Storm experts from Florida delivered a pre-hurricane season briefing to members of the state’s US House of Representatives delegation on Thursday. As we hear in this report from Bob Costantini, the now- famous face of the nation’s chief Hurricane tracker appeared in person:


THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER’S POINT MAN, MAX MAYFIELD TOLD MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA DELEGATION AND STAFFERS THAT AT LEAST FOUR SEVERE STORMS ARE BOUND TO FORM IN THE ATLANTIC.

HE BOASTED THE CENTER’S TRACKING MODELS ARE GETTING BETTER EACH YEAR:

“The reason for that is improved observations, faster computers and much improved computer models. We’ve been very honest with people in saying that where we need help is with the intensity forecasting.”


MAYFIELD PUT IN A PLUG FOR A NEW INTENSITY-SPECIFIC STUDY CENTER WHICH COULD BE IN FLORIDA.

AND REPUBLICAN REPRESENATIVE MARK FOLEY OF PORT CHARLOTTE—WHICH WAS SLAMMED BY CHARLIE IN 2004 - IS STRESSING HIS CONSTITUENTS LISTEN TO MAYFIELD WHEN HE HITS THE AIRWAVES:

“I want people to first and foremost pay attention to his warnings. Understand we all have to be better prepared with water and things in our own homes—self reliance.”

IN THE WAKE OF KATRINA, OFFICIALS WITH FEMA SAY THEY ARE BETTER PREPARED THIS YEAR, FOLLOWING A MAJOR UPHEAVAL AT THE AGENCY.

FOR WGCU, I’M BOB COSTANTINI ON CAPITOL HILL.