We live in Florida and I am concerned about the compliancy of the hurricane warning system. To not have accurate information could be devistating and kill thousands. I would appreciate any information. I have emailed the National Hurricane Center and have received no reply.

-- Anonymous, February 27, 1999

Answers

That's an interesting question, however, it's better asked of the national weather service system in general. The hurricane center relies on information from other parts of the weather service to make the difficult calls on future storm tracks and placing watches and warnings for populated areas (probably the toughest thing they have to do). They rely on communication systems and other weather equipment. I would imagine that other services would fail before the Hurricane warning system would be effected. And besides, hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 31st, which is not around the critical date of Jan 1st.

If there are problems with the National weather service communication, then the worry would be for winter storms, which is probably a bigger threat during the critical date time period. If the national weather service in general is complient, then I would say the Hurricane Center would be as well.

Trying to make this somewhat related to the EUy2k topic, I live on the east coast of Florida, and I do have hurricane preperations made. These can carry over if something occurs to the power do to Y2k. The difference between Hurricanes and Y2k is that when a bad storm hits, people from out of state come to help, but with Y2k I doubt that would be an option if something were to occur.

I have been without power for a week and a half because of a Hurricane. One thing I do remember is that gas generators are LOUD, especially with nearly everything else being in silence.

-- MC

-- Anonymous, February 27, 1999