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Laura T's avatar

That last area coming off Africa looks to be a bit further south than the previous ones. Hope it does the same turn into the Atlantic.

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Daniel Mordue's avatar

I wouldn't worry about that area yet. There's a lot of time to track that area. Earl is fascinating. As of 11 A.M. the NHC was forecasting 135 mph central winds by Friday, a weak Cat 4. That's an update from the 5 A.M. advisory.

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Laura T's avatar

At least Bermuda looks to be on the outside of the cone, hope they stay out. I find them fascinating...so long as they stay out to sea. There is still areas here that Charley took out and I really don't want to see anything like that myself.

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Daniel Mordue's avatar

They DO have a hurricane watch for Bermuda, but I don't think that watch is necessary. It may pass no closer than 70 or 80 miles. There already is a tropical storm warning, and those winds may only last a few brief hours Thursday night and early Friday. I am surprised there still cold be Charlie damage; that was quite a while back, LOL!!

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Laura T's avatar

There are about 3 blocks in Punta Gorda that are still completely empty as the buildings were destroyed by Charley. Only part of one of the blocks has had a hotel built on it about 3 years ago, before that there was nothing but dirt and most of the rest has been used for parking downtown or for things like carnivals, boat shows, etc..

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Daniel Mordue's avatar

I am glad they are using the space for things like carnivals, boat shows; so it is slowly coming back. At least, that's a start. A step in the right direction.

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Laura T's avatar

Most of the city has been rebuilt up to Miami-Dade Hurricane Code so that the destruction shouldn't be as bad next time, at least for the downtown area. A lot of the newer homes are better built too. My dad had this house at the time of Charley and came through with some damage, not sure how much as I had never been here until long after. Hoping it pulls through the next one as it is an older house. It is why I keep such a close eye on this site and the NHC during this season of the year.

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