Gfdl: Hurricane Ike Headed for Galveston?

Just when you think you are caught up on your acronyms along comes a whole new set of them that one at least needs to have some working knowledge in the summer hurricane months. So what is this GDFL and why should I care? GFDL stands for Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. Oh, so now I know! Know what? I know that it’s not being good to Galveston, nor Hosuton right now.

GFDL’s mission is to be a world leader in the production of timely and reliable knowledge and assessments on natural climate variability and anthropogenic changes and in the development of the required earth system models. Can you say hurricane tracking? :-)

Want another one?

GFDL works cooperatively in NOAA to advance its expert assessments of changes in national and global climate through research, improved models, and products. And NOAA stands for? I’m glad you asked- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Now, let’s get on for teh purpose of this commentary. When a hurricane comes into existence, several such entities like GFDL issue their thoughts and predictions as to where the hurricane will go.

When you put them all together they look like a spaghetti model and are so labelled.

Well, this afternoon GFDL broke ranks with UKMET, GFS, HWRF, and NGDFL and in the not so good of “breaking ranks”. The GFDL model has made a significant northward shift, bringing a category 4 hurricane to Galveston Island. Since I live in Hosuton, Texas that’s not good, not good at all. Right now the other models have Ike coming in 110 miles to the Southwest of Houston- around Port Lavaca.

But, with three days to go who knows? Not moi! :-(

Related posts:

1. Hurricane Ike in Galveston Island, TX -
2. How are you guys in Houston or Galveston area coping with Hurricane Ike?
3. A Brand New Big Electric RC Helicopter : The Hurricane 550