(Part 2) Best products from r/TropicalWeather

I'd highly recommend taking an intro to meteorology class.



If not able to (many schools don't have them whatsoever), I'd suggest trying MetEd: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/resources_faq.php There are a few courses available there.


I wouldn't suggest purchasing many intro-level books that are focused towards young children. Though many books I've seen are qualitative, some don't provide enough information.


This is the textbook I used for an intro level course at a UC. Qualitative but informative. Meteorology https://www.amazon.com/dp/0073659630/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_FulQzbBY7NJ0X Pretty much all of the available copies seem to be used.

https://amazon.com/Kaito-Powered-Emergency-Weather-Flashlight/dp/B01I4W8EEE?keywords=kaito%2Bradio&qid=1536540554&sr=8-8&ref=mp_s_a_1_8&th=1&psc=1

That’s the one we’ve had since Matthew and it’s still going strong. Great sound and reception and really long battery life for the times we’ve used it. The biggest drawback is the antenna doesn’t swivel so sometimes you have to lean the entire radio on something to get certain stations but for all I know they may have updated this model in the two years since we bought it. There are also cheaper versions of this radio on amazon. But basically Kaito brand.

I have two of these: https://www.amazon.com/O2COOL-Portable-Lighting-Accessories-3-Adjustable/dp/B01H583DJ4

I LOVE them. The batteries lasted for hours, and they made my life so much better after Irma.

I bought a solar-rechargeable battery bank on Amazon for this one. Figure I can at least charge up my phone/Kindle and power a small USB desk fan for the hot night.

EDIT: I got this one. Reviews were good and it has an integrated flashlight.

You can buy a 12v fan that runs off of a cigarette charger in a car. Then you can buy a $100 deep cycle marine battery and run the fan for almost two weeks. You can also use the battery to charge your phone. All in, for less than $150, you can charge your phone and have a fan for over a week without power.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SS62PS/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G8WLX78/

At our old house we used plywood. My neighbor showed me a really easy way to do this with some prep work beforehand but you only have to do it once. Cut each sheet of plywood exactly to the dimensions of the window you are placing it over and label each. Attach 4 (or more for large windows) eyebolts to each corner of the plywood, then drill holes in the concrete/brick/stucko where the eyebolt lines up when put in place. When a storm comes, you just have to put the plywood in place and latch the eyebolts. We went through 4 storms (biggest was a cat 4) and never had an issue. Super quick to put up and take down, although not as quick as accordian/electric.

If you had an AVR like this could you expect to be protected if you still wanted to watch TV until the power went out?

Try going to your local camping/outdoor supply store. They often have large water containers to set up in your campsite. The ones I got are flexible plastic containers that fold up flat, but inflate like a giant water balloon into a cube shape when full.

Here’s an amazon link to one similar to the ones I have:

Reliance Products 5 Gallon Poly-Bagged Fold-A-Carrier Collapsible Water Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QBZI90/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_k0RzDb25BXN7E

I know its too late to order gas cans online. But here is the best ones to use. Get rid of that spout and add this one (link below too).

https://www.amazon.com/Gallon-Can-Spill-Proof-Container/dp/B00SLPYJX0/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?keywords=gas+can&pd_rd_i=B00SLPYJX0&pd_rd_r=b5103acb-842b-471a-8ed4-6cad64c99ff4&pd_rd_w=SQPWy&pd_rd_wg=rV3Vm&pf_rd_p=d006b618-5fac-44e6-850d-a0fdd19f7847&pf_rd_r=6V47S3MXBY03ME7XAVX5&qid=1567161134&s=gateway&sprefix=gas+



https://www.amazon.com/Gas-Spout-Replacement-Water-White/dp/B0149L17FC/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=ez+pour+gas+can+spout+10050&qid=1567161375&s=gateway&sprefix=ez+pour+gas+can+spout&sr=8-4

You'll be fine. In the worst case scenario (it goes around Florida and then comes up to hit you), you'll have ample time to prepare or evacuate.

For now, I'd just grab some extra supplies (Jugs of water, non perishable food) on your next grocery visit.

Edit: I've read a bit more about this storm, I think it's worth taking more seriously (Cat 4 is HUGE). Get all of those supplies you need, but also consider a hand crank radio/flashlight. I bought this item on amazon last year when I lived in Florida before Matthew threatened, it's a hand crank radio/flashlight/phone charger all in one. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DVXDXQU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

GFS Full-Res goes down to 945.

Two recommend books include:

Meteorology Today by Donald Ahrens(Paid)

As long as you have a decent understanding of algebra and maybe some trig, Practical Meteorology would be fine as well.

Practical Meteorology: An Algebra-based Survey of Atmospheric Science(Free)

Check these LRD lanterns out on Amazon. Unbelievably bright and they take AA batteries, which are still able to be found everywhere.

A windup radio is important (something like this).

Candles & Books.

I bought one of these and keep an extra car battery on hand.

https://www.amazon.com/CUZEC-Extension-Battery-Cigarette-Lighter/dp/B072MZM74S/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=battery+clamp+to+cigarette+lighter&qid=1567193508&s=gateway&sprefix=battery+clamp+to+&sr=8-3

Hook up a 12v to USB adapter to this and you can charge anything via USB.

Whatever works for you. :) Personally I'd rather go to the dentist than WalMart.

Kirkland batteries are also available on Amazon...

https://www.amazon.com/Kirkland-Signature-1-5V-Alkaline-Batteries/dp/B003FZ4RQA

They are more expensive there though (I think they are $11 at Costco vs. $22 at Amazon). But probably still cheaper than 48ct. Duracells.

I would add solar powered battery banks. No gas required, charge during the day, then whatever device you need when you need it.

Great list.