x_storm | (no subject)

(no subject)

Scientists predict a busier-than-normal hurricane season in 2007.

A subtropical storm has already grown to large enough proportions to be named; hurricane season has not even officially started yet. No storms made landfall last year, but with an above-average prediction this year, we may not be so fortunate. The NOAA advises those that may be affected to update their preparedness plans - this is not us, but we should still be aware (particularly RedX participants).

Additional information here.

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Planning on holding one of those back, Stormy?

Not all these hurricanes are expected to touch land - only a few, and those may be in underdeveloped areas where loss of homes and lives would not be an issue.

If there was one threatening people, I suppose then it would come down to the very difficult decision of whether the physical and environmental repercussions of averting the storm would be less or more destructive than the hurricane itself - in effect, trying to predict what sort of unpredictable effects interfering with such a grand work of nature may have.

This, of course, is assuming I could do such a thing... an assumption I am not completely convinced is true, having never had the opportunity to test myself against a hurricane in any aspect. While I believe I may have the capability, it is always troublesome to go into a situation with such a great unknown hovering over one's head, especially with lives at stake. There is really no way of testing such a thing, however, even with all our technology and equipment. I would essentially be facing one blind, and I cannot say if I would feel comfortable doing that or not.

Or the short answer: Maybe?

I've seen hurricanes hit the coast. They strip away the houses like kids blocks, up and over three field to land in splinters. Waves twenty feet tall that can crack brickwork; winds that can suck you up and toss you a mile before you have the chance to take a breath. I know you're powerful, 'ro, but that's something primal. You don't get in the way of that unless you're not expecting not to come out after.

There is another thing to consider. How many lives must be at stake before your own becomes forfeit? I will pray to the Goddess that the hurricanes that do form stay well away from land... it scares me to even think that they might not. For many reasons.

Now I remember why I follow you. You're as crazy as I am.

I fail to see how trying to accurately quantify the risks and benefits of a hypothetical situation involving hurricanes and my ability to stop them qualifies me as insane. Prudent, perhaps... procrastinatory, certainly. But insane? Now you are just slinging mud.

Oh, I'm not saying this because I have any room to talk.

And it's not mud, it's fellow-feeling!

I will admit it was not entirely my idea - Kent and Wayne at Colorado State were quite interested to hear my ideas on the subject. I am only glad they are there and I am here, if only to preclude any more poking and electrodes.

I bet you they're still harassing you over email though, aren't they? From what you've said about the gentlemen, they don't seem like the type to let go easily.

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