Okie(s) in Florida

Will Noel hit south Florida or not?

“SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) - Tropical Storm Noel brought heavy rain and flooding to the Dominican Republic on Monday and officials said at least 20 people had died.”

In an indication of weather prediction imperfection, forecasters weren’t sure how this late season storm, now a tropical depression, could affect south Florida.

The theme seems to be no — with a caveat.

“Complex steering currents combined with the storm’s sluggish nature have made track and intensity projections uncertain, the National Hurricane Center in Miami-Dade County said.”

So we’ll keep an eye on it.

“Meanwhile, a significant change in Noel’s projected path brought South Florida into the three-day cone of probability. Though a direct hit remained unlikely, forecasters said they might post storm watches late Monday or early Tuesday.

”Obviously, we need to continue to monitor this thing,” said Navy Lt. Dave Roberts, a hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center in West Miami-Dade County. “If we’re all completely wrong on this, we want to make sure everyone is prepared.”’

Stay tuned on whether I’ll get to experience my first tropical weather.