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Arlene Heads Toward Gulf States
Written by
Lesly Simmons
, Staff Writer, RedCross.org
Friday, June 10, 2005 — Tropical Storm Arlene is expected to make landfall in Saturday morning around the Gulf of Mexico near Mississippi, and it may be a hurricane when it does.
The storm is gaining speed, with winds now at around 60 miles per hour, and forecasters believe it may reach 70 mph by the time it reaches land, making it a hurricane. The storm is now centered about 400 miles southeast of Pensacola, Fl. and is moving north at about 13 mph.
Although the storm is expected to reach land on Saturday, much of the associated weather will arrive far in advance of landfall, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm is expected to leave three to five inches of rain, with up to seven in some areas starting on Friday evening. The storm surges could reach 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels as well.
"Among the four Gulf States—Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana—Red Cross chapters have identified volunteers and shelters to be on call if needed," said Renita Hosler with Red Cross Disaster Communications. "We are gearing up in case of flooding and high winds."
Some community and Red Cross shelters are already open in the Florida panhandle region, because of flooding caused by Arlene’s soaking rains.
A hurricane watch is in effect from the mouth of the Pearl River in Louisiana, to Panama City, Fl. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible in the area where the watch has been issued, usually within 36 hours. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for much of the rest of the region.
The year’s first tropical storm formed Thursday in the Caribbean and soaked Cuba and southern Florida, with heavy rains and high winds of up to 40 miles per hour. No damage or injuries have been reported.
The named storms are starting much earlier this year—last year Tropical Storm Alex didn’t hit until Aug. 1. Within four weeks four hurricanes hit the southeastern United States, leading to the largest natural disaster response in the history of the American Red Cross.
"We’re urging residents to stay tuned to their local news, and contact their local Red Cross chapter with any questions," said Hosler.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Midwest ice storms, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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