These NASA photographs (thanks, guys!) show the almost incomprehensible scale of Hurricane Isabel, back in September of 2003.
Hurricane Isabel Eye from Space
Hurricane Isabel Hits East Coast
Let’s be clear at the outset: There is nothing fun or funny about hurricanes. People are displaced, hurt, or killed; homes and businesses are damaged or destroyed; beach, delta, and estuary ecosystems are ripped up by hurricane-force winds or damaged by the salt from tidal surges.
Having acknowledged that, I did enjoy collecting headlines about Hurricane Isabel, 12 years ago.
“It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good.”
Initial Warnings
Anticipated, Imminent, and Actual Landfall
Analysis of Impact
Last Word
My hurricane strategy is to stay away from them, in space or in time.
Isabel in 2006 beside high-water-mark plaque for Hurricane Isabel in 2003.
To think of living in a place with a hurricane season is almost beyond belief. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration doesn’t have the luxury that I do – sitting, slackjawed, clipping headlines as these things hit. Here’s what they’ve been doing to build resilience since Hurricane Katrina, ten years ago.
And here’s a less sanguine view of whether America is ready – technically or politically – for another hurricane like Katrina. Or Isabel.
I’m feeling a little miffed. It seems no one has ever named a hurricane, or even a tropical storm, after me. I did find a Hurricane James, but it turned out to be a hypothetical hurricane, which hasn’t even begun until October 23.
http://scratchpad.wikia.com/wiki/2015_Atlantic_hurricane_season_%28hypothetical%29
Hypothetically yours, Jim T
Jim – I’m surprised. I’d have bet money that there had been a Hurricane James: It’s not an unusual name. As for hypothetical hurricanes – I bet they don’t make good, pithy headlines.