• Sailing is all about the Weather.

    Big into the exploration of Atlantic Hurricanes since Katrina came uninvited into his world, James (Jim) Gurley (JamesG161) has followed every Tropical Storm birthed in Atlantic, Gulf and Caribbean waters since. Being a boater, he knows that we often need more time to prepare than we get from the TV weather folk. Jim relies on the science of storm development to share early warning info with friends and fellow boaters.

    Early in 2018, Jim and John Shepard, (JSSailem) started to chat about the weather data available. John asked Jim to help forecast Pacific NW storms, and this morphed into discussions on weather forecasting.

    For John, sailing in the PNW is sometimes hit and miss. One day is ugly, then a string of beautiful days but no wind, followed by a series of blue-sky days and 12 knot breezes. Being ready for those great sailing days means you need to look to the Pacific Ocean and what is brewing. John has been into Pacific NW Weather since the 1970’s when his first PNW November storm hit bringing more than 40 days and 40 nights of continual rain.

    Together we want to share information, new APPs, safety, and thoughts about letting the weather help you. Identify some of the resources for sailors and help prepare you for your next sailboat outing.

    It is far better to go out on the water knowing what to expect in weather terms, than to be out on the water and see dark ominous clouds suddenly appear, unprepared.

Laura. Routes?

Jul 7, 2004
8,402
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
We don't leave for Wichita until Saturday, but we're trying to choose the safest route from Destin FL. We came by way of Dallas, Jackson MS, and Mobile AL, but that is probably obstructed now. A more northern route may have heavy rain. Right now it's wait and see. If anyone has good intel, please share. We'll be dialing up AAA and the DOTs to see what they have.
I hope everyone in Laura's path is okay!
 
Nov 6, 2006
9,884
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Right now, I-10 is closed from Baton Rouge to Beaumont, Tx, but may open tomorrow.. best to stay out of that mess.. They are routing folks up to I-20 so your original route should be OK by Saturday. There will be a lot of traffic going south but you going north and west should be ok.. not great, but OK.. Jackson, Ms-Memphis-Little Rock may be OK too. Best to ya, Justin.
 
Jul 7, 2004
8,402
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
Thanks Claude. The women folk are freaking out over this return trip. The better information we have before leaving, the better they will feel. I sure don't want to hear "We told you so" the whole way back ;)
 
Nov 6, 2006
9,884
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Laughing.. Understand!! Storm should be north of ya a little by then; you'll see some rain but not too much wind as it winds down.. Weather may dictate the I-20 as better 'cause it'll be further from the storm but the traffic and may be worse.. Towing in higher winds probably is not fun for anyone..
 
Jun 2, 2004
3,390
Hunter 23.5 Fort Walton Yacht Club, Florida
West on I-10 to I-12 in Slidell, LA and the north on I-55 at least to Jackson maybe Memphis. I have an aversion to 98 through Alabama.

I am in the same boat sort of my daughter got a new job at Texas Tech and looking at ways for her to go next week. She was looking forward to hitting some favorite spots around San Antonio while visiting with friends on the way to Lubbock but I think the I-10 route will not be too pleasant for a few weeks. I-10 through Louisiana has never been great travelling with women or kids as there is only one rest stop and no places with decent bathrooms. Three or four trips ago we did finally find a place in Lafayette.

My concern is mostly finding a place to stop for the night after the first day. I imagine everything in northern LA and eastern TX if are functional are going to be full. I'm following in a rental truck a couple of weeks later, I get to take the dog just to make it more fun.

Looking forward to your trip report.
 
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May 24, 2004
7,129
CC 30 South Florida
Do not go I-10 flooding and working crews will likely be present. take I-65 to I-24 to I-70 and head West. Expect rain.
 
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Jun 21, 2004
2,532
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
River boat type floating casino broke loose from dock and hit I-10 bridge at Lake Charles. It is lodged beneath bridge support columns at present. Probably going to take several days to clear that and inspect any damage to bridge. I-10 is going to be a disaster with clean up contractors, utility crews, and residents trying to return home. Definitely avoid I-10 route.
 
Jun 21, 2004
2,532
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
Thanks for asking John. Definitely got a BIG pass on this one. Minimal surge, wind, & rain....very fortunate indeed.
Stripped the boat and secured on Sunday. Think that I will let her remain in that condition for another 6 weeks, just to be cautious!
Still very early in the storm season.
 
Oct 22, 2014
20,992
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Still very early in the storm season.
This is an insightful observation. Laura started out as a pussycat. Playing across the Atlantic, dancing through the Eastern Caribbean, even dawdling across Cuba. Then she grew fangs and sank her teeth into the shores of Louisiana. You can never be too sure of what will happen with these beasts.
 
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