Hmmm, Dr Gray to issue steering current forecast.

[OuterBanker]

Dr. Gray and his team will release a steering currents forecast in late May that will attempt to pin down possible tracks that any hurricanes that do form might take.

This could prove very interesting,

The good side of this is that it would allow FEMA, the ARC, etc. to concentrate their efforts and position materials, etc. in prime areas.

The bad side of course is that the media could really hype this and wind up scaring tourist away if the patterns favor a particular area.

I have a fear that if the projected steering patterns favor the Outer Banks that it could have a devastating economic effect whether we get a storm or not.

[weatherwoman132]

I totally agree with you.

[CHRISTY]

people have to keep in mind these are only preditions nobody can tell u what is gonna happen 5 months from now! but actually i think different i think steering patterns might bring storms into florida and the gulf of mexico.there has been very persistent ridgeing along the southeast so far this year my thinking is this might just persist into the coming months!OPINIONS WELCOMED....but indeed that day will be very interesting to see bill grays update!

[Lindaloo]

I agree about it scaring the tourists. However, we do not have to worry about tourists here on the Gulf Coast for a while, unless they are coming to sightsee. That is a possibility.

[TSmith274]

Yeah the tourist concern is a valid one. Not sure I like this, especially since it'll be just about as accurate as a dart board. I'm kidding, but I don't like false alarms... especially those that last an entire season.

[hicksta]

As long as he doesnt agree with JB with the upper texas coast. Its fine with me!

[Javlin]

I think that this should be looked on with interest for sure.Each time that we try something new and figure out it's handicap then we learn.The media going bonkers on this most definitely they will.I would think though that Gray and his team have been playing with this for a few years and some dry runs in the past have already been done.If patterns can be recognized it's just another piece of the puzzle.

[spinfan4eva]

I agree, its a bad idea because Noaa is no better than Accuweather in hyping hurricanes if they do this. Florida depends on tourism and beachgoers for its economy. Also, it coming from Gray and noaa, people may take the threat seriously unlike with accuweather and it could cause fear and people who may not get hit, will stock up unnecessarily. This should be released to govt only and not general public.

[SouthFloridawx]

I agree, its a bad idea because Noaa is no better than Accuweather in hyping hurricanes if they do this. Florida depends on tourism and beachgoers for its economy. Also, it coming from Gray and noaa, people may take the threat seriously unlike with accuweather and it could cause fear and people who may not get hit, will stock up unnecessarily. This should be released to govt only and not general public.

Everyone in hurricane prone area's should be properly stocked up on the necessary items instead of making a mad scramble to get ready for a hurricane. My plan includes buying things month to month making it easier to afford.

As far as the forecast including possible area's that may be more prone to being affected this year, I am interested to see how it is implimented. I do not believe that exact areas are going to be pinpointed but, an overall general areas being pointed out. This also going help the NHC/NOAA as far as verfication purposes to be able to help them for the coming years to make thier forecasting system better.

[Jam151]

Any long range forecast coming from qualified forecasters that has the reasoning to back up a forecast is not hype. If tourists decide not to schedule a summer vacation to Florida because of a seasonal outlook then blame the ignorance of the general public instead of CSU.

[beachbum_al]

I hate to say it but the tourist are already scared of the Gulf Coast. The lack of renting down in Orange Beach and Gulf shores is very noticeable. This time of year is usually very busy but it more like winter time down here. And people are not reserving condo units for summer like they usually do.

[SouthFloridawx]

I hate to say it but the tourist are already scared of the Gulf Coast. The lack of renting down in Orange Beach and Gulf shores is very noticeable. This time of year is usually very busy but it more like winter time down here. And people are not reserving condo units for summer like they usually do.

agreed beachbum_al I was in gulf shores and there were tons of for rent signs everywhere and in orange beach. Would most of the places be already rented and prepared?

[Jim Cantore]

I have thought ever since La Nina came back that the east coast was going to get slammed this year, but in reality everyone is at risk, every rule of Hurricane Logic has been broken in these last two years.

[boca]

Be quiet Christy the steering Gods might hear you.

[EDR1222]

I would think that even though William Gray's team is going to be issuing a steering currents forecast, they will emphasize extreme caution when doing so. These guys are pros and they are well aware that the atmosphere is constantly changing and there is no way to know exactly where these things will go with regards to long term forecasts

It will definately be interesting to see what they have to say when they issue their forecast and whether it is very generalized or very specific if they talk about areas that are at an increased risk.

[benny]

I agree, its a bad idea because Noaa is no better than Accuweather in hyping hurricanes if they do this. Florida depends on tourism and beachgoers for its economy. Also, it coming from Gray and noaa, people may take the threat seriously unlike with accuweather and it could cause fear and people who may not get hit, will stock up unnecessarily. This should be released to govt only and not general public.

NOAA and Dr. Gray are not associated and should not be confused. If there is a landfall steering forecast issued thru Dr. Gray it is in no way associated with NOAA's seasonal forecast on May 22.

Let's hope it is done in a sensible way and the media don't have a field day with any potential landfall forecasts.

[Scorpion]

I doubt tourists would be scared off. Besides, the peak tourist season is June and July, before the peak of hurricane season. The highest risk time period is September.