Culture

A closer look at Hurricane Ian’s category and spaghetti model

Hurricane Ian spaghetti model | Image via Cyclocane

Today, we’re taking a look some hurricane lingo — particularly, what a spaghetti model is and what the categories really mean.

According to the National Weather Service, the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is what’s used to measure how intense a hurricane may be. The scale bases everything on a scale of 1-5 and estimates the catastrophe potential.

Category 1
Expect wind speeds of 74-95 mph, minor damage like removal of roof decking or snapped trees, and possible loss of electricity.
Example: Hurricane Sandy
Category 2
Expect wind speeds of 96-110 mph, extensive damage like uprooted trees, broken windows, and loss of power for days or weeks.
Example: Hurricane Frances
Category 3
Expect wind speeds of 111-129 mph, devastating damage like broken doors and windows, and week or month-long power outages.
Example: Hurricane Wilma
Category 4
Expect wind speeds of 130-156 mph and catastrophic damage like uprooted trees, week or month-long power outages, and damage to even well-built homes.
Example: Hurricane Harvey
Category 5
Expect wind speeds of over 157 mph and unimaginable damage like destroyed homes, fallen trees, and week or month-long power outages.
Example: Hurricane Andrew

Hurricane Spaghetti Models show where tropical systems may go, but do not show where the impacts will occur. When they’re clustered together, forecasters have high confidence they’ll follow a specific “plot-line.”

While Hurricane Ian’s path and intensity can shift, current predictions, as of 6 p.m. on Tuesday, indicate it could hit Florida’s Gulf Coast at a Category 3.

Wondering how you can prepare?

Follow Hurricane Ian’s updates online.
Stock your hurricane kit with these essentials.
Sign up for Hillsborough County emergency notifications on HCFL Alert, or Pinellas alerts here.

Click here to have your event featured.

Plan ahead

St. Pete’s Super Greek Festival 2022 | Fri., Oct. 7 -Sun., Oct. 9 | Times vary | 3600 76th St. N. St. Petersburg | Free | Celebrate and learn about Greek culture at this lively party — complete with Saganaki, Greek vendors, and traditional dancing. 🕺
The Smashing Pumpkins + Jane’s Addiction: Spirits On Fire Tour | Fri., Oct. 7 | 6:30 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $32+ | Rock out to “Tonight, Tonight” and other rock hits from the superstar bands.
SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival | Oct. 14-23 | Times vary | Downtown St. Pete | Free | Come watch some of the world’s best artists continue to color the city.
Blended Festival Tampa | Sat., Nov. 19- Sun., Nov. 20 | Times vary | Perry Harvey Sr. Park, 1000 E Harrison St. | $35+ | Jam out to the Chainsmokers, Nelly, and other artists as you sample all the blends.
Five Finger Death Punch and Brantley Gilbert | Tues, Nov. 22 | 6:30 p.m. | Amalie Arena | $25+ | Rock out on a Tuesday as these artists blend hard rock and country. 🤠
Shopapalooza Festival | Sat.-Sun., Nov. 26-27 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE., Downtown St. Petersburg | Shop small from one of 350+ local small businesses. 🛍️

With Hurricane Ian on the move, please note events are subject to be postponed or canceled. Be sure to check in with event hosts and businesses via social media to be aware of any cancelations or event updates.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*

100+ MORE EVENTS

Your guide to surviving Tampa allergy season

A collection of three bottles of allergy medications sitting in a field of ragweed and grass.

This 3-minute online allergy quiz was designed by allergists to give you the best recommendation for treating your unique allergy symptoms. | Photo provided by Picnic

At TBAYtoday, we love everything about fall. Almost everything — cozy sweaters are great, but we could do without the inevitable spike in allergies. (And no, it’s not just you — allergies are much worse these days.)

But you don’t have to suffer in sneezy, itchy silence. Picnic is a one-stop shop for allergy treatment, with individually customized plans that combine over-the-counter and prescription med solutions so you can live your best Tampa life unbothered.

Bonus: TBAYtoday readers get 20% off.*

BANISH ALLERGIES FROM YOUR LIFE

Weather

79º | Heavy thunderstorms and wind | 100% chance of rain 🌀
Storms are always changing. Follow Hurricane Ian’s path here. Or sign up for digital alerts here. Consider buying a crank radio to stay up to date if you lose service, and keep it tuned to WUSF 89.7 or the National Weather Radio KHB32 at 162.550.

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 7:22 a.m.
Set: 7:20 p.m.

Tide
Old Tampa Bay

High: 4:18 a.m. + 5:50 p.m.
Low: 11:13 a.m. + 10:54 p.m.

Clearwater Beach

High: 1:00 a.m. + 2:07 p.m.
Low: 7:44 a.m. + 7:43 p.m.

Community

Feeling unsafe in your home as the storm approaches? There are a number of shelters open across the Tampa Bay area. Find one in Hillsborough or Pinellas. Make sure to pack any important paperwork, IDs, bedding, personal hygiene essentials, prescriptions, food and water, a flashlight, handheld radio, and anything else you may need. 🔦

Closed

Tampa International Airport stopped flights Tuesday at 5 p.m. to prepare for Hurricane Ian’s arrival. The major airport will reopen once leaders can evaluate damage, bring employees back, and roads are functioning. 🛩️ (Tampa Bay Times)

Pets

Our pets are family too. This article wraps up a few tips to keep your furry friends safe whether you’re hunkering down in a non-evacuation zone or heading to a shelter. One major idea is building a disaster kit for your pup with their medical records, harness, and more. 🐕 (I Love the Burg)
Woof woof. That’s the sound of your pup asking what they’re going to be for Halloween this year. Our ideas: Sherlock Holmes, a professional chef, a fluffy lion, Oscar the Grouch, or a taco. Cats can get in on the fun too, as a “Meowbucks” barista, a slice of bread, or a sophisticated Parisian. 🎃*

Announced

St. Petersburg’s inaugural Piertoberfest — which was scheduled for this Saturday — has been postponed due to Hurricane Ian. Organizers say the event will be moved to a later date in October. Tampa’s SoHo Artwalk, also scheduled for Saturday, has been moved to Nov. 5. 🍻

Development

The old Skyway Marina Mall will soon be replaced with apartments. General contractor company Skanska was recently chosen to build the $111 million Marina Club Apartments. The 400-unit complex will include retail space, a dog park, and a pool. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Biz

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THE WRAP

	Today’s issue was written by Bailey. Editor’s pick: Thinking of you all. I hope you’re hugging your family tight and staying safe. I’m feeling heartened by a Sessums Elementary kindergarten teacher’s message to those sheltering in her classroom that they’re “stronger than any storm.” Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Find more tips on prepping for Ian’s arrival, here.
Read More

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Editorial: Bailey LeFever, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea| Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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