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How strong will Hurricane Frances be when it reaches Tampa Bay?
That's the key question, but no one has the exact answer. If Frances remains on its current forecast track, the eastern edge of the Tampa Bay region could be brushed by category one hurricane-force winds in excess of 74 miles an hour. The rest of the area will experience lower tropical storm-force winds. The most severe problem could be the rains associated with Frances. The storm's forward speed had slowed to 8 mph. If dawdles its way across the state, it could dump as many as 20 inches of rain in some areas, and much of the region's soil already is saturated after a rainy summer.
How much wind damage could there be?
The slower the storm moves across an area, the more time the winds have to do their dirty work. Clear dead branches out of trees and shrubs. Clean up yards of debris, toys and tools. Throw patio furniture into the pool. Take in potted plants. Turn small outdoor tables over on their tops. Generally tie down or shelter anything that could become an wind-borne projectile.
Will local airports remain open?
That will be a day-to-day decision, depending on the weather. As of late Friday, both Tampa International and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International planned normal operations, though several airlines canceled some flights into Tampa. There were no cancellations at St. Petersburg-Clearwater. Before going to either airport, check with your airline.
How do I dry out my house if there's flooding?
As soon as it's safe to turn the electricity on, crank up the air conditioning. Don't open the windows. That just allows more moist air in, which will increase the growth of mold. The A/C acts as a dehumidifier. Remove soaked carpets and pads. Insurers will regard them as unsalvageable. Remove baseboards to inhibit mold. If you have wood or tile floors, use a wet vacuum. Use fans to circulate air and promote drying. Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying. Open drawers and doors to enhance drying.
If cellular phone lines are jammed, is it safe to use a land-line phone in the storm?
Not during the storm, no. If there is lightning in the area, using a land-line phone could be a fatal mistake. Lightning can travel through phone lines.
Is there a safe way to generate light if the power goes out?
Beyond a flashlight, everything else poses dangers. Candles are okay if they are kept away from anything flammable, and if you remember to blow them out before falling asleep. Kerosene lamps are a fire hazard. Remember, in a storm, fire equipment probably won't be able to reach you quickly.
Do I have to protect my propane tanks?
Yes and no. For large tanks, either buried or above ground, turn off the gas at the tank. If the tank is newly installed below ground, considering having it filled before the storm. An empty or nearly empty tank sitting in unsettled dirt can float in very wet conditions. An above-ground tank is already secure. For 20-pound tanks often found with outdoor grills, remove the tank, turn the valve to off and secure it around the collar to an object buried in the ground that doesn't have a lot of surface area for the wind to catch. Never, under any circumstances, take the tank inside the house.
If I need emergency help after the storm, what should I do?
A really high wind can take down street signs, mail boxes and directional signs. Buy an extra sheet of plywood and a can of spray paint so that after the storm you can paint your name, address and the name of your insurance company where passing emergency responders can see the information.
Will there be a disruption in home delivery of the St. Petersburg Times because of the storm?
Actually, home subscribers found a lot of their Sunday extras in today's editions. The Sunday advertising, television guide and comics were delivered with today's papers in case the storm disrupts Sunday deliveries. Those who are Sunday-only subscribers got a Saturday paper as a free bonus. The regular sections of the Sunday paper will be delivered on Sunday on schedule, weather conditions permitting.
Will this infernal hurricane season ever end?
We promise it will. Officially, it ends on Nov. 30, 87 days from today. But the severe storms typically start winding down in October.
- Compiled by Times staff writer Jean Heller.