By R. Michael Brown -- The Atlantic Basin in 2017 has had four tropical storms and one tropical depression through mid-July. But does early activity in the Atlantic's main development region indicate an average or above-average season overall?
Lane shifting was completed over the weekend and there is now one lane open east bound and one lane open west bound over the new spans of the Flagler Memorial [North] Bridge. All four lanes on the new bridge are not open yet.
The former Tropical Depression 4 dumped record rains in South Florida. The Palm Beach area received 1.91 inches on Wednesday. The average for that date is usually 0.19 inches.
FDOT NEWS RELEASE -- Flagler Memorial Bridge will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday, July 14, to 6 a.m. Monday, July 17, for a traffic switch on the east side of the bridge.
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Over-Active Hurricane Season So Far - Forecasts Above-Average Season Overall?
Posted by R. Michael Brown
Published: Wednesday, 19 July 2017 11:41
By R. Michael Brown --The Atlantic Basin in 2017 has had four tropical storms and one tropical depression through mid-July. But does early activity in the Atlantic's main development region indicate an average or above-average season overall?
Actually, the activity in June and July has little effect on what happens in the remaining months of the Atlantic hurricane season, based on 1944-1994 data evaluated by the Hurricane Research Division (HRD) of NOAA.
However, one of the main drivers of storm development is water temperature and this year, water is warmer than normal. Warm water is the fuel for hurricanes.
The odds of an above-average hurricane season in the Atlantic basin have increased, according to the latest hurricane season update issued by Colorado State University.
Dr. Phil Klotzbach and Dr. Michael Bell have released their predictions, which is a slight uptick from their last forecast on June 1. The update is calling for 15 named storms compared to 14 in the June release. Eight hurricanes with three of those major hurricanes (maximum sustained winds of 111 mph or greater) are now being called for. The June forecast called for seven hurricanes and two major hurricanes.
The authors noted that the odds of hurricane-suppressing El Niño this year have decreased. El Niño tends to increase wind shear in the Atlantic basin, limiting tropical cyclone development.
Hurricanes 101 - How They Develop | National Geographic [2:51]
Sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic basin remain above average, according to the forecast update. Water temperatures are running above normal not only off the U.S. Atlantic coast, but also in the eastern Atlantic - including around and to the west and north of the Cabo Verde Islands. Warmer sea surface temperatures can add more fuel for tropical cyclone development.
The bottom-line: Get your property ready now and make sure your plans are in place for storms.
Flagler [North] Bridge Re-Opens with Limited Lanes
Posted by R. Michael Brown
Published: Tuesday, 18 July 2017 09:37
Lane shifting was completed over the weekend and there is now one lane open east bound and one lane open west bound over the new spans of the Flagler Memorial [North] Bridge. All four lanes on the new bridge are not open yet.
The Flagler Memorial Bridge replacement project replaced the whole bridge, including the drawbridge connecting the Town of Palm Beach and West Palm Beach over the Lake Worth Lagoon and the Intracoastal Waterway.
The Flagler Drive overpass was replaced with an “at-grade” intersection, meaning that bridge traffic will empty into West Palm at ground level on Flagler Drive and Flagler Drive traffic will have direct access to the bridge. The Flagler Drive intersection is not open yet but traffic lights are installed and will begin operation by the end of July.
New lighting, bicycle and pedestrian features, traffic signals, drainage and landscaping were included in the $106 million project, whose construction began in September 2012. Completion is scheduled for later this summer.
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UPDATE 7-14-2017: We Got Soaked & Jolted
Posted by R. Michael Brown
Published: Friday, 14 July 2017 10:00
The former Tropical Depression 4 dumped record rains in South Florida. The Palm Beach area received 1.91 inches on Wednesday. The average for that date is usually 0.19 inches.
But the lightning. Palm Beachers here for the summer got quite a show. See the video below.
Video of lightening and rain in Palm Beach County on July 12, 2017 [3:15]
Current Lake Okeechobee Water Level is 12.49 (ft-ngvd) getting close to the normal range historically.
As the former Tropical Depression 4 departed it pulled most of the rains and storms with it by Friday morning. Looking forward to a great, and mostly dry, weekend.
This Week in Palm Beach
This Week in Palm Beach - July 14, 2017
Posted by Stephan Nilson
Published: Thursday, 13 July 2017 17:00
Get the news that is important to you in This Week in Palm Beach. July 14, 2017 edition.
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Transportation
Flagler [North] Bridge to Close 10 p.m. Friday, July 14, to 6 a.m. Monday, July 17
Posted by R. Michael Brown
Published: Tuesday, 11 July 2017 10:24
FDOT NEWS RELEASE -- Flagler Memorial Bridge will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday, July 14, to 6 a.m. Monday, July 17, for a traffic switch on the east side of the bridge.
Eastbound and westbound lanes will be moved from the inside lanes to the outside lanes between Cocoanut Row/Bradley Place and the east end of the bridge. As a result, the traffic configuration at the intersection of Royal Poinciana Way and Cocoanut Row/Bradley Place will change (see attached map).
The Flagler Memorial Bridge Replacement Project includes replacing the existing bascule (draw) bridge with a new bascule bridge connecting the Town of Palm Beach and the City of West Palm Beach over the Lake Worth Lagoon and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICWW).
The Flagler Drive overpass is being replaced with an “at-grade” intersection. New lighting, pedestrian features, traffic signals, drainage, and landscaping are also included. Active construction began on Sept. 10, 2012, and will last until summer 2017. The estimated construction cost is $106 million.
For more information about the Flagler Memorial Bridge Replacement Project, call Community Outreach Specialist Angel Gardner at (561) 886-8773 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..Information can also be found on the project website: www.flaglerbridge.com
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Southern Blvd. Temporary Bridge Construction Progress
Posted by R. Michael Brown
Published: Friday, 07 July 2017 12:04
FDOT aerial photo of pile installation so far for new Southern Blvd temporary bridge in #PalmBeach #WestPalmBeach
Progress as of July 1, 2017. Find out more by clicking the links below:
For more information about the Flagler Memorial Bridge Replacement Project, call Community Outreach Specialist Angel Gardner at (561) 886-8773 or email her at 
