Educate the new members

[windsurfer]

I've been lurking for a while and now that we have something serious getting closer, could you use this topic to feed us newbies facts and sites to educate us? It would be most appreciated and possibly limit the stupid questions to this area.

[GulfHills]

I agree. I feel dumb at times, but learning something everyday on this great board. I still don't understand what a trough is.

[ChaserUK]

Well I am new myself but have picked up a lot. A high pressure area developing to the North may inhibit any significant recurve out back to sea making this a fish. Also, a look at historical tracks is also a good 'guide' to look at. That said, all can change and mother nature has a tendancy to throw a spanner in the works. There does not seem to be anyting on this occasion however that would take Isabel of its current track. IMO, a few things to look for 1) pressure tendancy to the north of a westward tracking storm 2) temp of seas ahead of storm - at this moment Isabel moving into warmer and warmer seas 0 by this time hardly a cold wake left by Fabian! 3) is there anything that can stop or change current forecast trends 4) the storm itself. With Fab there was a fair bit of eye repositoning. I have not seen that yet with Isabel - each storm has its own personality! Anyway, that is my limited advice - hope it helps.

[Scott_inVA]

I've been lurking for a while and now that we have something serious getting closer, could you use this topic to feed us newbies facts and sites to educate us? It would be most appreciated and possibly limit the stupid questions to this area.

Nearly no such thing as a stupid question (except: "is it going to go over my house?").

TPC has great links to TC research and FAQs. Several here post or email newsletters on hurricanes. If you have a specific question, ask away.

DANGER: about 4 days before a forecast US landfall, many people here start smokin' crack and this place gets crazy.

Best advice I can offer is do not believe ANYTHING you read here unless it can be verified, is stated as an obvious opinion or is something you can verify.

Enjoy the ride. It'll get bumpy!

Scott
WREL Radio
Lexington, VA

[Scott_inVA]

I agree. I feel dumb at times, but learning something everyday on this great board. I still don't understand what a trough is.

Trough/Trof: A feature on a weather map where mean sea level pressure (or upper contour heights) are lower than surrounding areas of the atmosphere, with a 'V' shape to the isobars/contours evident in the pattern. Often associated with unsettled/cloudy weather, but not always.
An Upper Trough is shown on an upper air chart or map.

Scott

[WeatherEmperor]

Dont worry. We ALL start with knowing nothing and work our way up. Nobody is brought into this world with experience. That is attained as we learn. Nobody is perfect.