Tropical Storm Delta is advancing through the Gulf of Mexico as it moves toward the Louisiana coast Friday. Hurricane-force winds are forecast for south-central and southwestern Louisiana and extreme upper Texas, with a strong storm surge expected along the coast. A severe storm surge is expected along the coast of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
Delta's track and intensity are still in flux, but it is likely to move over or very near the area devastated by Hurricane Laura back in August. This includes Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish's surrounding areas, as well rural Cameron Parish along the coast.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) says Delta is strengthening quickly, and is on the path to landfall Friday as a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 111 miles per hour. The hurricane will weaken after it makes landfall, but it could re-intensify again over the weekend as it continues its journey to the U.S.
Hurricane-force winds now extend up to 60 miles from Delta center. Tropical storm-force wind are now possible up until 125 mile from its center. The NHC has issued tropical hurricane warnings for a large portion of the coastline including parts Louisiana and Mississippi.
This is the very first time since Hurricane Wilma of 2005 that a Category 4 hurricane has been strengthened in less than 24hrs. This is the fastest intensification in a hurricane to date and it should lead to dangerous winds as Delta hits land.
According to the most recent guidance from global models, there is very little chance that Delta will suffer significant damage before making landfall. However, extreme intensification of the storm will be prevented by lower water temperatures, ocean heat content, and stronger southwesterlywind shear.
NHC reported that Delta is moving towards a slightly north-northwest track on Wednesday. This will bring the hurricane within striking distance of Grand Cayman Island, western Cuba, and the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday night. Delta is expected bring torrential rainfall and hurricane-force winds to an area similar to Laura last August.
The track of the storm is still uncertain. However, its intensity has dropped from 120 mph earlier this weeks to 110 mph today. As it moves closer towards the coast, it is expected to weaken prior to landfall. This will allow it to interact with Tropical Storm Gamma (also on its way to Florida).
Delta, unlike other tropical storms, will travel counter-clockwise around its center. It is expected to turn around as it moves westward through Caribbean on Thursday andFriday. The NHC states that Delta will continue to move northward into the northern Gulf of Mexico. However, it will not re-intensify if it approaches the U.S.
FAQ
How to Navigate Without a Compass or With One
Although a compass does not tell you where you're going, it can help you get back to your home in case you lose your bearings.
You can navigate using three different methods:
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By landmarks
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By magnetic North (using an compass).
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By stars
You recognize landmarks when you see them. These can be trees, buildings, rivers, and so on. Because they give you a visual clue about where you are, landmarks are very useful.
Magnetic North simply refers to the direction that the Earth's magnet field points. If you look at the sky, the sun appears like it's moving across the sky. However, the earth's magnet field causes the sun to move about the earth. While it may appear that the sun moves across the sky, in fact, the sun actually moves around its horizon. The sun is overhead at noon. The sun is directly beneath you at midnight. Because the earth's magnet field is constantly changing, the exact position of the magnetic North Pole changes every day. This means you might be off the course by quite a bit during a single day.
Another way to navigate is with stars. Stars rise and set above the horizon. These are fixed points in time that you can use for determining your location relative others.
What is the most crucial survival tool for you if you're lost?
The compass indicates which direction north is. It also shows us how far we have traveled from our starting point. The compass won't always show you the correct direction if you travel to mountains. However, if you're in a flat area, the compass should be able to show you the way.
You could also use a rock or a tree as a reference point if you don't own a compass. However, you can still use a landmark as a way to navigate but it will be easier to determine north.
Why you should know basic survival skills?
Although you may not always have water and food, you will be able to survive in an emergency situation.
It is important to learn how you can take care of others and yourself. You won't be able to cope with crisis situations if you don't learn how to do it.
You need to learn how build shelters, fires, and make food for those who venture into the wilderness.
These are all essential skills that everyone should know. They will help you to stay safe and healthy while on a camping trip.
Why are knot-tying skills very important for survival?
People all over the globe use knots to attach items like ropes, fishing lines and ladders. They also have many other uses, including tying bags shut, securing objects to trees, and creating makeshift shelters. A basic skill, making knots, can save lives.
What is the difference of a folding and fixed-blade knife, you ask?
Folding knives can be folded compactly so they fit in a backpack or pocket. The blade folds away when not in use.
Fixed-blade knives are meant to stay fixed in normal use. These knives have longer blades that folding knives.
Fixed-blade knives are stronger but more difficult to transport.
What's the time taken to find help once you are lost?
This depends on several factors:
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Wherever you are
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Which type of terrain are you in?
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No matter whether you have cell reception
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Whether you have been seen by someone
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Whether you have been injured
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Whether you are dehydrated
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No matter if you've been drinking water.
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How recently have you eaten?
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It doesn't matter if you are wearing the right clothing
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No matter if you're carrying a compass or a map,
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Are you familiar with the area?
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How much time has passed since you became lost
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How long did it take you to search for help?
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How much time does it take for people to notice you missing
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You are amazed at how fast they find you and start searching for you
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How many rescuers do you attract
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How many rescues did you receive
Statistics
- Without one, your head and neck can radiate up to 40 percent of your body heat. (dec.ny.gov)
- Not only does it kill up to 99.9% of all waterborne bacteria and parasites, but it will filter up to 1,000 liters of water without the use of chemicals. (hiconsumption.com)
- The downside to this type of shelter is that it does not generally offer 360 degrees of protection and unless you are diligent in your build or have some kind of tarp or trash bags, it will likely not be very resistant to water. (hiconsumption.com)
- We know you're not always going to be 100% prepared for the situations that befall you, but you can still try and do your best to mitigate the worst circumstances by preparing for a number of contingencies. (hiconsumption.com)
External Links
How To
How to Build A Lean-To Shelter
Lean-tos are small structures found throughout the United States. They are made from wood or steel poles covered by tarps. The walls, floor, and ceiling are usually built first, then the roof is added.
Lean-tos are temporary shelters that are built to the side of buildings when the weather isn't allowing for permanent shelter. It may also be referred to as a "lean-to shed," "lean-to cabin," or "lean-to house."
There are many types of lean-tos, including:
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A simple wooden frame covered in tarpaulin. This type of leaning-to is very common in rural locations.
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A lean to tent that consists of a framework made of poles and supporting a Tarpaulin.
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A lean-to cabin is also known as a "cabin on-frame" and consists of a platform supported with beams and posts.
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A lean-to shed is also known as a "shelter on a pole" or "paddockshed". It consists of a frame of poles and supports covered with a cover.
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A lean to garage is also called "garage-onstilts" or "overhang". It consists of a steel framework that rests on concrete stilts.
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A lean to studio is also known by the names "studio-on a-frame" and "studio-on a-post". It consists a framework consisting of two parallel horizontal members, (posts), as well as one perpendicular member.
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A lean-to greenhouse, also called a "greenhouse-on-a-post," consists of three parallel horizontal members (posts), one perpendicular member (beam), and a canopy.