The Irish weather forecast predicts that … the remnants of Hurricane Irene will end up as a depression somewhere southwest of Iceland, but there is some diffence of opinion between the models as to how strong this will be. This will have a bearing on what happens to the high pressure. It will most likely shift to our southeast, possibly allowing some increased cloud and light rain bands in later in the week. The UK Outlook for Tuesday 30 Aug 2011 to Thursday 8 Sep 2011 from the Met Office is as follows: Largely dry with a mixture of cloud and bright or sunny spells during the middle part of next week. Whilst many regions look set to then remain mainly fine and dry through the rest of the next week, some western and southwestern areas are likely to turn more unsettled with showers or longer spells of rain. These unsettled conditions may then spread into other parts of the UK during the weekend and start of the following week; eastern and southeastern Britain then most likely to hang on to more settled weather. Some chilly nights, especially in the North. Meanwhile, daytime temperatures are expected to be largely around average during the middle part of next week; some indication of warmer conditions developing over southern, eastern and central UK later next week. Updated: 1217 on Thu 25 Aug 2011
"Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale"
All Hurricanes are dangerous, but some are more so than others. The way storm surge, wind and other factors combine determines the hurricanes destructive power. To make comparisons easier and to make the predicted hazards of approaching hurricanes clearer to emergency managers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's hurricane forecasters use a disaster-potential scale which assigns storms to five categories. This can be used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast with a hurricane.
The scale was formulated in 1969 by Herbert Saffir, a consulting engineer, and Dr. Bob Simpson, director of the National Hurricane Center. The World Meteorological Organization was preparing a report on structural damage to dwellings due to windstorms, and Dr. Simpson added information about storm surge heights that accompany hurricanes in each category.
One 74-95 mph No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage
Two 96-110 mph Some roofing material, door, and window damage to buildings. Considerable damage to vegetation, mobile homes, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.
Three 111-130 mph Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtain-wall failures. Mobile homes are destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain continuously lower than 5 feet ASL may be flooded inland 8 miles or more.
Four 131-155 mph More extensive curtain-wall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain continuously lower than 10 feet ASL may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas inland as far as 6 miles.
Five greater than 155 mph Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet ASL and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5 to 10 miles of the shoreline may be required.
