Gustav and newly upgraded TS Hanna

On Thursday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported the stronger status of Gustav and the development of Tropical Storm Hanna, as well as the development of two additional tropical waves in the Atlantic.

“Air Force reconnaissance planes find a stronger Gustav,” according to the public information advisory issued Thursday morning. The advisory states that the intensity has increased, but the forecast track remains the same at this time. Forecasters say it is hard to predict exactly where the storm will make landfall on the Gulf Coast at this time.  Gustav is expected to become a hurricane by Friday.

Santa Rosa County Public Information Officer Joy Tsubooka says residents should not empty sand bags issued during Fay.

“Please keep your sand bags in a clean dry place, like a garage or covered patio.  Do not empty them at this time since Emergency Management Officials are monitoring Gustav,” she says.

Gary Beeler, with the Mobile office of the National Weather Service (NWS) says there is another tropical depression and two tropical waves that are being monitored closely as well.

“Tropical Storm Hanna has formed in the Atlantic and is expected to pass well north of the Leeward Islands,” says Beeler.

According to Forecaster Avila with the NHC, on Thursday morning, newly formed Tropical Storm Hanna was located near latitude 19.8 north and longitude 57.9 west, or about 355 miles east northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands.

“The storm is moving toward the west-northwest near five miles per hour and a turn to the northwest is expected sometime today.”

He says the storm is expected to pass well north of the Leeward Islands by Friday morning.

Hanna is the eighth named storm of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters are predicting a very busy and intense hurricane season this year.

The NWS has its eye on two tropical waves following Gustav and Hanna.

The first large tropical wave is associated with sparse thunderstorm activity and on Thursday was located over the Eastern Atlantic about 775 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands. According to forecasters, some slow development of this system is possible during the next couple of days as it moves westward at 10 to 15 miles per hour.

A second, well-defined tropical wave was located near the west coast of Africa on Thursday. Forecasters said it was expected to emerge over the extreme tropical Eastern Atlantic later that day.

“Gradual development of this system is possible during the next couple of days as it moves westward at about 15 miles per hour,” reports the advisory issued Thursday.

The American Red Cross says hurricane education is important to keep safe during hurricane season.

Know the meanings of watches and warnings.

* WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.
* WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.  

 
Tsubooka says the Santa Rosa County EOC will continue to monitor tropical activity and make advisories available to the public as needed.

“The EOC encourages all citizens to plan and prepare for potential disasters including hurricanes. The EOC is sending out a message each week in recognition of National Preparedness Month, during September,” says Tsubooka.

 “This week’s message focuses on the importance of having a disaster readiness kit.  Remember, disaster kits are not just for hurricanes, but also for all hazards. They can be used for tornadoes, floods, sheltering in place during HAZMAT incidents and wild fires, or taken in your vehicle during evacuation. There is no “one size fits all” kit, so involve everyone in the house and have fun creating your disaster kit,” she says.

According to the Red Cross, disaster kits should contain at least:

         * First aid kit and essential medications.
         * Canned food and can opener.
         * At least three gallons of water per person.
         * Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
         * Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
         * Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
         * Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water.

  Citizens are also encouraged to take the quick “readiness quotient” survey or “RQ,” to help assess their level of readiness. This short quiz will allow you to measure your own level of preparedness. To access the survey and for more information on how to ready your home and family, Santa Rosa County residents are encouraged to visit the Emergency Management Web site at www.santarosa.gov/emergency and click on the “Public Outreach” icon at the bottom of the page.

To monitor tropical weather and track storms, visit the National Hurricane Center at www.nhc.noaa.gov.