Beyond Katrina

Sunrise Over Bermuda

Well it looks like the Bermuda Weather Service Camera is back up and running - and oh what a beautiful sight!

Bertha Blows Past Bermuda

Bertha is steadily moving away from Bermuda. The storm is packing winds of 70 mph and will continue to impact Bermuda (with large swells and high surf) as well as the U.S. eastern seaboard  (dangerous rip currents) over the next few days. It is possible for Bertha to regain hurricane status as the system moves across the northern Atlantic and then a weakening trend is anticipated to occur  as Bertha moves into cooler waters.

Here are the latest headlines re Bertha's impact on  Bermuda and the U.S. eastern seaboard:

Rip current risk moderate along Jersey shore
Newsday, NY -

Bertha produces solid swell for Delmarva Delmarva Now, MD -

Tropical storm rakes Bermuda  Seattle Times, United States

Authorities: rip-current threat likely to last days Cherry Hill Courier Post, NJ

Rip currents keep Shore rescuers busy Philadelphia Inquirer, PA

Tropical Storm Bertha gets second wind over Bermuda

Tropical Storm Bertha gets second wind over Bermuda Reuters -

Tropical Storm Bertha knocks out power in Bermuda The Associated Press

Tropical Storm Bertha Knocks Out Power in Bermuda MyFox Washington DC, DC

Invest 94L

This system  between the coast of Africa and the lesser Antilles (Item 1) is likely to develop into  a tropical depression in the next day or so. Current models, which are unreliable at this point, have the system tracking wnw through the portal between Cuba and Mexico, which I don't like at all for its potential to threaten the Gulf Coast. However, as always, too early to tell where this storm is going and how it will develop. That said,  if you live along the Atlantic seaboard or gulf coast, ot might be good idea to get those hurricane kits and evacuation plans up to speed - The season is starting to heat up...

Hurricane Watch for Bermuda

Hurricane Hunters just investigated Bertha and indicate the storm is packing 70 mph winds. It is possible that Bertha will reach hurricane strength just before grazing Bermuda. James Franklin forecasting this afternoon at the NHC...

Here is a link to a You Tube Video showing Bertha pounding a location in Bermuda:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHjf3HrBikw

And here are some recent news links.

Surf eases up - a little - after 3 drownings in NJ Delaware County Daily Times

TS Bertha close to Hurricane strength The Times-Picayune - NOLA.com, LA - 

Bertha threat hits Bermuda flights The Press Association

Bermuda storm kills three - in New Jersey Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom

AUDIO: Bertha Causes Dangerous Tides WRVA

Bermuda Issues Hurricane Watch as Bertha Hits Island FOXNews

Bermuda under hurricane watch The Associated Press - 

Bertha Update and New Disturbance Near the Lesser Antilles

Bertha

Well Bertha has certainly gone through a long and  interesting  evolution. The system developed off the coast of Africa around July 2,  became a Tropical Storm on 7/3, and then intensified to become the season's first hurricane  and the sixth strongest early season hurricane on record. Tracking WNW toward Bermuda, the system fell apart and then rallied back to a Cat 2 hurricane on July  10.  Via yesterday's 11:00 am forecast advisory,  National Hurricane Center forecaster Lixion Avila wrote  " After a week or so...I am running out of things to say about Bertha". Lixion I enjoyed that one! And at today's 2 pm advisory,

BERTHA HESITATES AGAIN...REFUSES TO MOVE...

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR BERMUDA.

Apparently Bertha has stalled again....

Of note, Bertha is now the 4th longest lived July Hurricane on record. And at 12 days and counting this storm will surely  break record for the longest  lived  July named storm. Storm history in the making...

 Invest 94L

This disturbance near the Lesser Antilles is in conditions favorable to development. Possible Tropical Depression by Tuesday.

South Carolina Disturbance

A small low pressure system has developed off the coast of South Carolina. Due to shear and its small size it is unlikely that the low will develop quickly.

11pm Bertha update

Wind: 120 MPH — Location: 20.8N 52.8W — Movement: WNW

Re the NHC's 11pm discussion,  forecaster Lixion Avila writes "Bertha is certainly not the only major hurricane that has formed in the month of July. The last occurrences were hurricanes Dennis and Emily in 2005".  Oh boy. If that was meant to be reassuring,  check out the season he's referring to as the benchmark.

Bertha is a Cat 3

Wind: 115 MPH — Location: 20.1N 52.1W — Movement: WNW.

The 5:00 pm advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center indicates Bertha is now a major hurricane. The models are still in agreement re a northward turn over the next few days.... Still too early to tell if Bermuda will be affected...

Bertha strengthens over the central Altantic - possible cat 2 today

Bertha is now about 775 miles east of the Leeward Islands. Winds are at 90 mph, central pressure is 975 mb. A distinct eye has been picked up on satellite imagery. Bertha is beginning to encounter a weakness in the subtropical ridge which should turn the system north - It's looking a little like Bermuda could be in "the line of fire"  but...we'll have to wait and see.

Bertha becomes the first Hurricane of the 2008 Atlantic season

As of the 5:00 am advisory this morning the National Hurricane Center declared Bertha a Cat 1 hurricane.  The storm is now approaching Cat 2 status. Satellite imagery shows a well defined eye with estimated winds approaching 90 mph.... One of the more interesting forecast discussions by NHC senior hurricane specialist Rick Knabb, here. Basically it's too early to tell if/when/were Bertha will re-curve and whether the storm will pose a threat to land.

Bertha could become a 'cane....

The National Hurricane Center's 5:00 pm advisory is out on Tropical Storm Bertha - Hurricane Specialist,  Dan Brown is forecasting this evening. To wit:

...BERTHA STRENGTHENING...COULD BECOME A HURRICANE...

AT 500 PM AST...2100Z...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM BERTHA WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 18.1 NORTH...LONGITUDE 47.0 WEST OR ABOUT 1055 MILES...1700 KM...EAST OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS

The storm's central pressure has dropped to 995 mb and the wind has increased to 60 mph. The track forecast has been adjusted slightly eastward but remains essentially the same.

Bertha Intesifying - 'Cane' Hunters to Investigate on Monday

Satellite data indicates Tropical storm Bertha is intensifying as the storm continues its WNW trek across the open Atlantic.  Winds are currently at about 50 mph. The storm will soon be entering waters with  low sea surface temperatures and minimal wind shear making conditions favorable for its intensification into a Cat 1 hurricane.  A trough of low pressure exiting the U.S. east coast is anticipated to be strong enough  to turn Bertha northwest towards Bermuda - However, if the low is not strong enough to re-curve the storm Bertha could pose a threat to the U.S. east coast in about 7-10 days from now. Hurricane Hunters are expected to investigate on Monday.

Tropical Storm Bertha is born....

The second Tropical Storm of the 2008 Atlantic Season has formed in the far eastern Atlantic about 190 miles south southeast of the Cape Verde Islands. Maximum sustained winds are about 40 mph. mimimum central pressure 1006 mb. Bertha is moving wnw at about 14 mph. Bertha sets a record - farthest east a tropical storm has ever formed in the Atlantic so early in the season. Conditions in the Atlantic are conducive to Bertha's continuing strengthening - minimal sheer and African dust, and the sea surface temperatures are warm. Doc Jeff Master's has posted a more comprehensive forecast at his blog, here.  According to  Dr. Masters,  Bertha's  formation could very well be the "harbringer of an active season".

Tropical Depression # 2 Forms west of Africa

The second tropical depression of the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season has formed west of Africa. This depression is expected to intensify into a tropical storm. If TD #2 becomes a tropical storm as expected, it would be named Bertha. The system will be tracking over the open Atlantic for several days.

Tropical Wave off Cape Verde Islands has potential for development

The National Hurricane Center in Miami Florida reports a strong tropical wave (Invest 92L) has developed 330 miles southeast of SAL in the Cape Verde Islands and is becoming better organized. Conditions are favorable for the system to develop into a tropical depression over the next few days.

Katz: Jindal Had To Veto Pay Raise

The governor faced intense pressure and loss of credibility

Political Consultant Allan Katz cites pressure and the loss of credibility as reasons why Governor Bobby Jindal vetoed the bill that doubled the base pay of state lawmakers. Katz says the anger in the state over the pay raise had become a wildfire, and Jindal, for his own political future, had to veto it.  Continue at Rush Radio 99.5

Lawmakers react to Jindal's legislative pay raise veto

From Channel 9 News, Baton Rouge - Reactions from  several Louisiana lawmakers reacted to news that Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has vetoed legislative pay raises here.

Greater New Orleans Republicans Praises Legislative Raise Veto

Monday, June 30, 2008 01:36:33 PM NEW ORLEANS- The Board of Directors of the Greater New Orleans Republicans issued a statement praising Governor Bobby Jindal for vetoing Senate Bill 672 by Senator Ann Duplessis, D-New Orleans.

“The GNOR commends the governor for adhering to the will of the voters who elected him on his pro-reform campaign platform,” said GNOR Treasurer Robert LoGreco. “With the vetoing of the legislative pay raise, it is our hope that the Jindal Administration can continue its work towards creating a better quality of life for our citizens and making Louisiana a better environment for businesses to relocate and grow,” said LoGreco. “The GNOR also hopes that the legislators who had threatened Governor Jindal’s reform agenda will have also heard the loud chorus of voters since the passage of the legislative pay raise and will refrain from sabotaging the governor’s legislative programs because of his veto,” said LoGreco. GNOR appreciates the efforts of Governor Jindal in lowering several taxes, tightening ethics laws, streamlining aspects of Louisiana government and providing some parents with educational choice. Greater New Orleans Republicans is a group of young professionals, ages 18-40, who are dedicated to the Republican cause of honest and efficient government.

Governor Jindal's Statement on Vetoe

11:57:41 AM, Monday, June 30, 2008

BATON ROUGE – At a press conference announcing his line item vetoes in the supplemental spending bill today, Governor Bobby Jindal announced that he has vetoed the legislative pay raise bill to more than double legislators’ pay, SB 672.

“I have opposed this pay raise at every turn and from the very beginning. A doubling of legislative pay is clearly excessive and it takes effect prior to the next election, which I believe is bad policy,” Governor Jindal said. “This bill would also have set up a system to give legislators automatic pay raises in the future without additional legislative votes - which is a lack of accountability that we cannot accept.”

The Governor had previously said he would not veto the pay raise to allow the legislature to conduct its own internal affairs. “I clearly made a mistake by telling the legislature that I would allow them to handle their own affairs,” Jindal said. “As with all mistakes, you can either correct them or compound them - I am choosing to correct my mistake now.

“I have said that I was not going to stop legislators from more than doubling their own pay by vetoing this because I did not want to give them any excuse to slow down the momentum of our reform movement here in Louisiana. It turns out this is an unsustainable position. I have come to realize that the reforms I have been fighting for are simply incompatible with this legislative pay raise.

“I was trying to preserve our reform agenda and our momentum by tolerating this legislative pay raise that I knew was completely excessive. But the two cannot coexist. </p>

“The bottom line is that allowing this excessive legislative pay raise to become law would so significantly undercut our reform agenda, and so significantly diminish the people’s confidence in their own government, that I cannot let it become law. So, I have vetoed the bill.”

The Governor continued to say that, “The sideshow over massive legislative pay raises has already taken up far too much time. It’s time to get back to doing the people’s business. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done in our state…there are roads to build, jobs to create, business to open, and kids to educate.”

The Governor also called for legislators to direct any anger over the veto of the pay raise to him, and not the people of Louisiana by impeding future important reforms for the state. Jindal said, “I know that some of the legislators are going to be upset that I broke my word to them to stay out of their business. But I am asking them to take out their anger on me – not on the people of Louisiana.”

The Governor concluded his remarks by calling on the public to continue their close involvement in government and the political process. The Governor said, “to all the citizens of Louisiana who have become so vocal on this issue and so involved in the process - stay involved. There is a lot more to do. Don’t tune out or stop paying attention to the political process now. This government belongs to you; it is your business. I’m going to need your help.”

KENNEDY STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR JINDAL’S PAY RAISE VETO

BATON ROUGE, LA – U.S. Senate candidate John Kennedy released the following statement on today’s veto of the legislative pay raise by Governor Jindal:

“I applaud Governor Jindal’s decision to veto this pay raise. Once again, Governor Jindal stood on the side of taxpayers – just as he did in enacting ethics reform, standing strong against questionable earmarks, and signing into law one of the largest tax relief packages in Louisiana’s history.”

Governor Jindal vetoes legislative pay raise

I've remained silent on this issue, but I am very HAPPY to learn that Governor Bobby Jindal  vetoed the legislative pay raise bill. Interestingly, this came across the AP wire via The Advocate as of 12:45 pm - article has already received 139 comments and counting...To wit:

Gov. Bobby Jindal vetoed a legislative pay raise this morning, reversing an adamant week-long stance that he would let the salary increase become law. In doing so, Jindal acknowledged that he was breaking his word to legislators. “I clearly made a mistake by telling the Legislature that I would allow them to handle their own internal affairs … I am correcting my mistake,” the governor said during a press conference at the State Capitol. Continue here.

Safety lapses raised risks in Katrina trailers

WASHINGTON - Within days of Hurricane Katrina's landfall in August 2005, frantic officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency ordered nearly $2.7 billion worth of trailers and mobile homes to house the storm's victims, many of them using a single page of specifications. Continue

Leaky New Orleans levee alarms experts

NEW ORLEANS - Despite more than $22 million in repairs, a levee that broke with catastrophic effect during Hurricane Katrina is leaking again because of the mushy ground on which New Orleans was built, raising serious questions about the reliability of the city's flood defenses.  Continue Here.

Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint is one of 100 projects it is funding in the National Park Service Centennial program this year

Louisiana Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu has announced $6 million in state and federal funding that will make a world-class Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint in New Orleans a reality.  Continue at Jazz Times...

Churches band together to help Katrina victims

It's still a mess down there. They're projecting 10 years to bring it close to normalcy."

Seven Catholic parishes from Sheboygan, Sheboygan Falls and Kohler Wisconsin  have banded together to send 13 people [to New Orleans] this year, and the group already has committed to going back in 2009. As they did last year, the volunteers will build a house through the auspices of Habitat for Humanity. Continue here.

12 to Slidell — volunteers feel Katrina’s presence

Eleven volunteers from St. Patrick Church in Youngstown, Ohio went to Slidell, La., from April 11-18. Their impressions of the recovery efforts in post-Katrina Slidell are here.

Judge: Corps can be sued for flood

A federal court judge cleared the way Friday for the Army Corps of Engineers to face trial on claims that defects in its Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet destroyed wetlands and turned the navigation channel into a funnel for storm surge. Continue at Nola.com.

Legislators find $50 million for Everglades

This is indeed good news!

TALLAHASSEE — After declaring that Florida's budget woes were so grim that they had to cut off funding for the restoration of the Everglades, legislative leaders quickly reversed themselves Monday, finding an extra $50 million to fund the massive environmental cleanup project. continue at the Herald Tribune...

First tropical wave of the year Rolls into Altantic

No worries, says Dr. Jeff Masters of Weather Underground ---sea surface temperatures aren't warm enough at this time to support serious tropical storm development. Still, as Dr. Jeff says, let this be the warning...Hurricane Season 2008 is about to commence...

After change at top, divisions remain at National Hurricane Center, report says

Beyond Katrina extensively covered Bill Proenza's chaotic departure from the NHC last year. Now an independent study says "the National Hurricane Center is still riddled with morale problems and internal conflicts". New NHC Director Bill Read says 'no worries'. The study is only intended to help fix the problems at the center. Ken Kaye of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports here. (I am not losing sleep over this one. I have full confidence in the competencies of the good men and women who do our forecasting at the National Hurricane Center. I've been tracking with these folks through Hilda, Betsy, Camille, Andrew, Katrina and Rita. It's the unprepared citizens in hurricane prone areas that are a bit more frightening. That said the Atlantic hurricane season is less than thirty days away now. It's time to get  prepared.