's other potential east coast targets as for Houston and Texas. But property in the Houston area is considerably cheaper compared to property values in Florida and other east coast states. If the federal relief formula takes the form of a percentage of the value of damaged property then such a formula would disadvantage relief going to Texas compared to funds allocated to eastern states.
So be it.
States' Rights comes with States' Responsibilities.
So be it.
States' Rights comes with States' Responsibilities.
10
Having just moved from the East Coast of Florida to Texas and having been involved in the real estate industry for the past 26 years, I can tell you land in Florida is not nearly as costly as homes in Texas. My own sister just moved from Miami to Houston and wished she could have bought for what she sold for in Miami. I don't think the percentage of value damaged should (and currently doesn't) should factor in. Send help where needed and fix the broken building codes. Building inside of a reservoir as done in Houston should never be allowed.
5
States' Rights (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).
Rights to have segregation and Jim Crow and a tiny hope that they can have slaves again.
Rights to have segregation and Jim Crow and a tiny hope that they can have slaves again.
3
I support using federal funds to finance recovery efforts after a disaster but it should be governed with foresight, prudence and some accountability. I do not want my tax dollars used to rebuild on the flood plain without meeting stringent building code modifications. States that have lax zoning regs need to be held accountable for chemical plants that endanger people and the environment,etc.
The GOP and Trump need to make America great again by restoring science and scientist into the decisionmaking process. Trump's massively idiotic vendetta againist climate change initiatives, language and evidence-based research needs to be purged before Congress sends Harvey monies to state governments that deny reality.
The temperature of waters in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean are not a Chinese hoax.
The GOP and Trump need to make America great again by restoring science and scientist into the decisionmaking process. Trump's massively idiotic vendetta againist climate change initiatives, language and evidence-based research needs to be purged before Congress sends Harvey monies to state governments that deny reality.
The temperature of waters in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean are not a Chinese hoax.
70
Katrina, is that you?
9
More likely Camille.
Mother Nature is angry with the United States for messing with her atmosphere and waters for the past century. The reversal of all that the Obama administration tried to do to reverse the wanton emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by the totally clueless/venal Trump administration has finally pushed Mother Nature to the boiling point. We have sown the wind and now we shall reap the whirlwind. And what will Donald the Trumpeter do to blow his horn after Irma hits the U.S.? What was a once in 500year event will become a once in 5 year event, or worse. Wake up all ye climate change deniers.
31
Mar a Fraudo, the southern White House. Guess who pays???
30
For sure this is going to hit somewhere in the U.S. as the second major hurricane in just a couple of weeks, with likely the same personal and economic impact level as experienced with Harvey.
If I were an evangelical rather than a nontheist, I'd seriously think that God was trying to show great displeasure by striking areas where my faith communities are concentrated. Displeasure at what I can't wonder.
If I were an evangelical rather than a nontheist, I'd seriously think that God was trying to show great displeasure by striking areas where my faith communities are concentrated. Displeasure at what I can't wonder.
22
If Hurricane Irma hits Mar-a-Lago and turns his palace into an aquarium, I wonder if the president will call Irma "a beautiful thing" and "very nice", as he did in the aftermath of Harvey's destruction of Houston and coastal Texas and Louisiana.
52
Sure, it is a beautiful thing to get your playground remodeled at the expense of FEMA. Meanwhile, he'll be in Joisey.
4
But lets remember what our president said--climate change is a hoax.
Glad he got us out of that stupid Paris Climate Treaty...
Glad he got us out of that stupid Paris Climate Treaty...
25
God to Trump: I got your Mar-A-Lago right here!
Keep repeating: "Global warming is a Chinese hoax." D. J. Trump
This isn't global warming/ climate change, it's just really bad luck. Sorta like having Trump in the White House.
If only the rest of Florida can be spared.
Keep repeating: "Global warming is a Chinese hoax." D. J. Trump
This isn't global warming/ climate change, it's just really bad luck. Sorta like having Trump in the White House.
If only the rest of Florida can be spared.
28
Just in case the dishonest press is not reporting a fake hurricane it might be wise to update your Chinese Hoax Insurance.
30
This category 5 hurricane will surely bring louder 'WOWS' from the microbrain-in-chief. He'll be so mesmerized by the intensity that he'll forget to put his
$1,000,000. check in the mail to Houston. A tax deductible 'chump-change' personal donation from the man who really doesn't have any idea what the 'real' people of Houston need, as he admitted he didn't know to whom he would send it, is one more embarrassing Trump moment.
$1,000,000. check in the mail to Houston. A tax deductible 'chump-change' personal donation from the man who really doesn't have any idea what the 'real' people of Houston need, as he admitted he didn't know to whom he would send it, is one more embarrassing Trump moment.
41
@Oma:
"...microbrain-in-chief..." LOL
"...microbrain-in-chief..." LOL
6
IF he does indeed donate 1m it will come from his "charity". He doesn't spend his own money.
10
Glad this stuff is a hoax! Fake news that's not actually happening!
PROSECUTE RUSSIAGATE!
PROSECUTE RUSSIAGATE!
16
From the look of the map, it appears that Irma is headed straight into the Gulf of Mexico. I just read a story about how rampant development combined with rising sea levels have put a big target on the Tampa Bay area. Since many of us want to pooh-pooh science, is there a dove whose entrails Gov. Rick Scott can consult? Or should everyone take a look across the gulf at Houston and get the hell out now?
17
I noticed that, too. It seems the thrust of the storm will slip between Cuba and South Florida.
I wonder if it will gain/regain strength and batter the Gulf Coast.
I wonder if it will gain/regain strength and batter the Gulf Coast.
2
A major hurricane hitting Tampa Bay will make Harvey look like an April shower. Hundreds, maybe thousands, will die.
1
Once it gets into the Gulf anything can happen. After leveling Homestead in '92, Andrew made a second landfall near Morgan City, La. I worry about New Orleans. I hope they're getting ready.
As I mentioned a few days ago saying "Florida is next", I did not imagine it could happen so quickly. I am sure that when (not if) a catastrophic storm does hit Florida, we will see the same stories of heroism, sacrifice and selflessness that always follows natural disasters.
However what happens when the next storm hits, and the next?
Unfortunately, I don't think that even the greatest climate change denailists think it'll be 500 years before the next "500 year" storm hits. (I know that's not exactly what the statistics mean but you get my point). When this kind of event happens every 20 years, or 10 or even 5, will people still be willing to help thy neighbor? More importantly will they be willing to rebuild or will anyone be willing to insure them?
I never imagined when I first started paying attention to the climate debate over a decade ago, that I would see any kind of indisputable local evidence while I was still alive. Now it seems like there will be no way to avoid it.
Anyway, perhaps instead of sticking to the dry technical language of science perhaps here is a phrase that may resonate with the doubters:
"They that sow the wind shall reap the whirlwind"
However what happens when the next storm hits, and the next?
Unfortunately, I don't think that even the greatest climate change denailists think it'll be 500 years before the next "500 year" storm hits. (I know that's not exactly what the statistics mean but you get my point). When this kind of event happens every 20 years, or 10 or even 5, will people still be willing to help thy neighbor? More importantly will they be willing to rebuild or will anyone be willing to insure them?
I never imagined when I first started paying attention to the climate debate over a decade ago, that I would see any kind of indisputable local evidence while I was still alive. Now it seems like there will be no way to avoid it.
Anyway, perhaps instead of sticking to the dry technical language of science perhaps here is a phrase that may resonate with the doubters:
"They that sow the wind shall reap the whirlwind"
21
Well said.
In 2004 Mississippi governor Haley Barbour sided with the Bush-Cheney “doctrine” of CO2 good, Climate Change-ain’t happening fools.
Barbour was beholden to the Fossil Fuel Industry...but boy did he change after Katrina.
All it took was the catastrophic destruction of the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf coast from Katrina. That whirlwind STILL impacts the lives and economy of those Gulf States after 12 years. The human suffering alone cannot be given a cash equivalency. Not with the Ninth Ward destroyed along with the 1800 people who died.
I read the non-fiction book “Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital” by Dr. Fink. As an MD I read about good doctors and nurses having to make the decision to give life ending IV drugs to hasten death for people in a hospital at ground zero without electricity and communication.
What a seminal time in US medicine. When ebola broke out in Western Africa I worked with Doctors Without Borders. There were so many patients and we didn’t have intensive care units, professional medical personnel, and supplies taken for granted here in the USA. Dozens of people died EVERY DAY.
The media is too sanitized here.During the Vietnam War, fighting and death were on the evening news. Perhaps if we ACTUALLY showed the 60 bodies found-so far in Texas and Louisiana, that would change some minds about Climate Change.
Trump actually thought that the 1200 people in a Houston Shelter were partying. "Have a good time!”
In 2004 Mississippi governor Haley Barbour sided with the Bush-Cheney “doctrine” of CO2 good, Climate Change-ain’t happening fools.
Barbour was beholden to the Fossil Fuel Industry...but boy did he change after Katrina.
All it took was the catastrophic destruction of the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf coast from Katrina. That whirlwind STILL impacts the lives and economy of those Gulf States after 12 years. The human suffering alone cannot be given a cash equivalency. Not with the Ninth Ward destroyed along with the 1800 people who died.
I read the non-fiction book “Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital” by Dr. Fink. As an MD I read about good doctors and nurses having to make the decision to give life ending IV drugs to hasten death for people in a hospital at ground zero without electricity and communication.
What a seminal time in US medicine. When ebola broke out in Western Africa I worked with Doctors Without Borders. There were so many patients and we didn’t have intensive care units, professional medical personnel, and supplies taken for granted here in the USA. Dozens of people died EVERY DAY.
The media is too sanitized here.During the Vietnam War, fighting and death were on the evening news. Perhaps if we ACTUALLY showed the 60 bodies found-so far in Texas and Louisiana, that would change some minds about Climate Change.
Trump actually thought that the 1200 people in a Houston Shelter were partying. "Have a good time!”
7
A lot of the models are suggesting it could track into the Gulf and hit the west coast of Florida. We won't need 50 inches of rain to submerge Tampa-St. Petersburg. 2 of the 3 biggest states getting pummelled by major hurricanes within weeks of each other will surely raise some "skeptics" eyebrows, right?
...right...?
...right...?
122
Not really. It's not that unusual.
Nah
Crickets...
Will Congress, and state legislatures EVER plan AHEAD for these disasters, which will become worse and worse, as the environment heats up thanks to environmental damage?
19
Of course not. We have oil and coal folks in charge now and they have a vested interest in denying that such things could happen. It's important to their bottom line that we believe that global warming is a hoax and preparing for the "once in 500 years" storm every couple of weeks would kind of mean that, yeah, global warming is actually happening and we should prepare for it.
6
Not while they're still debating the science of climate change.
3
Actually Trump recently got rid of rules regarding infrastructure building that took into account climate change and raising water levels......
3
Enough with the climate change. Hurricanes have been happening forever. Powerful hurricanes have battered this region since the beginning of such recordings. If you live in that region you deal with it, and you are certainly not surprised by such storms. August and September are extremely busy times for the tropics during hurricane season so again, no surprise that storms follow one another.
14
Individual storms, yes. But such a warm ocean to feed the hurricanes, no.
7
Really? How often do Cat 4 or 5 hurricanes hit the U.S.? Katrina was just a 3 when she hit. Harvey was a 4 and now, just a few days after Harvey Irma is already a 5. Sorry, but this intensity is not "normal."
7
I know, right? I mean year after year after year, major hurricanes hit the southern US within weeks of one another. And all this about "record breaking rainfall for the continental US" - no-one really believes that matters, do they? Certainly, southeast Texas is just laughing it off.
11
Climate change doesn't cause such events, but the additional energy trapped in the atmosphere and oceans amplifies them.
The complacency of Americans is sadly evident by the continued demand for massive, gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs that even now roll off production lines in the US.
The complacency of Americans is sadly evident by the continued demand for massive, gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs that even now roll off production lines in the US.
13
Actually, climate change is what causes the atmosphere to hold more water. More water in atmosphere leads to such storms.
4
Stop you're both right. Higher temperature = more energy by definition, and warmer atmosphere holds more water as vapor.
2
Who knows what the world would be like today if we had taken seriously President Carter's warning about global warming delivered from the Oval Office 35 years ago. Instead, we embraced Ronald Reagan and coal as he removed the solar panels from the roof of the White House. To paraphrase Teresa of Avila, be careful what you ask for, America.
56
Just out of curiosity….why are store shelves always empty of water when everyone can just turn on their taps now before the storm to get all the water they need (and more than they could ever buy)? Otherwise, good luck to those in harms way.
8
Have you ever been to or lived in Florida? The tap water there is horrendous and not exactly safe for drinking, though the authorities try to claim it is. Look at water reports that compare it to anywhere in New York, for instance, and see the difference. I went to high school in Fort Lauderdale (actually Davie, FL but it's the same thing), and the water there is known to be yellow and have chunks of "things" floating in it. That's DEFINITELY the water you want to bottle and save for drinking, bathing, etc. after a storm. And don't worry -- you'll definitely not be able to boil it once the electricity is out, because almost no one has gas stoves/cooking in South Florida.
3
Well I guess you could take the time to clean and sterilize plastic bottles to store all that water in but I would assume it is cheaper/easier to just buy it.
Remember it needs to be easily movable if case you need to bug out, so filling the bathtub isn't a option. If you stay water could be shut off for weeks so quantity is important as is quality since you wont be able to just boil it before drinking.
Remember it needs to be easily movable if case you need to bug out, so filling the bathtub isn't a option. If you stay water could be shut off for weeks so quantity is important as is quality since you wont be able to just boil it before drinking.
3
Ummm - do you have dozens of half-gallon containers sitting around your home at any given time? I don't think filling even every glass in your home would be enough.
1
The people in positions to lead the recovery (Republicans) have the precisely wrong system of beliefs needed to perform the short-term rebuild and craft the long-term policies that will help protect our country moving forward.
Here is what our Republican leaders believe, in the words of their patron saint, Ronald Reagan: "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'"
Here is what our Republican leaders do not believe, against a total international scientific consensus (except Syria): man is responsible for climate change and it is creating increasingly dangerous situations for humanity.
If Republicans stick to their laurels, Houston (and potentially Miami) will be underwater for decades due to lack of government assistance, our country will continue to be unprepared for events such as these that are becoming more and more likely, and we will do nothing to help mitigate the fact that humans contribute to this destruction.
If Republicans do not maintain their principles, we will have been witness to the exposure of the single greatest hypocrisy the world has ever seen.
The situation is incomprehensible and just terribly sad.
Here is what our Republican leaders believe, in the words of their patron saint, Ronald Reagan: "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'"
Here is what our Republican leaders do not believe, against a total international scientific consensus (except Syria): man is responsible for climate change and it is creating increasingly dangerous situations for humanity.
If Republicans stick to their laurels, Houston (and potentially Miami) will be underwater for decades due to lack of government assistance, our country will continue to be unprepared for events such as these that are becoming more and more likely, and we will do nothing to help mitigate the fact that humans contribute to this destruction.
If Republicans do not maintain their principles, we will have been witness to the exposure of the single greatest hypocrisy the world has ever seen.
The situation is incomprehensible and just terribly sad.
5
Who could have imagined hurricanes could be so destructive??
11
What are people doing to prepare for these hurricane events? There are usually several days advance warning.
Here on the West Coast we don't get a warning on earthquakes. So we prepare in advance ... an evacuation plan, anticipating which roads may be blocked due to downed bridges, bottled water, a wrench next to the gas valve at all times, etc.
What are people in hurricane zones doing to prepare in advance for these events? You are fortunate to have several days notice. Use them wisely.
https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
Here on the West Coast we don't get a warning on earthquakes. So we prepare in advance ... an evacuation plan, anticipating which roads may be blocked due to downed bridges, bottled water, a wrench next to the gas valve at all times, etc.
What are people in hurricane zones doing to prepare in advance for these events? You are fortunate to have several days notice. Use them wisely.
https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
5
Climate change denier and Federal government hater Governor Scott already on TV begging for Federal (ie. Blue State) funds for Florida. These dudes are pathetic. We should make them sign an apology and a statement agreeing that climate change is real as a condition before getting a single penny.
59
We are thinking of all of you in that area, with much love and light....
80
Enough with "love and light."
How about smart policy backed by scientific evidence to try and lessen the impact of natural disasters?
Unfortunately, voters in harms way prefer prayers.
How about smart policy backed by scientific evidence to try and lessen the impact of natural disasters?
Unfortunately, voters in harms way prefer prayers.
2
They don't need your 'love and light' - whatever that is supposed to mean.,
We need a WW2 scale global operation to reduce CO2 emissions.
We need a WW2 scale global operation to reduce CO2 emissions.
Interesting that the Times -- and Trump -- emphasize Irma's possible impact on Florida more than on Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands -- which are in more immediate danger.
29
Trump probably doesn't realize that Puerto Ricans and US Virgin Islanders are US citizens.
8
As nature goes her mindless way, following the laws of physics, we who with parallel mindlessness pumped our gaseous wastes into the air, have changed the formula and are tipping the scale toward violent weather. Like any bad habit that feels good, correcting it involves sacrifice. Still, even with the evidence smacking us in the face we just keep pumping. We put the blame on the selfish rich, but they are us... just luckier. We can be cynically rich or credulously evangelical or selfishly disengaged, but we - all of us - are going to ride these rapids of changing climate together.
124
Know any rich people and their obscene excesses? Thought not.
Know any wealthy industrialist and the consequences of their greed? Thought not. No Will we are not all the same in our contribution to destruction of our planet, but advancing your line of thought lets the great offenders off the hook.
Know any wealthy industrialist and the consequences of their greed? Thought not. No Will we are not all the same in our contribution to destruction of our planet, but advancing your line of thought lets the great offenders off the hook.
2
"We put blame on the selfish rich ,but they are us...just luckier."
There are wealthy people who are not selfish. In fact, a number of
wealthy people are great philanthropists I know some of them personally.. Those included my grandparents,late father, and mother, who have donated millions to those less fortunate than themselves, as well as substantial portions of their time .
The rich aren't necessarily "luckier. " My grandparents buried a four year old child. I wouldn't call that "lucky". My father died of a sudden heart attack at age 51,leaving a 49 year old widow and five children behind.
My mother wanted to have :"He lived to Give" etched into my father's tombstone,
My father gave more of his time and money than he could afford to .
If I were wealthy ,I would be donating substantial funds to help Hurricane victims.
There are wealthy people who are not selfish. In fact, a number of
wealthy people are great philanthropists I know some of them personally.. Those included my grandparents,late father, and mother, who have donated millions to those less fortunate than themselves, as well as substantial portions of their time .
The rich aren't necessarily "luckier. " My grandparents buried a four year old child. I wouldn't call that "lucky". My father died of a sudden heart attack at age 51,leaving a 49 year old widow and five children behind.
My mother wanted to have :"He lived to Give" etched into my father's tombstone,
My father gave more of his time and money than he could afford to .
If I were wealthy ,I would be donating substantial funds to help Hurricane victims.
1
Just a note - this storm track is similar to Hurricane Andrew's which shaved South Florida, moved into the Gulf then slammed into the same region Harvey visited last week. It's going to be a very long week.
55
It didn't shave South Florida it destroyed South Florida. Praying it won't happen this time but you always have to be prepared
As with Texas and now with Florida we will see a lesson in either hypocrisy ...or ignorance.
They will loudly thank god for surviving the horrible hurricane...
...the same god that could've prevented the hurricane in the first place.
Will they ever learn?
They will loudly thank god for surviving the horrible hurricane...
...the same god that could've prevented the hurricane in the first place.
Will they ever learn?
47
Something tells me that, in any rescue effort, Palm Beach will get special attention.
97
There's nothing like the personal to capture attention. Perhaps if Mar a Lago is damaged President Trump will stop claiming that climate change is a made up notion of the Chinese.
And I hope he's well insured, because Mar a Lago is NOT an official White House, and the tax payers should not be on the hook for any damages.
And I hope he's well insured, because Mar a Lago is NOT an official White House, and the tax payers should not be on the hook for any damages.
294
Oh, don't worry--just as he did, post-Sandy, I'm sure Trump will have his hand out for Federal funds if Mar-a-Loco is damaged.
11
Are you kidding? That's the place that has the best ever chocolate cake in the world. Just ask the Chairman Xi Jinping.
3
I assume Trump will claim that rebuilding Mar a Lago is another security upgrade like all the ones we taxpayers already paid for at his multiple profit- making properties.
Are there any projections about when it might hit along the coastline?
2
After trashing the Paris Accords, using Hurricane Harvey as a photo-op/launch opportunity for his billionaire tax cut and destruction of EPA and other environmental controls, Karma Specialists might predict that Irma, would become a Cat. 5 Hurricane and make a bee-line for Mar-A-Lago. VOICE OF GOD: "So you really insist on this being all about you, Donald?"
251
Most of Palm Beach County voted for Hillary and most of us hate Trump so please don't include us in your wish for a Cat 5 hitting Palm Beach.
Thanks, Sammy (Palm Beach County).
Thanks, Sammy (Palm Beach County).
1
I certainly hope that Irma dissipates before any damage occurs.
That being said, this certainly gives Trump an out for funding and building a Border Wall. The money will be needed for more important projects, like rebuilding the lives of people affected by the storms.
That being said, this certainly gives Trump an out for funding and building a Border Wall. The money will be needed for more important projects, like rebuilding the lives of people affected by the storms.
25
The Texas people will be up in arms if they start building a wall along its southern border, instead of helping to fix Harvey's damage. Lit'rally. That's what my crystal ball shows... but the future is fluid. Perhaps Congress will make the right choices. (One can't exactly hold out that hope for the current POTUS.)
It gives Congress an out for not passing any funding. Trump is relentless in the nonsense he spews to his base about making someone else pay for this boondoggle.
1
Chinese hoax update....in just the last few days Texas endured a 1,000 year storm, the Pacific Northwest and Northern California was the hottest in the over 100 years of record keeping, and now Irma is the most powerful Atlantic hurricane in 10 years, and an unprecedented bubble of toxic hot air still hovers over Washington, D.C.
386
Could NOT have said it more effectively. Thank you for a moment of serious humor in this horrid mix of recovery, rebuilding, and comforting those who have been damaged by Harvey and will be by Irma.
1
A number or years ago when California was suffering from terrible flooding, a prominent evangelical, maybe Roberts, said it was God's punishment for all the gays in California. So, is this God's punishment of two red states for electing an anti-Christian president, many of which are evangelicals that have been trying to ram their self-righteous philosophy down America's throat? Perhaps there is punishment for hypocrisy. Unfortunately, it brings down other Americans with more rational views on the world.
424
Snark may be the fun response, but when it comes to natural disasters I think empathy is the nobler response. A very large number of residents in the path of these storms are not members of the reactionary right. I don't wish a hurricane (or other natural disaster) upon anyone - because it is just by luck that it does not happen to me and my family.
1
I take your point about there being a lot of decent Americans who are also in the line of fire from yet another record breaking extreme weather event.
However, I can also understand why a lot of people are angry at the climate change denial of the last 30 years that has caused this massive increase in extreme weather events all over the world.
After 30 years of being called 'ecofascists' or 'frauds on a gravy train' or 'alarmists' and a hundred other hate-filled attacks by mindless and ignorant climate change deniers it is hardly surprising if some of them want to see these morons get a wake up call before it's too late - if it isn't already that is.
However, I can also understand why a lot of people are angry at the climate change denial of the last 30 years that has caused this massive increase in extreme weather events all over the world.
After 30 years of being called 'ecofascists' or 'frauds on a gravy train' or 'alarmists' and a hundred other hate-filled attacks by mindless and ignorant climate change deniers it is hardly surprising if some of them want to see these morons get a wake up call before it's too late - if it isn't already that is.
1
Perhaps our wise leaders in the House of Representatives would like to tack another $7-8 billion onto the emergency aid for victims of Harvey? Florida,
Georgia and the Carolinas did vote GOP in 2016, just like Texas and Louisiana.
Georgia and the Carolinas did vote GOP in 2016, just like Texas and Louisiana.
8
"The Trump Administration’s 2018 federal budget proposal doubles down on attempts to weaken our nation’s ocean and coastal arm, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with a dramatic cut of 16 percent from the enacted 2017 omnibus budget. Several NOAA divisions are recommended for slashing and important coastal and ocean management, research, and education programs would be eliminated entirely if Congress went along with this proposal." NRDC May 24th, 2017
Trumpy Dumpty sat on a wall.
Trumpy Dumpty sat on a wall.
208
A VAT or consumption tax may be in order if two major hurricanes hit the US in a monthand the cost of clean-up rises to multiples of tens of billions of dollars. Americans must realize that we need to pay for the government services we demand; adding to the budget deficit and the national debt should stop being an option. So far, citizens want government services but have been unwilling to pay for them through income taxes. Time to try a broader VAT or consumption tax approach with exclusions for food and clothing to avoid unfairly taxing the poor for necessities.
15
The working class has been paying more than its fair share for a long time. Perhaps large profitable corporations and rich people could step up to the plate?
4
If we funded the military the way other developed nations do we would have and extra two or three hundred billion to take care of infrastructure. It's not a tax collection problem. It's a tax and revenue appropriation problem.
10
I wuld suggest a VAT related anything to do with golf: Golf clubs, Golf club membership fees, golf clothing caddies and caddy carriers and off course dinner parties at golf clubs ... Lets say a 200% rate, these are the rich, no need to hold back .. they won't eeven notice on their bills..
You could be sure not to impact the poor and those denying climate change are the first in line ... :)
You could be sure not to impact the poor and those denying climate change are the first in line ... :)
2
As I-75 and I-95 are the only two main roads leading north out of southern Florida, I think I would be planning on leaving the area sooner rather than later. The storm looks like it will reach south Florida on the weekend. That's particularly problematic.
Back in the 1990s, I was in Tallahassee when the state ordered an evacuation of the western panhandle for a small-ish tropical storm. I-10 was gridlocked for hours and most people hoping to find hotel rooms in Tallahassee were out of luck because they arrived in the city on a Saturday when FSU alumni were present in large numbers for a football game. This Saturday, both Florida State and Florida have home games scheduled. The governor would be wise to order those games postponed.
Back in the 1990s, I was in Tallahassee when the state ordered an evacuation of the western panhandle for a small-ish tropical storm. I-10 was gridlocked for hours and most people hoping to find hotel rooms in Tallahassee were out of luck because they arrived in the city on a Saturday when FSU alumni were present in large numbers for a football game. This Saturday, both Florida State and Florida have home games scheduled. The governor would be wise to order those games postponed.
56
I certainly hope the storm spares Florida great damage, but maybe Florida and Texas should consider instituting a state income tax so they could take some responsibility for the preparation and clean-up in these big storms, which seem to be stronger and more frequent due to climate change. I'm so weary of the GOP and their minions denying climate change, wrecking our environment for profit, and bashing the federal government until it's time for them to put their hands out, when they continue to spit on the rest of us while they depend on our help.
379
We have an 8.5% sales tax. That is effective, and equitable: One is taxed based upon consumption rather than contribution.
BTW: I'm a retiree living on Social Security, so reducing the sales tax would be in my interest. I can still recognize a sales tax as a state's source of moneys as a reasonable approach.
BTW: I'm a retiree living on Social Security, so reducing the sales tax would be in my interest. I can still recognize a sales tax as a state's source of moneys as a reasonable approach.
1
We have among the highest property taxes in the nation, a trade off for having no income tax, and a high sales tax. I'm not sure a specific type of tax is the solution, but state lawmakers recognizing the problems and being WILLING to fund the solutions, is the big issue.
1
So it doesn't really matter if it blows Porto Rico, Cuba, Haiti and Dominican Republic of the world map, they live in barracks anyway ..., but god, please, please spare Florida and our nice beach houses …
2
This is like the first hurricane ever and it is so unprecedented that it came during hurricane season. By god it must be a West Virginia coal industry made super storm! You know, the kind of climate change made by Republicans and corporations. It certainly wasn't caused by all the hot air blown by progressives.
5
Thank God it will only visit its ire on those rugged individualist, anti-Federal government, Red State folks who believe everyone should pull themselves up by their own bootstraps.
They can happily thumb their nose at all those progressives while refusing all Federal funding to rebuild their businesses, homes, and lives.
Yeah, right.
They can happily thumb their nose at all those progressives while refusing all Federal funding to rebuild their businesses, homes, and lives.
Yeah, right.
6
Actually, not made by the coal industry. Made by all of us who use carbon fuels. The idiocy is in denying the opinions of scientists for political reasons. Since when did science become political? And please don't tell me that there's a worldwide conspiracy amongst scientists that somehow is economically based or politically based. That would only prove that you not only don't understand science, you don't understand scientists.
9
175mph winds is not a common thing. Category 5s used to be rare.
6
It is similar to the story of God sending plague after plague to convince the Pharaoh to let his people go--what will it take to convince the climate change deniers and Tea Party politicians that climate change is real and the federal government provides vital services?
69
No, it's not "similar to the story of God is sending plague to convince the
Pharaoh. to let his people go ", in which God PASSED OVER the homes
of the Israelites who were the slaves.
A similar story would be one in which God send the plague only to the the homes the climate change deniers and the Tea Party politicians , PASSED OVER the homes, and property of those who believe in climate change, Democrats, those who are in favor of health care coverage for all ,and spared the lives of all such individuals, which was not the case .
I am a Democrat ,who believes in climate change. That did not protect me
or any of my fellow New York Sandy Victims, who are Democrats,believe in climate change, support that quality. health care be made available to all Americans,
and so forth.
Pharaoh. to let his people go ", in which God PASSED OVER the homes
of the Israelites who were the slaves.
A similar story would be one in which God send the plague only to the the homes the climate change deniers and the Tea Party politicians , PASSED OVER the homes, and property of those who believe in climate change, Democrats, those who are in favor of health care coverage for all ,and spared the lives of all such individuals, which was not the case .
I am a Democrat ,who believes in climate change. That did not protect me
or any of my fellow New York Sandy Victims, who are Democrats,believe in climate change, support that quality. health care be made available to all Americans,
and so forth.
As a fellow Sandy victim, I understand your point
Will Irma finally make politicians pay attention to reality rather than the propaganda and donations of the Koch brothers and other members of the fossil fuel lobby?
31
William P Mitchell Plantation, FL 5 hours ago
"Will Irma finally make politicians pay attention to reality rather than the propaganda and donations of the Koch brothers and other members of the fossil fuel lobby?"
Simple answer, NO. Money is their God.
"Will Irma finally make politicians pay attention to reality rather than the propaganda and donations of the Koch brothers and other members of the fossil fuel lobby?"
Simple answer, NO. Money is their God.
1
"The center of Irma was about 410 miles east of the Leeward Islands, which include Puerto Rico, as of late Monday and was expected to pass over them Tuesday night or early Wednesday."
Why is this not a bigger part of this article, or a story in its own right? Puerto Rico is a US territory. I have family in Florida but I still care about people outside the continental US.
Why is this not a bigger part of this article, or a story in its own right? Puerto Rico is a US territory. I have family in Florida but I still care about people outside the continental US.
198
Never mind the fact that Puerto Rico is not part of the Leeward Islands, it's just the easternmost island in the Greater Antilles (i.e. PR, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Cuba).
1
Yeah but we cant afford to do anything about Climate Change because of those coal jobs.
121
You're so right, all 537 jobs he created...and 36 more to come...MAGA
5
Oh, and there is another tropical depression forming just where Irma formed and it is heading west. Too much hot water makes too much water vapor makes big storms makes big trouble for anything in its path. I wonder, how did that water get so hot. Couldn't be heat trapping gases in the atmosphere radiating heat back to the oceans. No, the God of Greed just wouldn't allow it.
71
As the climate warms, more energy and moisture are retained in the atmosphere. These hurricanes are only going to become more frequent and powerful. We stand at the precipice of altering our climate beyond repair, and yet, we have a sitting president who denies the very existence of the problem and one major political party that functions as a mouth piece for the industry that created the problem. Truly horrifying.
142
Pg Maryland: Truly horrifying for the rest of us, but OH-SO-LUCRATIVE for the politicians who are paid off by the fossil fuel industry. THEY are the people who should be carried off in a hurricane! The lot of them! The ones who receive the pay offs, and ones who pay out the pay offs should be swept away to God-Knows-Where. But these corrupt, greedy, selfish low lifes are never the ones who bear the resulting horrors of their collusion, greed, and immorality. It is the rest of us who do. There is no justice.
4
Minky, you mean like the race industry?, or the climate change industry?, or the mainstream media perpetual progressive industry?
Nope, TMJ. I mean what I said, not what you said. The things you mention are absurd and untrue, and they are right wing fallacies/absurdities/blatant nastiness. Of course that is my opinion, and you are entitled to yours. Regards, Minky P.S. just one issue: if you think that climate change is a fallacy, just look what is happening with hurricanes right now, and with the heat wave in the Pacific Northwest. Eventually you will broil in Ohio, if you are not already cooking. The escalation of heat and natural disasters is a direct result of climate change.
1
If Trump had not pulled out of the Paris Accords this would be a category 3 Hurricane or maybe even just a tropical storms.
5
Well, no, but just because there hasn't been enough time for that move to have much effect doesn't mean that it wasn't a mistake.
This storm has been uneffected, probably, but something else in the future could be. The entire Paris conference thing is like the most important political issue ever. It's certainly true that a lot hinges on climate change, whether it's now or years from now.
This storm has been uneffected, probably, but something else in the future could be. The entire Paris conference thing is like the most important political issue ever. It's certainly true that a lot hinges on climate change, whether it's now or years from now.
Your article mentions that according to the latest forecasts "Irma could hit Puerto Rico and then the northern half of the Dominican Republic, before rolling toward Cuba at the end of the week". I wonder why there is no mention of Haiti. Will Irma somehow skip over that country on its way from the D.R. to Cuba?
36
Please, merciful Father, let Irma veer away from our shores. We've had enough already. We're still trying to recover from Harvey. Please do not give our country and our citizens more than they can handle.
16
random chance. and there is another one that is developing and it is on course for the Eastern United States... so if you're right and there is a god, it's sending you a message... should not have elected Trump..
21
Storms of this magnitude and heat waves like those in CA. Will not only continue but get worse if we don't come to terms that our behavior is affecting these climate events.
26
Hopefully it veers away from everyone's shores. A sharp north turn of the track would be nice. If it does slam into somewhere, however, the US, as the richest nation in the world, is in the best shape to absorb the damage, rather than the poorer countries to the south.
4
Welcome to the future. Brought to you ahead of schedule and under budget, thanks to things like pandering to the coal industry, subsidizing the oil industry with bargain-basement leases to drill in sensitive areas, and the head-in-the-sand perspective of the global-warming, climate-change deniers "leading" us into tomorrow.
The yugest question about the next few days is: What superlatives will President Trump come up with when Mar-a-Lago is waist deep in the Atlantic?
The yugest question about the next few days is: What superlatives will President Trump come up with when Mar-a-Lago is waist deep in the Atlantic?
688
Then perhaps he will find out about having that "good time" he wished for the people dealing with Harvey's devastation. I suppose he has plenty of other locations he could designate the winter White House.
7
More fake news, just like Hurricane Harvey, designed to divert our attention from what's really important in making America great again: Shutting down the government and destroying the full faith and credit of the United States.
11
Build a wall to keep Irma away!!
1
Looks like its heading straight toward Mar-A-Lago.
554
No problem. It will be rebuilt more beautiful than before with tax payer dollars.
9
God is speaking! BUT is the donald & the GOP listening? Guessing NOT!
1
If Mar-a-Lago is destroyed you can bet it will be tax payers and the Federal Government footing the bills. And the unfortunate people of Miami and Florida will also be devastated . I am praying Irma weakens and stays away. It would just be sickening to watch resources being diverted to safeguard and repair Trump's gilded nest.
2
A category 5 hurricane is scheduled to hit Florida on Sunday according to the latest weather forecast. They think it will hit the south Florida coast and proceed up the middle of the state. As a veteran of many Florida hurricanes I should not be too worried but this one seems different. It will be the first time in the nation's history that two large storms hit the US mainland in the same season. Really, just weeks apart. We can only hope that Florida will not sustain the same damage that Texas did just a week ago. If we do, I hope that we Floridians can weather that storm with the same aplomb that the residents of Houston did.
69
Actually, hurricanes Katrina and Rita were back to back in 2005. 2.5 weeks apart.
13
Wasn't Wilma right in line then, too? It makes sense that conditions that produce one storm could easily produce more a lot like it.
1
The U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are part of the U.S. Florida is part of the U.S. Mainland. Let's be more precise in our terminology.
1
Enough to make an atheist believe in God
50
But not enough to make republicans believe is science.
82
No... but it should be enough for a believer to doubt the whole enterprise of the caring sky-daddy. Humanity is firmly in control (at this point) of creating it's own future, or lack of one.
10
Enough, I hope, to make the "God-fearing" accept climate science.
3
A cat 5 hurricane is about to "hit" Puerto Rico! Does this not deserve more attention in this article?
359
So President Trump and Gov. Scott have spoken. Has he spoken with Gov. Rossello? Can the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico count on the "full resources of the federal government" too? Will Puerto Ricans in Florida and Texas take note and vote accordingly in 2018 and 2020?
8
Puerto Ricans in FL and TX aren't the reason Trump was elected. And, no - you can be sure DJT will not be reassuring PR.
1
Only if it hits New York
Could it be global warming? Or maybe climate change? I forget
59
It is both, Rose, and they are related. Global warming is the frightening upward trend in global temperature across the board. Climate change is the resultant trend towards severe weather extremes that we are seeing now. I know, it's funny, right?
11
The US military considers both a "present security threat".
12
Yes. It's real and it's now.
5
Winds of 175 miles an hour. But nooooo, no climate change?
118
Why of course not, that would be against GOP ideology.
6
You don't think these kind of storms occurred long before people started talking about global warming and climate change?
When I was in junior high, we were all taught in science class that the planet was suffering from global cooling. We were on the brink of another ice age and we were all going to die.
When science becomes politicized like it has today, it ceases to be science.
When I was in junior high, we were all taught in science class that the planet was suffering from global cooling. We were on the brink of another ice age and we were all going to die.
When science becomes politicized like it has today, it ceases to be science.
1
Sounds like weather to me.