Hurricane Andrew went from a tropical depression to a cat 5 in 48 hours.
Quote:
Andrew started modestly as a tropical wave that emerged from the west coast of Africa on August 14. The wave spawned a tropical depression on August 16, which became Tropical Storm Andrew the next day.
Further development was slow, as the west-northwestward moving Andrew encountered an unfavorable upper-level trough. Indeed, the storm almost dissipated on August 20 due to vertical wind shear. By August 21, Andrew was midway between Bermuda and Puerto Rico and then began turning westward into a more favorable environment. Rapid strengthening occurred, with Andrew reaching hurricane strength (sustained winds greater than 74 mph) on the 22nd and Category 5 status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale on the 23rd, peaking with 175 mph (280 km/h) winds and a minimum pressure of 922 mbar (hPa).[1] The storm was extremely small, however, with gale-force (35 mph, 55 km/h) winds extending outwards only 90 miles (150 km) from the center[2].
Andrew made landfall twice while moving through the Bahamas, crossing Eleuthera with 160 mph (260 km/h) winds and passing through the Berry Islands at Great Harbour Cay with sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h). The storm weakened after its second landfall, maintaining strong winds but with the pressure rising to 937 mbar. While crossing the Gulf Stream, however, Andrew quickly regained its strength, and briefly regained Category 5 status as it made landfall over south Florida on August 24 with 165 mph (265 km/h) winds and pressure of 922 mbar (hPa).[3]
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I closed my office early on Tues so my employees could go home and take care of their homes. I closed today but realized it was going to be a non event last night. I didn't shutter up nor did I buy supplies.
The only thing I did do was finally get my propane backup generator all hooked up and ready to go on Monday when I was still thinking we would be getting at least a Cat 1.
When Wilma came last year, I was expecting something similar to this storm. I took precautions and shuttered up and bought suplies. I was gald I did.
Do not let the hype from the news fool you. Always be prepared its better than not being prepared.
At least we get to laugh after this one. It beats crying.