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06/12/2006: "Alberto, eh?"
Today, not quite two weeks following the truimphant beginning to the Atlantic hurricane season, we lucky residents of the Gulf coast are getting our first substantial inclement weather. "Tropical Storm Alberto," as it is now called, is projected to reach a full-fledged hurricane by the end of the day. The center of it is still projected hit well to the north of Tampa, but that doesn't mean it is pleasant outside. On the contrary, it is quite dreary out today. Rain and wind are expected to keep up until at least tomorrow.
The way that we view hurricanes--and the potential danger that may ensue from them--has changed drastically since Katrina. The ability of such a powerful storm to literally incapacitate and entire city has not been taken seriously until now. Of course, a storm's strengthening is a function of water temperatures; and since water warms slower than air, it follows that the most serious storms will not be coming until at least late July. But this almost immediate and ominous foreboding of the coming storm season has left me a bit uncertain. Recall that last year, the worst hurricane season in over a hundred years, was innaugurated by a little storm (Arlene) made landfall in the second week of June. Of course, the first real damage was done by Dennis in early July 2005.
Long story short, we still have a long way to go. And if this season shapes up like last season, the ride should be a bit bumpy.