Hurricane season is still in full force and even though we have been lucky this season, avoiding major storms as in the recent past, there is still time for them to form as is the case with Earl. As recently as today Earl was downgraded to a Cat 3 storm but still possessing 125 mph winds that are causing effects to be felt inland even though it still remains hundreds of miles off.
The eastern seaboard is on alert as far north as main and some areas have already started mandatory evacuations to minimize potential estimated casualties in areas directly on the coast. While it may still increase in speed again and hit with more force than expected, as was the case with Katrina, that sat in the gulf as a Cat 2 then ramped up to a Cat 4 after hitting land.
Even though we are able to predetermine when a tropical storm will become a hurricane, hurricanes are still fairly unpredictable. Hopefully the events of Katrina have made federal and local governments aware of the potential damages and assistance that will possibly be needed should the unthinkable occur. For those of you in those areas, please don't think you can remain and ride the storm. Mandated evacuations are mandated for a reason. Please follow local authorities to safer areas until the storm has passed.
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