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What are the biggest dangers with Hurricane Frances?
Not surprisingly, wind and flooding. The storm was moving so slowly late Saturday that even tropical storm-force winds can do a lot of damage when they are sustained over 18 to 24 hours, as current forecasts predict. And the rain accompanying Frances is forecast to be heavy and continuous from early today into Monday morning. Meteorologists were still talking about 12 to 20 inches in some places.
How much water is 12 to 20 inches of rain?
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 20 inches of water standing on one acre of ground would be 543,080 gallons, or enough water to draw 10,862 50-gallon baths.
Will it be safe to drive after the storm passes?
It's a good idea to avoid it. Streets could be blocked by downed trees, limbs, power lines and flooding. At least one person was killed after Hurricane Charley because the water on the road was too deep for the driver to tell where the pavement ended and a drainage canal began, according to Craig Fugate, director of the state emergency management division. Roads should be kept clear for emergency and utility vehicles.
If I have to drive somewhere, will area bridges be open?
If winds are blowing in excess of 40 mph, the Florida Highway Patrol likely will close the Sunshine Skyway. Other bridges will remain open unless conditions, such as pounding surf, make them unsafe. If, for example, waves are crashing over the Howard Frankland Bridge and splashing over vehicle windshields, authorities could close the bridge. Drawbridges have been locked down for the duration, though that does not prevent motorists from driving over them. If you absolutely can't avoid driving, use a low-profile vehicle that will track more easily in a crosswind.
Are area airports operating?
All flights into and out of Tampa International Airport ceased early Saturday evening. All flights for today have been canceled. Operations are expected to resume Monday as weather permits. St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport is closed. People who planned on flying in the next few days are advised to call their airlines.
If an airport is open, can people use it as a shelter?
No. The airports will not allow the use of their property to shelter people or vehicles.
Is there anything outside that could be dangerous after the storm passes?
Almost too many things to count. Downed power lines, for sure. Even if your home or business lost power, do not assume that downed lines are dead. They could have electricity running through them. And don't wade through water where power lines have gone down. It could be a fatal error. Also beware of flying manhole covers. They can pop off as storm sewers are overwhelmed by runoff.
What about dangers from wildlife?
Beware of critters displaced from their normal nests by the storm. They will be confused and more dangerous than normal. Alligators and snakes are to be strictly avoided. And try to empty any containers around your neighborhood of standing water. The fewer places disease-bearing mosquitoes have to breed, the better.
Why are so many trees falling?
Because the ground is already saturated with water. Near record rains fell in August. Tree roots can't grip as well in mud as in dry earth.
- Compiled by Times staff writer Jean Heller.