STORM SIGNALS
Summer 1997, Vol. 45
CONTENTS
This edition of Storm Signals was printed by Amoco, Texas City, Texas as a service to the citizens of Southeast Texas and the Upper Texas Coastal Area.
On Wednesday 16 July 1997, weather satellite images showed a weak cyclonic circulation developing over the northwest Gulf of Mexico. During the period 16-18 July 1997, lightering ships from Offshore Marine Services, Inc and Skaugen Petro-Trans, and manned oil platforms including West Cameron 587, 580, High Island 368, 325, 489 and Galveston 296 were able to provide the Houston/Galveston weather office significant "on the spot" wind and seas information with regards to this circulation. The information gathered from the spotters was passed on to the Tropical Prediction Center in Miami and other National Weather Service offices. As you know, this circulation eventually developed into Hurricane Danny. The data was most helpful in making the decision to issue the first advisory on the storm.
The staff of the Houston/Galveston Weather Service Office would like our spotters to know that their voluntary efforts in providing "on the spot" weather information is very important not only to the marine community but to all of the gulf community. Thank you very much!
It took a full month for the first named tropical system to form in the 1997 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Once the first one formed, three more quickly developed. On June 30th, the first tropical depression of the season was identified off the Southeast U.S. coast. The system slowly intensified and became Tropical Storm ANA on July 1st. Ana meandered off the east coast for several days, first moving to the east then to the northeast. At Ana's peak, maximum winds reached 45 mph and the lowest pressure attained was 1000 mb. Ana was downgraded to a tropical depression on the afternoon of the 3rd, and was declared extratropical by that evening while located some 450 miles south of Cape Sable, Nova Scotia.
BILL formed as a tropical storm on July 11th in the Atlantic Ocean southwest of Bermuda, and became the first hurricane of the season on the 12th with 75 mph winds and a central pressure of 987 mb. Similar to Ana, Bill became extratropical after merging with a cold front in the North Atlantic on the evening of the 12th.
The third tropical depression of the season formed on July 13th, about 275 miles south southeast of Cape Hatteras. While drifting to the north northeast for a day halfway between Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast, the system intensified into a tropical storm, and attained the name CLAUDETTE. Tropical Storm Claudette then raced off to the east and weakened to a tropical depression on July 15th. The last advisory issued on Claudette was on July 16th, when the system was about 600 miles south southeast of Sable Island, Nova Scotia. At her peak, Claudette had 45 mph winds and a central pressure of 1003 mb.
DANNY was the first landfalling hurricane of the 1997 season. Danny began as a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico on July 16th about 230 miles southwest of New Orleans. The system strengthened into a tropical storm on the 17th, and reached hurricane status on the 18th as he drifted to the northeast across coastal sections of Louisiana. As the hurricane approached Southern Alabama, maximum winds reached 80 mph and pressures lowered to 984 mb. Very heavy rains were forecasted by the National Hurricane Center due to Danny's slow movement. Danny stalled in Mobile Bay and dumped tremendous amounts of rainfall, including a 24 hour total of 19.62 inches and an event total of 27 inches! A peak wind gust of 102 mph was observed on Dauphin Island, and Danny produced two tornadoes in the area. Danny gradually weakened to below tropical depression status on the 20th after slowly moving well inland. Heavy rains were common along Danny's track through Northern Georgia and North Carolina. Major flooding was produced in Charlotte, and waterspouts and tornadoes were observed along the Virginia coast as Danny made its way back offshore. Danny regained tropical storm status after clearing the coast and produced heavy rains in the Cape Cod area. Danny became extratropical and his last advisory was issued early on July 26th. At least five deaths can be attributed to Danny. National Weather Service offices along Danny's path will conduct post storm surveys, and their information will be included in the next Storm Signals.
Trivia - Alvin, Texas still holds the record for the greatest 24 hour rainfall in the continental United States. 1979's Tropical Storm Claudette produced 43 inches of rain in one single day!
With the summer months returning to southeast Texas, heat related health problems become a major concern. Heat and humidity can greatly affect daily activities during the summer. The human has a line of defense in dealing with the summer heat. This defense is sweating and the associated evaporative cooling. Evaporation, by definition, is a cooling process. When the atmosphere is dry (i.e. low relative humidities), sweat has little problem evaporating, thus cooling the body efficiently. However as air becomes moist (high relative humidities), evaporation is inhibited and cooling of the body becomes a problem. With increased heat and increased relative humidities the body can no longer efficiently maintain its proper body temperature. Problems such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke occur at this time. On the average, about 175 deaths in the United States can be directly attributed to heat related health problems.
To help quantify values for identifying this problem, the term Heat Index (or apparent temperature) was established. The Heat Index is a combination of temperature and humidity and is described as "how hot it feels" in certain given conditions. The Heat Index is calculated as if standing in a well ventilated, shady place. If standing in the sun, one could easily add 15 degrees to the Heat Index value. Heat Indices from 80 to 90 degrees represents conditions of possible fatigue if exposure is prolonged. Indices from 90 to 105 degrees represent the possibility of heat cramps and heat exhaustion if exposure is prolonged. From 105 to 130 degrees, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely and heat stroke is possible with prolonged exposure. Indices greater than 130 degrees represent dangerously fatal conditions with prolonged exposure with heat stroke likely.
Several safety tips should be followed to help reduce the possibility of heat related health problems. When experiencing high Heat Indices, slow down. The body will have a better chance to recover with less physical stress. Wear loose fitting and light colored clothes to help allow circulation of air around the body and reflection of sunlight. Remember to drink plenty of clear, non-alcoholic fluids to help replenish the body's resources. If possible, spend more time in air conditioned places. Also if possible, schedule any strenuous outdoor activities in the early morning and late evening hours to help minimize exposure to the hottest part of the day.
| FOR INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT THE AVERAGE HIGH TEMPERATURE FOR: |
|
|---|---|
| JULY | 92.7 |
| AUGUST | 92.5 |
| SEPTEMBER | 88.4 |
| THE ALL-TIME MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE FOR: |
|
|---|---|
| JULY | 105 SET IN 1939 |
| AUGUST | 107 SET IN 1980 |
| SEPTEMBER | 102 SET IN 1985 |
How hot is it? Well, it is hot enough to drive old weathermen like Jim and I into the shade of an old Oak tree. This sure seems to have been a hot and humid year despite the fact that the average daily temperatures are running a little below normal. Just the other day, the two of us were forced into doing some work in the sun. We were both melting like ice cubes in the summer heat. I was in need of windshield wipers for my eyeballs, and a little concerned that the only thing that would be left of us would be a pile of wet rags. But, we survived.
We have been busy preparing for the "PC Rosa" program, the next step in getting your information into our database. There won't be much change from what most of you presently do. Some adjustments will include a slightly different code to identify the information and the opportunity to put your temperature data into the system.
Now, the only data we have is 24 hour rainfall. Soon, with your help, we will be able to get rainfall information for almost any period of time - today, yesterday, the last 3 hours, etc. Plus, those of you with max/min temperature units can add that data to the report. This extra information will help us with the forecast by giving us a reality check each day. We are also trying to dream up ways to track the information and make good use of the data. So, within the next month, I will start knocking at your door to reprogram the phone and to explain the code to you.
As many of you know, Jim has been putting your climatological information together each month for our area, and he has some of the information available on the office's homepage. He gets started as soon as the data comes in at the beginning of each month. However, he can't finish his work until he receives all of your data. You can help by making sure your B-91 data gets in the mail as soon as possible after the end of the month. Jim, myself, and the entire National Weather Service staff thank you!
Until Jim and I see you again, take care and stay cool!
Well, Roy Traylor has hung up his old weather thermometers after recording the weather in Matagorda, Texas for more than 70 years. Roy has always been civic minded and interested in the natural sciences, but at 94 years young he finally decided it was time to take it a little easier.
Through the years, Mr. Traylor has been an outstanding observer and has received numerous awards, including the Thomas Jefferson Award and the Stufft Award. By the way, Roy was only the fourth person ever to receive the Stufft Award in the history of the Cooperative Weather Program. This award was given to Roy for collecting 70 years of weather data for the National Weather Service.
Mr. Traylor is an interesting person and fun to be around. I have enjoyed all the stories about his life and time on the Texas coast. Thanks for all the memories, Roy!
Since 1990, most United States landfalling tropical storms and hurricanes have been in Florida and along the mid-Atlantic East coast. The Upper Texas coast has had only one landfalling tropical storm in the 90s (Dean in 1995), and not a single landfalling hurricane. In fact, not a single hurricane has made landfall anywhere along the entire Texas coast since 1989's Hurricane Jerry. The longest "hurricane free" period of 1972-1979 will be equaled this year if no hurricanes visit the Texas coast. How long can our good luck continue?
Between 1886 and 1996, the Upper Texas coast has had several active years (1989 had two hurricanes and one tropical storm) and several long, dormant stretches with no storms or hurricanes at all (1922 to 1928, 1950 to 1956). Only eight years have had two or more tropical storms or hurricanes passing within 75 nautical miles of Galveston.
On average, within 75 nautical miles of Galveston, a tropical storm passes through once every 2.4 years and a hurricane passes through once every 5.0 years. Both tropical storms and hurricanes have visited this area between June and October. No tropical cyclones have affected the Upper Texas coast in the month of November.
More than half of all tropical cyclones that have reached the Upper Texas coast have formed in the Gulf of Mexico. Of the category 3 and 4 hurricanes, four out of twelve formed in the Gulf, leaving major problems for those needing lead times beyond 36 hours for taking necessary precautions. Most storms reached their maximum intensity well offshore. But, there are exceptions. The most notable was the 1932 hurricane, which intensified from a tropical storm some 90 miles southeast of Galveston to a category 4 hurricane at landfall near Freeport less than 18 hours later.
A copy of the Upper Texas Coast Hurricane Climatology is also available via the NWS Houston/Galveston Homepage on the WWW.
The Houston/Galveston National Weather Service is continuing to work with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to install two new NWR's in southeast Texas. These new transmitters will be located at Bay City, in Matagorda County, and in Columbus in Colorado County. Under current plans we hope to have the Bay City site on the air during the Fall of 1997 while the Columbus site will likely be during the Winter of 1997-98.
The transmitter in Bay City will be located at the LCRA office complex. The broadcast is expected to cover all or portions of the following counties: ...Matagorda....Jackson ...Wharton....Fort Bend...Brazoria...including Matagorda Bay and adjacent coastal waters. The transmitter in Columbus will be on a new tower to be constructed west of Columbus. The broadcast is expected to cover all or portions of the following counties: Colorado ...Austin....Wharton...Lavaca and Fayette.
These new NWR transmitters will be a tremendous addition to the communities they will serve. It will enable these areas to receive weather information on a 24 hour basis directly from the Houston/Galveston NWS office. Specially built weather radios will be automatically activated when severe weather warnings are issued for the broadcast area. These specially built weather radios will enable places where large gatherings of people are located to be notified of possible severe weather without having to constantly listen to radio and or TV stations.
The Emergency Management Weather Information Network(EMWIN) has recently been set to broadcast on a VHF broadcast in Houston and on a FM subcarrier in the Bryan/College Station area. EMWIN is a low cost...low speed...data stream that is available via satellite to your home and or business. With a satellite downlink...software...and a computer you can receive weather data from across the country with no recurring cost once your system is in place. Your total cost, assuming you already have a 486 or better computer, will range from $700 to $1500 depending on the vendor you chose.
In Houston and Bryan/College station area this data can now be received for less than $200. The signal is being rebroadcast on radio frequencies so there is no need for a satellite downlink if you are within the broadcast range of these new radio transmitters. In Houston the EMWIN is currently being rebroadcast on a VHF frequency of 150.435 MHZ. The current 50 watt transmitter is located on a 175 foot tower near HWY. 290 and Loop 610 in northwest Houston. The broadcast range currently is 30-40 miles depending upon weather conditions. To receive this data stream you need a VHF receiver capable of receiving 150.435 MHZ , a demodulator (Bell 202 to RS-232 modem) and computer with Weathernode software. Software and demodulator can be purchased from vendors for less than $200. The VHF rebroadcast of the EMWIN data is through the hard work of some local amateur radio enthusiasts, who are donating their time and equipment to make this a reality. B.J. Lowrey (WB5PKD), John Coleman (WA5BXO) and Robert White (KF5ZL) are primarily responsible for current VHF broadcast along with Jim Robinson at the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD). For further information about this broadcast you can send an E-mail to EMWIN-Houston@hcad-hou.dst.tx.us and you will receive details about EMWIN and what hardware is required for you to receive this data.
In Bryan/College Station the NWS is working with KEOS FM radio station (89.1 MHZ) to rebroadcast the data on their FM subcarrier (67 KHZ). Similar to the Houston rebroadcast you must have a receiver capable of receiving the 67 KHZ signal along with demodulator and Weathernode software to display the data stream. The transmitter is currently at 100 watts located on a 200 foot tower. Their broadcast coverage covers all of Brazos county along with portions of the surrounding counties(Robertson... Burleson...Grimes...Madison) with an outside antenna.
This data stream allows you to receive weather information for the entire United States and most important weather warnings for your area. You can set the software to alert you when a weather warning is received and send it to a printer if a hard copy is desired. Upgraded software and faster data rates are expected in the fall of 1997 which will give you much more flexibility with the data you receive.
For further information on EMWIN in general or in particular the rebroadcast of the data locally contact Gene Hafele at the Houston/Galveston National Weather Service. If you have Internet access the following Internet sites will supply you with all the information you need about EMWIN and vendors.
The Houston Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) had a meeting last May 22 to elect new officers. The newly elected officers are listed below with their e-mail addresses and phone numbers:
| President Cecilia Sanvido (713) 625-1973 rsanvido@interserv.com |
Vice-President Robert Van Hoven (281) 337-5074 robert.vanhoven@noaa.gov |
| Treasurer Doris Rotzoll (281) 483-1041 doris.rotzoll@jsc.nasa.gov |
|
Present and past officers of the chapter will meet late July to discuss and propose various upcoming activities for the next several months. Monthly meetings will commence starting sometime this September. Please check the Houston/Galveston National Weather Service AMS Homepage for information on upcoming meetings.
To reiterate the contents of the Houston Chapter of the AMS article in a previous Storm Signals edition (Vol 43), the role of the AMS is to increase awareness of meteorology among the general public, as well as to provide a mechanism for local gathering of professionals and weather enthusiasts that ultimately will lead to a growth in Society membership.
Membership in the local chapter is not limited to meteorologists nor do you have to be a member of the National Chapter to be a member of the Houston Chapter. If you have an interest in Meteorology regardless of your occupation or age, you are invited to join our local Chapter. Our membership includes National Weather Service employees, private meteorological forecasting companies, air pollution meteorologists and broadcast meteorologist, to name just a few. Membership dues are only $10 a year.
Monthly meetings are usually held at various locations in the Houston metropolitan area. Our meetings consist of a short business session and introductions followed by a program. If you would like to be a member of the Houston Chapter, contact one of the officers listed above.
I recently provided a Marine Spotter Training session to ten "key" personnel of Neches Gulf Marine, Inc. in Sabine Pass, Texas. As a result, four lightering ships and 3 support vessels from this company now participate in our Marine Spotter Program. For those of you who may not be aware, lightering ships usually stay for several days along the upper Texas coastal waters from about 30 to 60 nautical miles offshore.
Our network of marine weather spotters includes both commercial and recreational mariners. The participants are:
The spotters are an invaluable source of "on the spot" weather information especially during inclement marine weather situations. Numerous Special Marine Warnings have been issued based on spotter reports. Due to the obvious sparsity of routine weather data sources in the marine environment, marine spotter reports are of a significant importance to our forecasters.
January to March
With cool coastal and bay water surface temperatures, sea fog became a problem especially along the Houston/Galveston ship channel where traffic was closed about 12 percent of the time due to low visibilities. February usually has the highest frequency of sea fog as attested by 16 Marine Weather Statements on dense fog issued by our office.
Towards the latter part of February, coastal flooding became a problem. Tides were higher than predicted astronomical levels (1 to 2 feet above) due to sustained 20 to 25 knot easterly winds. The tight surface pressure gradient across the upper Texas coastal waters during this period was produced by a broad high pressure system over east-central U.S. Several strong thunderstorm episodes during the mid and latter part of March led to the issuance of 14 Special Marine Warnings.
April to June
Coastal flooding became a threat during the first three days of April as a high pressure system over southeast U.S. produced sustained easterly 15 to 20 knot winds across the upper Texas coastal waters. Tidal levels were 1 to 2 feet above astronomical predicted values. Again, from April 25-27, coastal flooding became a problem with strong easterly winds (20 to 25 knots) across the coastal waters. Several Coastal Flood Watches were issued. At 7 PM on April 27, tidal levels went up to 2.4 feet above astronomical predicted values at Jamaica Beach. Some street flooding, beach erosion, and minor inundation of property were reported.
On April 5, severe thunderstorms produced 52 knot winds at Redfish Bar while on April 11, oil rig operators reported golf ball size hail and 50 knot wind gusts. The PORTS* system reported 40 knot wind gusts on April 25 as a thunderstorm passed by. Funnel clouds developed over Galveston Bay on May 20 while waterspouts were reported during the latter part of May mostly near and along the upper Texas coast. On June 6, waterspouts were reported at Galveston Bay again, and along the coast on June 7, 10 and 30. On June 17, a severe thunderstorm produced 51 knot wind gusts at Morgans Point via PORTS system. Severe thunderstorms on June 21 produced 60 knot wind gusts at the Lynchburg Ferry.
*PORTS (Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System). For further information, call Captain S. F. Ford of TAMU Galveston at (409) 740-4471.
I.BE PREPARED BEFORE THE HURRICANE
__ Know the storm surge history and elevation of your area. (Emergency Management and National Weather Service officials can help supply this information)
__ Learn a safe primary and alternate route inland. (see main and other evacuation routes noted in this booklet)
__ If your plan calls for evacuation, decide ahead of time where you are going and know what you should bring with you.
__ Inventory your property...with video equipment if possible...and review your insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage is provided. Remember, flood insurance must be in effect before a storm enters the Gulf of Mexico.
__ Review needs and working condition of emergency equipment, such as first aid kit, flashlights, battery-powered radios, non-perishable food, water containers for 2 weeks supply, camping stove with fuel and plywood and plastics necessary to properly secure your home.
__ Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed. Cut weak branches and trees that could fall against the house.
__ Make arrangements for pets ahead of time. They are not allowed in shelters.
__ Keep and store all legal documents in one easily moved, secure container or safe. Make an inventory of documents, photos, and other irreplaceable articles that need to be taken in case of an evacuation.
II. WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUED
(A WATCH means hurricane conditions pose a possible threat to the watch area within 36 hours)
__ Frequently monitor radio, TV, NOAA Weather Radio, or hurricane hotline telephone numbers for official bulletins of the storm's progress.
__ Fuel and service family vehicles.
__ Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs.
__ Prepare to cover all window and door openings with shutters or plywood.
__ Check food and water supplies. (Have clean, air-tight containers on hand to store at least 2 weeks of drinking water. Figure 14 gallons per person. Stock up on can provisions. Get camping stove with fuel.)
__ Keep a small cooler with frozen gel packs handy for packing refrigerated items.
__ Check prescription medicines -- obtain at least 10 days to 2 weeks supply.
__ Stock up on extra batteries for radios, flashlights, and lanterns and check for ample first aid supplies.
__ Store and secure outdoor lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans, garden tools, potted plants, etc.
__ Have extra supply of cash on hand.
III. WHEN A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED
(A WARNING means sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected in the warned area within 24 hours or less.)
__ Closely monitor radio, TV, NOAA Weather Radio, or hurricane hotline telephone numbers for official bulletins.
__ Follow instructions issued by local officials. LEAVE IMMEDIATELY IF ORDERED TO DO SO.
__ Complete preparation activities, such as putting up storm shutters, storing loose objects, filling up water containers, etc.
__ Evacuate areas that might be affected by storm surge flooding.
__ If evacuating, disconnect utilities...phone, gas, electricity...as a precaution to prevent further damage.
__ If evacuating, leave early and if possible, during daylight hours.
__ Leave all mobile homes in any case.
__ Notify neighbors and family members outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.
Plan to evacuate if you...
__ Live in a mobile home. Do not stay in a mobile home under any circumstances.
__ Live on the coastline or on an offshore island, or live near a river or in a flood plain.
__ Live in a high-rise building. Hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
IF YOU ARE EVACUATING
__ Stay with friends or relatives or at a low-rise inland hotel/motel outside of flood zones. Leave early to avoid heavy traffic, roads blocked by early flood waters, and bridges impassable due to high winds.
__ Put food and water out for pet if you cannot take it with you. Public shelters do not allow pets nor do most hotels/motels.
__ Hurricane shelters will be available for people who have no other place to go. Shelters may be crowded and uncomfortable, with no privacy and no electricity. Do not leave your home for a shelter until government officials announce on radio and/or TV that a particular shelter is open.
__ Disconnect all utilities and appliances that use them.
WHAT TO BRING TO A SHELTER...
__ First-aid kit, medicines, baby food and diapers, cards, games, books, toiletries, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, blankets or sleeping bags, identification, valuable papers (insurance), and cash.
IF YOU ARE STAYING IN A HOME
(Reminder! Only stay in a home if you have not been ordered to leave. If you ARE told to leave, DO SO IMMEDIATELY.)
__ Store water. Fill sterilized jugs and bottles with 2 weeks supply of drinking water. Fill bathtub and large containers with water for sanitary purposes.
__ Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and open only when necessary.
__ Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.
__ Turn off propane tanks.
__ Unplug small appliances.
__ Stay inside your home at all times.
IF WINDS BECOME STRONG
__ Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered. Take refuge in a small ground floor, interior room, closet, or hallway. Take a battery-powered radio, a NOAA Weather Radio, and a flashlight with you.
__ Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors, particularly double inward opening doors and garage doors.
__ If you are in a multiple-story building and away from the water, go to the first or second floors and take refuge in the halls or other interior rooms away from windows. Interior stairwells and the areas around elevator shafts are generally the strongest part of a building.
NOTES: Be alert for tornadoes which often are spawned by hurricanes. Also, if the "EYE" of the hurricane should pass over your area, be aware that the improved weather conditions are only temporary and that the storm conditions will return with winds coming from the opposite direction sometimes in a period of just a few minutes.
IV. AFTER THE STORM PASSES
__ Stay in your protected area until announcements are made on the radio or TV that the dangerous winds have passed.
__ If you have evacuated, do not return home until officials announce your area is ready. Remember, proof of residency may be required in order to re-enter the evacuation areas.
__ Be aware of the surroundings when returning as extreme damage could render a familiar landscape unrecognizable.
__ If your home or building has structural damage, do not enter until it is checked by officials.
__ Beware of outdoor hazards such as, downed power lines and any water they may be lying in, poisonous snakes driven from their dens by high water, weakened bridges, washed out roads, weakened limbs on trees, and/or damaged overhanging structures.
__ Do not use the telephone unless absolutely necessary. The system is usually jammed with calls during and after a hurricane.
__ Guard against spoiled food. Use dry or canned food. Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated with flood waters.
__ When cutting up fallen trees, use caution, especially if you use a chain saw. Serious injuries can occur when these powerful machines snap back or when the chain breaks.
| __ Flashlight | __ Medicines | __ Tissues |
| __ Rubbing Alcohol | __ Radio | __ First-Aid Handbook |
| __ Pocket Knife | __ Towels | __ Sanitary Supplies |
| __ Blankets | __ Toothbrush | __ Paper Towels |
| __ Soap | __ Toilet Paper | __ Shampoo |
| __ Candles | __ Sponge | __ Matches |
| __ Cleanser | __ Can Opener | __ Bleach |
| __ Peanut Butter | __ Batteries | __ Crackers |
| __ Pencils | __ Dried Beans | __ Drinks / Juices |
| __ Change of Clothing | __ Nuts | __ Foul Weather Gear |
| __ Rice - Pasta | __ Sterno, Stove, Fuel | __ Soup |
| __ Garbage Bags | __ Canned Foods | __ Cooking Utensils |
| __ Water (1 gal per person per day) | __ Cooking Pots, Plastic Dishes, Silverware, Aluminum Foil |
__ First aid Kit |
Note: This list is not intended to be all-inclusive. You must decide what supplies are best suited for you and your family's survival. This list contains only suggestions for your consideration.
If you have or haven't noticed, this year (1997) has been extremely wet through June. Unlike 1996, when the topic of the day, whether on the TV, radio, in the local newspaper, or over that morning cup of coffee at home or in the community cafe where everybody gathers to talk over the news of the day, was the drought. The drought of 1996 was basically over, meteorologically speaking by the early fall as unusually heavy rainfall occurred through the summer months.
In 1997, rainfall has been plentiful along with cooler than normal temperatures. In fact, the heavy rains kept the farming community of Southeast Texas from getting into the fields and accomplishing field work and planting. January began with almost every station in Southeast Texas, including the Houston Metro area, reporting above normal rainfalls. This trend continued through May. As summer set in, and the heat began, it began to dry out somewhat with the first widespread below normal rainfall totals in June.
Through June, our Cooperative Stations and Airport Data indicated all stations above 100% of normal for the year up to this point. In fact, three stations have already exceeded there normal yearly rainfall by June. The following listing contrasts 1997 and 1996:
1997 1996 Difference Difference 97 thru % of Normal Station Jan-Jun Jan-Jun 97 and 96 Jun/ normal for the for yr to date ************************************************************************************************** (Houston Area) Bush Intercontinental Airport 34.90 13.28 +21.62 - 11.17 155% Alvin 43.03 17.86 +25.17 - 6.43 224% Baytown 50.30 22.37 +27.93 - 1.55 235% Galveston 34.86 9.73 +25.13 - 7.42 237% Galveston Scholes Field 31.79 - 10.49 Barker 36.69 11.11 +25.58 - 5.79 217% Clodine 36.77 16.18 +20.59 - 7.92 179% Conroe 29.52 10.28 +19.24 - 17.81 145% Cypress 30.67 12.90 +17.77 - 12.99 161% Houston Heights 50.64 9.98 +40.66 + 1.47 251% North Houston 41.78 12.45 +29.33 - 4.60 220% Spring Branch 41.00 11.08 +29.92 + 8.01 279% Tomball 30.64 13.26 +17.38 - 13.66 165% Sugarland 39.35 10.23 +29.12 - 5.98 215% (Supplemental Data that does not have a 30 year normal or data from this year or last year was missing.) NWSO Dickinson 38.26 15.70 +22.56 Port of Houston 4.73 16.61 +18.12 Deer Park 45.64 Incl. - 5.35 219% Alief 32.77 (Southeast Texas Stations outside the Houston Metro area:) Bay City 33.10 14.30 +18.80 -12.30 190 % Brenham 26.50 10.19 +16.31 -14.42 143% Bryan/College Station 25.64 -13.44 150% Caldwell 21.24 10.87 +10.27 -17.55 117% Cleveland 36.51 12.44 +24.07 -15.08 160% Crockett 28.85 8.90 -19.95 -13.53 153% Danevang 33.98 17.01 +16.97 - 8.30 202% Edna 36.90 11.89 +25.01 - 4.40 210% Freeport 34.31 6.82 +27.49 - 17.92 185% Groveton 29.18 11.08 +18.10 -15.67 147% Huntsville 32.18 8.49 +23.69 -12.78 164% Liberty 37.86 15.35 +22.51 -16.25 174% Livingston 29.36 12.13 +17.23 -19.35 136% Matagorda 20.25 8.10 +12.15 -24.41 117% Montgomery 23.12 7.96 +15.16 -21.43 119% New Caney 40.17 12.35 +27.82 - 8.94 183% New Gulf 31.94 16.34 +15.60 -11.97 188% Pierce Ranch 41.88 15.18 +26.70 - 0.41 248% Richmond 33.44 9.29 +24.15 -10.90 189% Washington-on -the Brazos 26.62 7.80 +18.82 -13.64 151% Wharton 45.29 14.12 +31.17 + 3.60 271% (Other Stations:) Angleton 32.28 Belleville 29.91 6.81 +23.10 El Campo 35.72 24.02 +11.70 (15.20 inches fell in June 96) Lake Somerville 26.69 8.56 +16.13 West Columbia 41.73 13.36 +28.37
If your station does not appear on this list we were not in receipt of your June data.
It is interesting to note that three stations have already exceeded there normal yearly rainfall totals. Those stations are Houston Heights....Spring Branch and Wharton. Spring Branch was one of the drier stations in Southeast Texas last year along with Wharton. Several other stations are approaching there normals for the entire year. Thedriest area this year appears to be the Caldwell area where only 21.24 inches of rain fell.
As is evidenced by this data is the fact that there has been quite a turnaround in the rainfall from 96 to 97. This is really not an unusual phenomenon. As many people have said, "Drought is almost always followed by flood in Texas".
As is always the case. I would like to thank all the Cooperative observers for their work and the time they dedicate to the maintenance of our nation's weather database. If any of you folks reading this wish to turnover this article to your local news media (mainly newspapers, in your communities) please feel free to do so.
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