The hurricane is now a Cat 2 but the coverage had been upgraded to a category 6.
I find that coverage of day hurricanes is much better than coverage of night hurricanes-First off in a night hurricane you can't see all the stuff blowing around-you have to take the news guy's word for it.
Do we realy care about the Hamptons???
Right now it's a toss up between Jim Cantore and Greta VanSusterin regarding the most alarmist coverage so far-if pushed, I'm giving Greta the edge.
New York Skyscrapers can certainly withstand a cat 1 storm (if it is even still a hurricane when it gets to New Yurk).
Bloomberg is an idiot. If he wanted to evacuate the city of New York for this storm, they would have had to issue the order 3 weeks ago.
I'm sorry and don't mean to make light-but this coverage is SO FAR OVER THE TOP that I just can't help myself.
And as far as not selling beer-that's just plain stupid. What else are you going to do with no power??? Would you rather have people at home drinking or out looting??????
Let's think things through people. Notify us that a hurricane is coming-keep people posted of the time of landfall and that's it. We know what these things are we don't need to see reporters in the rain or at the beach for cryin' out loud reporting back "Well Bob. the wind is really blowing and the rain is coming in sideways and it stings-Oh and look at that cow flying through the air". If people aren't smart enough to know to take basic precautons to protect themselves and property, or didn't have the foresight to have insurance, etc. then let natural selection take over.
But don't put some twit on TV for 24 hours a day telling me to get out of the rain.

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Forum consigliere

It's become a ratings frenzy defcon5 level. There isn't enough yet in election/politics to keep ratings up so this is raw fresh meat to the lamestream media.

You've got 24 hours to fill, commercials to sell, and you're not supposed to say anything bad about he who must not be named. That's why every pretty little girl or pretty little lady who is missing for five minutes is plastered all over the TV.

ETA: You might enjoy this, Caj.

http://dailycaller.com/2011/08/26/whats-in-your-go-bag/

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Insert short witty words here

Three or four years ago, the coverage of the flooding at Craig, Mo, had the reporter standing in waist deep water. I couldn't help but notice the rubber tired irrigation system behind him was only up to the steel wheels. That would be six to ten inches of water if the wheel was on flat ground (they usually are in a rut).
So what that told me was that he was standing in the road ditch, which was (wait for it) "full of water".
By the way, levee breaks have caused flooding at Craig in 2010 and 2011.

Caj, we all notice the same thing up here in the northern tier states.

We've been getting snow since the ice ages, but all of a sudden, the local news crews spend so much time breathlessly covering any snowfall, that each front that comes through is touted to be the end of the world.

For heaven's sake, they get the local "STORM TEAM" out to cover a two inch, two hour blast of snow.

I mean, really, they have got to feel just a little stupid broadcasting insignificant weather events...and when they do have something real to report, it's like they're all competing for Emmy awards trying to outdo each other!

Then, after the hyperbole about the weather comes the teaser for the next story...."What you don't know about your toothbrush that could kill you! More at eleven!"

Len

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Qui me amat, amet et canem meum

I have learned over the years. DO NOT TURN THE TV ON!!

The talking heads will whip you into a frenzy and exhaust you!!

My wife was just bugging me about the details of the storm, she should have married Jim Cant you see Me on the Beach Now.

I told her look on NOAA on the puter.

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Still Running Against the Wind

I couldn't agree more CAJUNLAWYER. The photo below (credited to AP Photo /Gerry Broome) says it all - anyone who builds a structure at the edge of the ocean is more than likely aware (or should be) of what will eventually happen to said structure. They make a ton of money renting it and when its knocked down, they just re-build it for the next crazy tourist that is willing to spend $5K a week or more to rent it. We surely don't need crazed reporters standing out in it to let us know what's going on. The broadcasters call these reporters "brave" but I think they're just plain ridiculous!

sensational reporting is not needed during dire emergencies and natural disasters

And, even stranger, you get this warning from a twit that doesn't have enough sense to be out of the rain.

The other bunch that really torques me up are the "Why is FEMA taking so long to save us?" pack of *****s

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In dog years I'm dead.

BINGO!!!

First, CAJUNLAWYER'S comment that "not selling beer" is "stupid" is absolutely spot on. In fact, not selling beer is directly related to looting beer stores.

Second, on a far more serious note, I have friends (and their families) with whom I am very close They live in different parts of New Jersey and in areas that are NOT prone to flooding. Both, however, are likely to get flooded this weekend though I pray the damage is to their basements, only. That's bad enough but more easily fixed than finished areas.

Spoke with the head of each family yesterday. (FTR, that's the lovely wife in each case. ) They as prepared as they can be.

My thoughts are with them as well as with any of you Forum members who find yourselves in harm's way.

May the Good Lord take care of you and yours...

Be safe.

The run up to these is the best part, all the serious looking reporters and so called experts telling us what may happen, when in reality they have no more idea than the rest of us. Remember it's all in the marketing, sell the sizzle not the steak.

The best part of this is watching the normally very well turned out and finely attired field reporters looking like drowned rats.

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Always Stay Strong!

Heck, I got so nervous watching that I went to Walmart this morning and got extra bottled water, peanut butter and gas for my generator and I live in Dallas.

My wife asked me what they said on TV, I told there they were screaming "we all going to die, run"...

Where is Geraldo when we need him?

This all reminds me of waiting up the road on a accident for a half hour. When you get up to see the accident, there better be some dead people or it will make you even madder if not!

They hype up how bad the storm could be and after it's over they tell us how lucky that we are that it wasn't worse.

What is the biggest sin of this whole mess is that if there is a real threat I would not believe these people. Too much "The sky is falling" and not enough truth. I am going to do what I believe I should, charge all my Dewalt 18v's and sit it out. I am so sick of all the Bull about everything from politics to miny-pads. How do we live without the right floor cleaner? Heck, I am going to go buy more beer.
Best, Frank.

The Weather Channel has been on steroids all week and NYC's little Emporer Bloomberg must love the drama of evacuating people. At least his attention has been diverted away from all those evil southerners who allegedly bring most of the illegal guns to his City.

You've waited since 2010 to post this (great post by-the-way), I suspect that you were just preparing for Katrina and Rita.

Apparently, nothing else is happening in the world worth reporting, or the entire world’s population is glued to this non-stop reporting.

I was driving home from Gulf Shores, Alabama this morning must have passed 25 -30 Entergy bucket trucks heading east on I-10. probably heading up to help restore power in Irene's path. I hope there is not too much damage. Also hoping we don't get a visit from a hurricane here any time soon!

Steve W

I do not know anyone personally in the effected areas but my heart goes out to them. I know there are several on here in the path of the storm and I would hate for them to suffer any loss.

Yes, I want to see what is going on up there and am watching the coverage with interest. It is not I want to see damage or deaths but I want to know what is happening there. I feel sorry for anyone in those areas.

I wish they could send us the rainfall they do not need at this time. As dry as it is here, I would not mind some flooding around my house.

at least they haven't mashed "apocalypse" to the word hurricane yet like they do when it snows.

IT'S A TWISTER ... IT'S A TWISTER...!!!

The Wizard of Oz: Cyclone Clip - YouTube

Can't be worse than this.


GF

Lotta good posts here about how the talking heads don't have a clue as to what is happening and how it is irresponsible to broadcast hyperbolic, alarmist reports when people are already anxious about the future.

The reporting on the tsunami-damaged Japanese nuclear reactor was like that: "Hi, I'm Anderson Cooper and I am gonna explain to you why this nuclear reactor is seriously bad news..." I'm thinkin', "What does this guy know about nuclear reactors?" and got my info elsewhere.

We have had team coverage since Wednesday here in N.E. S.C. Myrtle Beach actually had some limbs break off trees.The Storm Teams are orgasmic.There's even reports of puddles of water. I just heard Myrtle Beach is back to OPCON 5---- normal operating conditions.

People in the danger zone aren't home in front of the TV , and probably have no electricity anyway.

Those who live in low-lying , flood prone areas should know enough to get to higher ground by now.

The TV news just rehashes the same bit every 20mins.

The daily weather forecast is almost as bad. The bubble-headed bleach blonde 'meteorologist' waves her hands and shows global effects and talk about who knows what for 10mins to the point where ya zone out or fall asleep and miss the simple local 5 day forecast ya wanted to see in the first place.

No kidding, by the time this storm gets to NYC it's likely it's going to be just a bad storm and the storm surge will probably be measured in inches. But, he just had to shut down the ENTIRE TRANSIT system at noon today when the storm wasn't even to Viginia yet. I can only have sympathy for all those merchants in NYC who are yet again being victimized by Blooming Idiot.

Our son, who lives here with us, is an Electrical Lineman and he's seriously considering flying over to NY on Monday. He talked to a few Electric Co. Rep's by phone today and they assured him that they would have work for him once he arrived.

The last time he "bugged out" was during Ike and he spent approx. 5 weeks down in TX before returning home.

One person's misery is (usually) another person's paycheck........

Working for State Govt, I and many others went in after the Big Ones here in Florida to provide relief efforts. We where there for several days when FEMA came rolling in with a beyond full size semi tractor trailer and giant top of the line CAB (can't remember the name brand) but it was one of the best.

These quys (5 or more) were going to set up a phone and computer bank in the small building we were using when we were done. So they sat around doing nothing.

As I was a Supervisor I asked to see inside the tractor trailer. Well you guys would have died!!
It was like something the President would travel in.!!

It had a full size Oak conference tables, Giant wide screen Flat Plasma TV, top of the line chairs. Individual cubbyholes with phones, computers, full kitchen, bathrooms, Giant Sat dish and on and on.

It sat there running with the generators going and the A/C running for days and was not used for a single thing!!.

Besides setting up the phones, they where there to hand out blue tarps. Only problem was, they did not have them yet and this area was mostly mobile homes and there was nothing to put tarps on, they where all gone!!
When we were leaving they started putting brand new chairs and tables in the small arena type building we had been using. What was wrong with the chairs and tables that were in there allready?? We used them just fine?

These people needed water, food and a covered roof to sleep in. There was no electric power for days/weeks.

They had nothing to begin with and now whatever it was ...gone!!

Back to the FEMA guys, they sat around trying to talk with us while we were working 12-16 hour days out in the heat and humidity, the local Sheriff Deputies where also helping us and I final asked if they could have those guys go sit in their fancy truck and watch TV or something.

After another storm (Charley) FEMA set up a mobile home park right off I-75 for those that lost their homes. It worked well for a while but then they wanted them back even though the folks still had no homes. They started kicking people out but the mobiles just sat there for at least a year and deteriorated so they were useless to be used again.

FEMA has the most money and has no idea of when and how to use it correctly.

OK, I'm done now.

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Still Running Against the Wind

He be the only weatherman I believed........
"Fair tonight.....followed by tomorrow.....later on this evening"

I was in the trucking industry for many years. The only thing that surpasses the incompetence of FEMA is the size of their wallet.

I have never seen play by play" broadcasting even for a Category 5. I am sure that the east Coasters are not mostly pansies, but the media sure makes them out that way. "We even put our yard furniture away!" says one hefty soocer mom. Yes, you are in the path of a hurricane sweety. "We even got us some bottled water" says another survivalist genius. The media sure goes into overdrive when something happens in New York or LA. World War III, or Chicago vaporized in nuclear accident would be at the end of the broadcast, after Kim Kardasian's 30 minute explanation on the great ordeal of how the 20 minute rain in Beverly Hills delayed her nail appointment. I guess we just need to get used to it if we cannot ignore it.

I think this is the reverse of the NIMBY syndrome.
When a hurricane is happening to a bunch of rednecks and crackers down on the GOM it may be of some interest in-between discussions of BHO’s golf Game.

BUT, OH MY GOD, this is happening to US right HERE in NY, it isn’t supposed to happen to US!
SOMEONE DO SOMETHING! My house in the Hamptons may be damaged.

Where is Janet Incompetentano Send FEMA, Call out the NG.

In brief, they think that their Ox will be gored, its personal.

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Ipsis Rebus Dictantitbus

The Hippy Dippy Weatherman... we're showing our age.

GF

Weather Channel on air people are getting more irritating by the minute.

"Did you see that? That's a tree limb blowing down the street." All the while the person (male) is shrieking like a 12 year old girl.

And just moments ago Jim Cantore is actually suggesting buildings will blow over in NYC. And his (dry) counterpart in the studio remarks "they have many tall buildings there." (Last not direct quote but close enough.)

And earlier (not on TWC) it was stated that JFK Airport will be under twenty feet (20 feet!) of water. Guarantee folks, that is a physical impossibility.

Oh, best yet, just about every local politician and police spokesperson is stating the police and other emergency responders are now taking "shelter in place."

Simply wow!

Be safe.

Yup okay so we're going to get a hurricane. Whoopee. Went to do my usual grocery shopping today. Nothing extra. Even if we don't end up with electricity for a week it's no big deal. We camp so no need for foolish purchases. Did buy extra beer though. The center is supposed to come right thru here and I'm actually kind of excited about it. Can't do a damn thing about it so I might as well enjoy it.
DW

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"NUTS"

Cantore has just announced "things are looking up in New York City." Buildings have not toppled and the city is not underwater. Cantore sounded quite disappointed.

Be safe.

I think 2 days of continuous coverage is a bit much, and I'm talking MSNBC. I wonder if their ratings improve? I can understand the weather channel beating a dead horse but MSNBC, please.

One of our local news readers was assigned to cover the action in Goldsboro (halfway between Raleigh and the coast). He evidently didn't rank as highly as the news-babe that got to stand on the beach providing the blow-by-blow. In one of her "reports" she was jumping around like the proverbial crack-baby.

Anyway, Tyronne reporting from Goldsboro hurried to the scene of a 3 inch diameter limb that had fallen across a secondary road. Lights, cameras, lights, and reporting on the tree carnage.

We were called back to the scene 30 minutes later when "T" could report on the "almost accident" of a truck that barely stopped before running over that same limb. Again, lights, camera, breathless almost-report, and not much action.

Oh well. It does provide some humor in a potentially dangerous time.

Local news channel follows Twitter and just showed a feed from a New Yorker who advises all: "There's a hurricane in NYC." "Not even food delivery cyclists are out."

Suspect the "reporter" will soon dial 9-1-1 and demand emergency food be delivered to his/her 31st floor crib.

Be safe.

So, why didn't Tyronne take some of his down time and move the stupid limb out of the road? Idiots.

I'm a little tired of the 24/7 coverage, too. There are accusations starting to pop up that everything is being overstated. One blogger claims winds shown on Weather Underground are in the 30s, far from hurricane strength. If this was happening in Panama City instead of New York City, they'd be doing five minutes every 30.

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Insert short witty words here

Stay safe and have a couple of beers for me while you're ducking the "flying tree limbs".

The media never changes. All I've heard is NY, NY, NY. They have barely mentioned North Carolina and Virginia. Just like nothing happened there. They did the same thing during Katrina. It was New Orleans, New Orleans, New Orleans, when more that half the Mississippi Gulf Coast was literally wiped off the face of the earth.

To be fair, TWC was all over North Carolina coverage-wise yesterday morning.

I have watched way more coverage than I should have. That said, the states that seemed to be shortchanged are Virginia and New Jersey. I do not recall seeing any of the on-scene reporters reporting from those states.

Be safe.

Being from FLORIDA! Whats to know about hurricanes!!!

Feral you have said something all of have thought at one time but never had the nerve to say

BTW do any of you remember that newscast from New Orleans during Katrina where the shot showed some guy in a flooded neighborhood broad casting from a boat? Then all of a sudden someone walks by behind him and we see the water is about 6" deep

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Forum consigliere

And if you really want people to stay in their homes, don't have an idiot anchor standing on the shoreline telling you how dangerous it is...that only encourages the idiot people to want to come down and see for themsleves...report from your idiot anchor desk if you really want to do a service to the piblic...the rest of know what waves and wind look like.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Bloomberg's trying to get his Rudy Guiliani ticket punched. Remember Rudy upstaged him after 9/11.

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Bob.
SWCA 1821