You Wondered What A Double Barrel Hurricane Looks Like ??

Aug 07, 2014

 

Two storms were spawned in the Cradle of Storms -- which lies due south of Southern Mexico in the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The first named Iselle, and a few days later another named Julio. As always they started as a gathering of clouds, the question then became would they develop into a tropical storm, or maybe even coalesce into a hurricane?

Both not only became hurricanes but tracked not on the usual path to the north or northwest, but virtually straight west. The chances a storm develops into a hurricane and goes that way? Put it this way, Hawaii hasn't had a hurricane in 22 years. The changes TWO consecutive storms not only develop into hurricanes, but track exactly that direction? OK, now we're talking lottery odds.

Mexico dodged a real bullet, as the terrible twins headed away toward Hawaii. Iselle could be making landfall anytime, and while being at one time a Category 4 fortunately it got wrapped by dry air which takes away the fuel (moist hot air and water). With a little luck it could be downgraded into a tropical storm before hitting land.

The other twin Julio isn't running into as much dry air, but thank God it never got above a Category I level in the first place. Even a little weakening would drop it to tropical storm level too. However we're still talking about a lot of wind and a ton of rainfall over a short time. Then Iselle will weaken everything, so Julio could be the nail in the coffin for structures that have been partially damaged.

Like Hawaii, Mazatlan is a very rare destination track for hurricanes. This as opposed to Cabo which gets hit quite often on the typical Northwest track. Visiting Mexico in the summer is unique experience for a variety of reasons, and I recommend everyone try it at least once. When you're there you'll learn to keep one eye on Cradle of Storms.

If you ever wondered what a pair of twin storms looks like -- here are some links that will make you glad you aren't in Hawaii right now. You'll clearly see the twin swirls, then look all the way to the right and you'll notice our latest candidate forming more or less straight offshore from Acapulco. However it's very weak and may not even reach tropical storm level to get a name:

weather.unisys.com/satellite/sat_ir_west.gif

ghcc.msfc.nasa.gov/GOES/goeswestpacus.html

ghcc.msfc.nasa.gov/GOES/goeswestpacusir.html

Traveling with Your Pet to Hawaii, Canada, or Mexico

humanesociety.org

Plan ahead to make your pet's trip safe

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  It's usually best not to take your pet on trips. But if you do bring your pet along, plan ahead to make it a safe trip.  istockphoto.com

If you decide to travel with your pet to Hawaii, Canada, or Mexico, you'll need to make some plans and preparations before you leave. It might take a little research, but it's worth it to ensure a smooth trip for your pet with no last-minute surprises. Note: If you are traveling with a bird, be aware of a special U.S. requirement.

Think twice about taking your pet

 

Please note that The HSUS discourages transportation of animals in the cargo hold of planes. You should carefully consider whether taking your animal to another country is in the best interest of your pet. 

If a family member or good friend can care for your pet while you are gone, you might decide to spare your pet the undue stress and risk which air travel for animals creates. You may also wish to consider finding a foster home with a humane/rescue group in your area which can care for your pet temporarily. If you choose this option, form a written agreement with the group stating how long you will be gone, who should be contacted in an emergency, etc.

Research pet-travel laws

 

If you plan to travel with your pet to Hawaii, Canada, or Mexico, be sure to learn the animal quarantine policies long before you pack your bags. You may be able to find out a country's legal requirements through your veterinarian (who may refer you to other resources), on the Internet, or by contacting the embassy for that country.

Taking your pet to Hawaii

 

Although pets may travel freely throughout the continental U.S. as long as they have proper documentation, Hawaii requires a 30- or 120-day quarantine for all dogs and cats. Hawaii's quarantine regulations vary by species, so check prior to travel.

Taking your pet to Canada

 

If you and your pet are traveling from the U.S. to Canada, you must carry a certificate issued by a veterinarian that clearly identifies your pet and certifies that he or she has been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36-month period. Different Canadian provinces may have different requirements. Be sure to contact the government of the province you plan to visit.

Taking your pet to Mexico

 

If you and your pet are traveling to Mexico, you must carry a health certificate prepared by your veterinarian within two weeks of the day you cross the border. The certificate must include a description of your pet, the lot number of the rabies vaccine used, indication of distemper vaccination, and a veterinarian's statement that your pet is free from infectious or contagious disease. This certificate must be stamped by an office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There is a fee for this stamp.

Bringing your pet back to the continental U.S.

 

The USDA has a policy that all dogs imported from screwworm-affected countries into the U.S. must have a statement on the import health certificate that states specifically that the dog has been checked for and found to be negative for screwworm. The certificate must be issued within five days (most airlines require that the certificate be issued within 10 days of travel). For more information and to see which countries are affected by screwworm, visit The USDA's website.

If you are traveling with a bird

 

If you are transporting birds out of the U.S., record the leg band or tattoo number of each bird on the USDA certificate and get required permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.