Hurricane Irene: Why hurricane hyperbole never goes out of style

[FLPanhandle]

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2011/0827/Hurricane-Irene-Why-hurricane-hyperbole-never-goes-out-of-style

Where should the media draw the line between reasonable warnings and fear-mongering? A few mistakes and a partially missed prognosis aren't necessarily proof that the media blew the story. On one 24-hour news channel, a correspondent described the calm before hurricane Irene as the calm before a B-movie zombie attack. One anchor proclaimed the storm to be “as big as Europe.” Elsewhere, the hurricane was touted as the storm of a lifetime. Storm hype is of course nothing new, neither is saying overwrought things when trying to fill up hours of airtime.

But as the hurricane approached, the fever pitch of the Irene coverage took on a life of its own, with government officials leading a chorus of caution even as closer watchers of the weather, especially on the ground in North Carolina, grew increasingly convinced that Irene would not strengthen, but steadily weaken instead into something closer to a massive tropical storm.

On one network, "they are desperately trying to a nail, a shingle, anything. It's getting embarrassing,” one Internet commenter said as Irene's core made landfall with 74 mile-per-hour ground speed readings in many locations near its eye – right on the line between a tropical storm and a hurricane. Days earlier, forecasters believed a catastrophic Category 4 storm was a distinct possibility.

But the difference between damage predictions and the actual impact of Irene as it made landfall in eastern North Carolina was duly noted by some Americans, who felt the government and the media missed the call. “Weather channel is calling Irene 'storm of a lifetime'?” one person tweeted. “Did they already forget about Andrew, Rita, Katrina, Hugo, Floyd?”




I really believe the media blew this storm up beyond what the forecasters/modelers predicted just because it would drive up ratings, thus allowing them to charge more for advertising and increase profits. The media had no incentive to be accurate and just focused on the most dire predictions to increase viewership and increase profits.

Personally, I've never seen such attention and media focus on a Category 1 storm in my life.

[villager]

1. Well, it hasn't finished surging yet. Perhaps declaring "it was nothing" is premature, too?

We will know much more, much more definitively, in about 24 hours...

[FLPanhandle]

3. A category 1 storm isn't "nothing".

It's just a category 1 hurricane. There will be some flooding, some damage, some trees down, power outages, and a few deaths. Typical of any number of Cat 1 storms.

Name one Category 1 storm that has had this much media focus.

[villager]

5. Well, few of them sweep through so many populated areas in sequence

Not sure about the "just" part of the Category 1 designation, either...

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. Name one storm that has affected the whole eastern sea board

in recent decades. For that matter one that is expected to make a direct hit with NYC (that be 1938)

[FLPanhandle]

7. That's the point.

Lots of TV viewers in NYC. Lots of ratings to be had. Lots of money to be made. Thus, the hyperbole.

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. And the modelling for it when it hits

means lots of flooding, deaths economic damage et al.

For the record, eyes on screen to sell... need adds I have not seen that many. In fact, I have seen far less than the usual 22 minutes of programing\add cycle

If it bothers you so much, turn the tv off... or change the channel. serious

[Ruby the Liberal]

12. I'm surprised it took this long

For the Floridian Hurricane Snark.

Everyone is just jealous of our Hurriquake. :cry:

:D

[nadinbrzezinski]

14. Oh it's been going for a while

[Texasgal]

17. I'm jealous of the RAIN!!!

We could use some!

Hope you are safe. :)

[Ruby the Liberal]

22. Ironically - MoJo put out a piece today talking about how east coast

storms (among other things) "seed" for rain in places like Texas. I posted it in the science forum - so here's hoping you guys get something out of it.

Trust me - I would unhook the rain barrel and hook a hose to my roof with a line direct to you all if I could. We really really don't need the water up here and I would LOVE to share.

[ellenrr]

91. my friends in TX tell me they wish THEY could have a cat 1 Hurricane and this rain.

I truly feel for you - must be awful....

[tammywammy]

104. Yep, a lot of us are thinking that way n/t

[cwydro]

70. Exactly.

but the panic-mongers here on DU won't like your viewpoint.

Plenty of hyperbole here too.

I remember certain posters (still posting, but I won't name names) who claimed after one hurricane that the government was hiding bodies on ships offshore.

These posters just couldn't handle the fact their bloodlust had not been satisfied,

[FLPanhandle]

74. I do think some here want to see a disaster

Either to prove themselves correct or be entertained.

Luckily, this storm isn't going to provide it.

[Ruby the Liberal]

10. Name me one Cat 1 storm that affected 12 states

and closed 7 of the nations busiest airports (along with the mass transit systems of NY, Philly and now Boston).

[nadinbrzezinski]

13. And two countries, warnings are up in Canada too

[Ruby the Liberal]

23. Lovely.

Though, will give the Caribbean that. Most canes that roll through the gulf affect multiple sovereigns!

[nadinbrzezinski]

25. Oh yes absolutely

[EFerrari]

34. I chalk it up to everyone being better connected than we used to be.

It's okay. No one was hurt by all the attention and eventually, the level will be found.

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. I'd say 48

areas that have a lot of population damage assessment will be done fairly fast. Places out of the beaten path usually take longer.

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. So far there are seven families that are really laughing it up

right now, serious.

This is not over...

AGAIN... damage is not just related to category of storm...

I wonder why you keep doing this though... I really do.

[FLPanhandle]

8. If a Cat 1 storm was going through the panhandle of Florida

It would get a small fraction of the coverage. This isn't about the storm or the dangers of hurricanes. This has turned into another example of the news focusing on ratings and profits over accuracy of reporting.

[nadinbrzezinski]

11. Tell me how many major ports, and airports get closed

on your usual Florida storm.

You got a small point, but not for the reasons you think...

[FLPanhandle]

16. So, the focus of the media has been closed airports?

Ya, right.

Lap up the coverage if you want. It's a typical Category 1 storm. The only difference is there is money to be made due to it being the NE.

[nadinbrzezinski]

24. Actually I could mention the storms

that have LOTS of coverage EVERY TIME we have a storm...

This one has a potential and already REAL economic damage in over the billion dollars... but you keep chortling. Envy perhaps?

Look when the US Media was absent at Calexico after the quake, yep, you'd get a point... but serious... if it bothers you this much... turn it off or change the channel.

And I won't bother to explain to you why you have a very small point.

[villager]

15. Because you know, with accuracy, what will happen in Boston/NY in the next 24 hrs.?

:shrug:

[Ruby the Liberal]

18. How many people were affected in the panhandle storms?

Look, I rode out a 2 in Destin that took out the dunes and a 3 in Cancun that came straight over the city and then parked for 3 days and just spun. Countless 1 and 2s in the east and central parts of the state. I don't recall any making national news other than an afterthought, so I get what you are saying, but this is different in the vast number of people who are affected by it.

If the estimates of 65-70 million are close, that is between 20 and 25 percent of the nation.

[nadinbrzezinski]

27. Well Cancun is off US Borders

trust me Mexican NOOZ was on it...

[JVS]

28. BFD If a tornado touches down in the middle of a farmer's field and then goes back up

Then it's a small note in the local paper and everyone wishes him well and hopes he has insurance to cover any damage. If it levels the town it becomes a national media event. This storm isn't massive, but its location is such that it is quite disruptive and potentially quite damaging. It's not irresponsible to keep people warned and informed. Hell, Katrina wasn't a very strong storm either, but it fucked up a big enough city badly enough that adequate response was impossible.

[Marrah_G]

119. Its not about the storm Catagory its about the storm surge

Storm surges in VERY densely populated low lying areas.

Alot of families stand to lose everything.

[kdmorris]

39. So, can you tell us how those people died, Nadine?

Because I know for a fact that some of them died because they were not heeding the warning (which is the problem I have with the hyperbole). I am NOT saying that all of the Americans that have died (I love how everyone forgets that Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas got it first - and the Bahamas DID get a Category 4 storm) were doing something preventable. I feel for the family of the 11 year old who died when the tree fell on their apartment. But "killed in a car", "killed while surfing in the dangerous currents"... those are completely preventable and not the fault of the hurricane.

Here is the deaths that I know of:
1. a man killed while surfing off the coast of Florida , emergency officials said Saturday.

2. a man was killed in Brunswick County, Virginia, after a tree fell on his car

3. a boy died after a tree crashed on an apartment complex in that city.

4. Three others died earlier in North Carolina, according to officials.

5. A motorist lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree in Pitt County.

6. A man feeding livestock in Nash County was struck by a tree limb.

7. And a man in Onslow County died of a heart attack as he put plywood over his windows in preparation for the storm, said emergency management spokesman Ernie Seneca.

8 and 9. Two additional people have died in car accidents as a result of Hurricane Irene, emergency officials in North Carolina said Saturday

No one has said that "this storm is nothing". Just that it's not going to "end life as we know it", or be "the storm of a lifetime", or "NC's Katrina". Hurricane Katrina killed over a thousand people.

I wonder why YOU keep doing this... what interest do you have in making this worse than it is? A Category 1 Hurricane is bad enough. Why do you need it to be so much more than that?

Category One Hurricane (Sustained winds 74-95 mph, 64-82 kt, or 119-153 km/hr).

Dangerous winds will produce some damage

People, livestock, and pets struck by flying or falling debris could be injured or killed. Older (mainly pre-1994 construction) mobile homes could be destroyed, especially if they are not anchored properly as they tend to shift or roll off their foundations. Newer mobile homes that are anchored properly can sustain damage involving the removal of shingle or metal roof coverings, and loss of vinyl siding, as well as damage to carports, sunrooms, or lanais. Some poorly constructed frame homes can experience major damage, involving loss of the roof covering and damage to gable ends as well as the removal of porch coverings and awnings. Unprotected windows may break if struck by flying debris. Masonry chimneys can be toppled. Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof shingles, vinyl siding, soffit panels, and gutters. Failure of aluminum, screened-in, swimming pool enclosures can occur. Some apartment building and shopping center roof coverings could be partially removed. Industrial buildings can lose roofing and siding especially from windward corners, rakes, and eaves. Failures to overhead doors and unprotected windows will be common. Windows in high-rise buildings can be broken by flying debris. Falling and broken glass will pose a significant danger even after the storm. There will be occasional damage to commercial signage, fences, and canopies. Large branches of trees will snap and shallow rooted trees can be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles will likely result in power outages that could last a few to several days.

[nadinbrzezinski]

46. And it matters how? Some folks are making fun of this

and this is not a joking matter.

If you think otherwise we part company, seriously part company.

[stuntcat]

60. all this reminds me

(not necessarily this here discussion but all the fighting over whether it's a big deal)

reminds of the fights last week about why we on the East coast shouldn't be concerned about an earthquake that was felt by millions in so many states. It blows my mind how so many people want to spend so many words putting down the worries of people scared for their homes and even their safety.

But humans are a hurtful disappointment to me anyway.. this junk shouldn't bug me.

[kdmorris]

64. No one is putting down the worries of people scared for their homes and safety, either

It blows my mind how people can take the concerns of the consequences of overhyping a storm and turn it into "everyone thinks this is nothing". It is what it is. A category 1 storm that can cause damage, flooding, rough weather, scary weather, and yes, some deaths. But yeah, if you go surfing in the storm surge and die, you'll excuse me if I don't have a lot of sympathy for that.

[nadinbrzezinski]

67. It is EXACTLY the same thing

soem of us in the West Coast did not go... <---------- we really don't care and funny at you... ha, ha!

And people should not for this either.

[kdmorris]

62. NO ONE is making fun of this.

NO ONE. The only issue that any of us have ever brought up is the amount of damage that is done to the credibility of the media when the overhype storms like this. Later this year, in 2012, in 2013... when the media says that there's this massive destructive storm of the century coming and it's going to end life as we know it for months... how many people are going to look back on this week and say "the media said that about Irene. And it didn't end life as we know it.It was just a really bad storm."? And the media using this hyperbole will be responsible for more deaths.

And seriously, like I said in another post, of all people who should know the destructive consequences of a storm being overhyped, it would be someone who worked in an EOC. I can't believe that you keep twisting it around as if we are all making fun of the people dying or that we think that this storm is "nothing serious".

It's not Katrina. 1000's of people should not die from this storm. NYC has been evacuated (rightly so) in the low lying areas.

[cwydro]

82. No one is making fun of it that I have seen.

The OP and others are simply stating their opinion as to what they consider excessive coverage and hyperbole by the media toward a Cat 1 storm.

Nor'easters go up the eastern seaboard all the time in the winter, but since they are not called hurricanes -the coverage is not nearly the same. But air travel is disrupted, people miss work, and yes, people get injured and even killed.

Why do you take it so personally when some of us simply have an opinion toward the media coverage? Nothing to do with you; don't get so offended.

[Name removed]

72. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[marions ghost]

98. dupe

[marions ghost]

99. In addition to that list

also there's a new report that Manteo NC is flooded (Dare County) and people are having to be rescued. Roughly a million are without power.

What outside observers forget is that the reports coming in right now are very sketchy. News teams can't get into most of the areas affected. The damage will be much more visible tomorrow in NC and VA.

This is a very slow-moving storm and it is far from over. I agree the media overdoes it in the nonstop coverage but it is needed to make people take it seriously.

There is no way you can make any conclusion about this storm yet.

:thumbsdown: anyone seeking to minimize this storm at this point.

[kdmorris]

108. No one is seeking to minimize it.

And no one said that there isn't going to be loss of life and loss of property.

[marions ghost]

131. Bad timing

When the storm hasn't been evaluated as a whole-- way too soon to talk about media hyperbole. Talk about it after we see and assess the damage. It will be impressive. You'll see.

Right now I can't contact any of three family members that are in the midst of this storm. So when there is the very real possibility of more loss of life and property, it's pretty tacky to bitch about media overkill.

I agree with you --but right now, the topic is insensitive.

[kdmorris]

134. And I agree with that.

I realize that the people who are scared and in the path of the storm don't want to really have a discussion on how the media sensationalizes storms to the point that the lose meaning. While the people who are currently being affected by the storm may want to discuss it next weekend, I'm pretty sure that the few who are responding to this thread further up thread will never discuss it rationally, since their reading comprehension is limited to "I think you just said that you don't care and you are laughing at everyone on the East Coast".

The timing was really bad, but I also can't sit here and let other people say that I said that the media shouldn't cover these storms at all and that I am laughing at people in the path of a Category 1 hurricane. A Category 1 hurricane is capable of doing a LOT of damage (look up the reports of what Katrina did here before she went to the Gulf Coast). No one is saying that there will not be damage, flooding, power outages and deaths.

That being said, it appears you live somewhere on the East Coast. I hope that the storm has already passed you or it won't be too bad when it gets to you. Like you, I have family and friends in Maryland, DC and parts of New England (CT, MA) that I haven't heard from...hoping it's because they got some much needed sleep.

[Logical]

140. Without googling it, how many heat related deaths happened this summer? See that on the news?????

[Texasgal]

19. Remind us all next time to not think of you

when a storm heads your way.

:eyes:

[FedUpWithIt All]

20. Seriously, is this a competition for you?

Why does it offend you that this storm is being discussed in light of the area being affected, infrastructure of that particular area, the storm's unusually broad nature and the storm's unusual behavior? I have already pointed out to you in another thread that this storm had a central pressure of a Cat 3 for most of the day and that this pressure was forming a massive storm which is pushing a TON of water into an area NOT PREPARED FOR IT.

It is simple obstinacy to try and frame this as a gulf or Fla hurricane for the purpose of comparison when it is clearly NOT a gulf or Fla hurricane. It is APPLES AND ORANGES. Why is that so difficult?

[Texasgal]

26. It's not competition...

It's jealousy.

Pure and simple.

[FLPanhandle]

30. Hardly competiion.

It's just the media getting profits from the ignorant. They are doing a great job too.

[Ruby the Liberal]

32. Did you see where some guy in Daytona died trying to surf the wake this afternoon?

Mock this storm all you like, but she was already in Virginia with storm bands in Conneticut - and still fucking up your surf.

[FLPanhandle]

35. Not much different than any Tropical storm or Cat 1 hurricane

Surfers die in those too.

I'm not mocking the storm as much as mocking the intense media coverage of something they normally (and with good reason) give little attention to.

[Ruby the Liberal]

43. Did you miss the part about 25% of the country affected?

[FLPanhandle]

49. Nope and neither did the TV accounting departments. nt.

[Ruby the Liberal]

55. Oh FFS. Seriously?

Are you a Florida native or transplant - ie, do you remember your first Hurricane?

Do you realize that of 65-70mm people, MANY are terrified (if not drunk) right now because they don't know what to expect?

This news coverage isn't for the 75% of you not affected, it is for the 25% of us in the path of this shit, so turn the channel and find something to do with your last August weekend of the year.

(You do recall that your alternative on stations like MSNBC is Prison Fetish marathons, right?)

[FLPanhandle]

59. Been here for multiple generations

Sat through more hurricanes than you can imagine too.

The people are terrified because the media is making them terrified.

Thanks for the lame TV requests though.

[FedUpWithIt All]

47. Central pressure @ 950mb and a storm that covers nearly the entire coast of the nation. n/t

[FedUpWithIt All]

57. Expected to hit NYC at high tide tomorrow morning.

Still at Cat 3 Central pressure and has a small eye as it moves back out over water before returning to hit Long Island and NYC.

Tweet:
JimCantore Jim Cantore
#hurricane #Irene should be close to #NYC at the time of high tide around 8am Sunday. That is a WORST CASE SCENARIO for coastal flooding



You belittle this prematurely.

[spin]

21. I've seen pictures of a fallen tree, a broken windshield,..

some minor street flooding, some bushes fluttering in a 30 mph wind, a house that was probably damaged by a tornado, some roofs with a couple of loose shingles.

I've seen one idiot news reporters dressed in what looked like scuba gear and wearing goggles attempting to act like he could barely hold himself up in the tremendous wind. A bunch of people in swimming suits started dancing around him, and even the reporter had a hard time holding a straight face.

I'm not impressed so far. Of course I do live in Florida. We have real hurricanes here.

It is possible that there will be some power outages and the low lying areas will flood. Slow moving tropical storms drop a lot of water as they pass. It doesn't take a hurricane to blow a tree down across a power line especially if the ground is saturated.

[FLPanhandle]

33. That's my point.

It's a typical Category 1 storm that the media normally ignores. This time they see money and hype it up.

[nadinbrzezinski]

37. seven people dead

This is the past



You keep chuckling mkay.

[kdmorris]

54. So, Nadine.. what is this a picture of?

No one is chuckling. No one has said that it won't be a Category 1 storm. No one has said that you should not prepare or listen to the officials at your local Emergency Management Center. No one said that there will be no flooding, which you seem to be implying by posting this 12 year old picture.

Seriously... why do you need this to be so bad, anyway? The issue is the amount of HYPE the media (not NOAA or NHC... the Weather Channel et al) has put into this, NOT that people prepare and keep their properties and lives safe.

Category One Hurricane (Sustained winds 74-95 mph, 64-82 kt, or 119-153 km/hr).

Dangerous winds will produce some damage

People, livestock, and pets struck by flying or falling debris could be injured or killed. Older (mainly pre-1994 construction) mobile homes could be destroyed, especially if they are not anchored properly as they tend to shift or roll off their foundations. Newer mobile homes that are anchored properly can sustain damage involving the removal of shingle or metal roof coverings, and loss of vinyl siding, as well as damage to carports, sunrooms, or lanais. Some poorly constructed frame homes can experience major damage, involving loss of the roof covering and damage to gable ends as well as the removal of porch coverings and awnings. Unprotected windows may break if struck by flying debris. Masonry chimneys can be toppled. Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof shingles, vinyl siding, soffit panels, and gutters. Failure of aluminum, screened-in, swimming pool enclosures can occur. Some apartment building and shopping center roof coverings could be partially removed. Industrial buildings can lose roofing and siding especially from windward corners, rakes, and eaves. Failures to overhead doors and unprotected windows will be common. Windows in high-rise buildings can be broken by flying debris. Falling and broken glass will pose a significant danger even after the storm. There will be occasional damage to commercial signage, fences, and canopies. Large branches of trees will snap and shallow rooted trees can be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles will likely result in power outages that could last a few to several days.

No one said that's not bad. Just not as bad as the media portrayed it.

You say you worked in an EOC. Then you must know what happens when the media keeps saying over and over and over that this is the "storm of a lifetime". People become numb to it and when they really do have a "storm of a lifetime", they do not prepare properly and put their lives and property at risk. I seriously would have thought that you, of ALL people, would be able to see the potential damage the the media hype is going to do. Instead, you keep twisting everyone's words and acting like we said this storm isn't at all dangerous or we are laughing about it. That's insulting, by the way.

[nadinbrzezinski]

56. Floyd

and by the way have a good long day... buy bye...

[kdmorris]

66. Bye, bye...

You still haven't addressed why someone who was in an EOC can't possibly comprehend the damage that the media is doing right now to the survivability to those in the path of the next storm that is hyped as the storm of a lifetime.

I would have thought you would know better.

[nadinbrzezinski]

68. Well we'd rather then not cover it and all that

mkay... amazing...

And yes I RELIED on my media to relay info. Watching it... that is EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE DOING. They have been telling people EVAC when told to... get water, get food, get meds, take this seriously.

Yup I prefer they do not cover this... at all

And the government, by declaring 9 states disaster areas, are also exaggerating... AMAZING.

[kdmorris]

77. What the hell are you talking about?

It's like you are having a conversation with yourself. I did not say the government was exaggerating.

I have never stated NOR has anyone on this board, that relaying information to the public is not what the media should be doing it. There is a HUGE difference though, between saying (this is what the government is saying, btw, and SHOULD be what the media is saying) this:

Category One Hurricane (Sustained winds 74-95 mph, 64-82 kt, or 119-153 km/hr).

Dangerous winds will produce some damage

People, livestock, and pets struck by flying or falling debris could be injured or killed. Older (mainly pre-1994 construction) mobile homes could be destroyed, especially if they are not anchored properly as they tend to shift or roll off their foundations. Newer mobile homes that are anchored properly can sustain damage involving the removal of shingle or metal roof coverings, and loss of vinyl siding, as well as damage to carports, sunrooms, or lanais. Some poorly constructed frame homes can experience major damage, involving loss of the roof covering and damage to gable ends as well as the removal of porch coverings and awnings. Unprotected windows may break if struck by flying debris. Masonry chimneys can be toppled. Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof shingles, vinyl siding, soffit panels, and gutters. Failure of aluminum, screened-in, swimming pool enclosures can occur. Some apartment building and shopping center roof coverings could be partially removed. Industrial buildings can lose roofing and siding especially from windward corners, rakes, and eaves. Failures to overhead doors and unprotected windows will be common. Windows in high-rise buildings can be broken by flying debris. Falling and broken glass will pose a significant danger even after the storm. There will be occasional damage to commercial signage, fences, and canopies. Large branches of trees will snap and shallow rooted trees can be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles will likely result in power outages that could last a few to several days.

AND saying:

"This is a storm of a lifetime, NC's Katrina. It will cause unprecedented damage".

The pervasive atmosphere of doom and destruction causes people to PANIC, not prepare and be safe. The media could certainly say exactly what a Category 1 storm is going to do (and no, it won't be pretty. People should have already finished preparations to protect their life and property) and not start speculating about "life as we know it" or comparing it to other devastating storms (i.e. Katrina) that just scare the shit out of people.

The only thing that accomplishes is that people learn that the media scared the shit out of them last time, so they won't get fooled again (it does appear that, at least, NC's local media is doing a better job than the national media, but the SE Florida local media gets a BIG FAT F for what they did down here. People were panicked beyond belief because Irene was going to wipe out SE Florida and cause "unprecedented damage" and we were never even issued a Tropical Storm Warning.) The NHC/NOAA did a FANTASTIC job of getting the real information out there... but not everyone has access to that information.

THAT is the part that I think any Emergency Management Official should know. But instead you choose to believe that I "don't want it covered". whatever...

[nadinbrzezinski]

78. I think we have watched radically different coverage

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1828415

Same channel but different coverage... sad...

Not surprised, but sad.


Have a really long day... turn to IRT if it bothers you so much.

By the way, same goes for the OP

[kdmorris]

85. Nadine... I am talking about my LOCAL NEWS

when I was still in the 3 day cone for Irene, despite the government saying that there was maybe a 5% chance that she wouldn't turn.

And the Weather Channel and CNN and MSNBC all did the same thing.

You are quite obviously not even reading what we are saying. As I said... if you were in Emergency Management, I would think you would understand PERFECTLY what we are talking about. I'm sure that Forecaster Steward or Forecaster Bevin would both get it.

[nadinbrzezinski]

87. Here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1828415

Since we obviously have watched a different MSNBC... as to local, I am clear on the other side of the country, so no, unless I stream it nope, I don't get to watch it.

And my local nooz has had stories about SHHHHARRRRRKKKKKKK and closed beach

:-)

But hey, they are funny that way.

[smokey nj]

94. I'm in Hudson County, just across the river from NYC and the local coverage here has been absolute

shite. Our local NBC station actually covered a wedding in Long Branch, NJ earlier today. And when I say they covered the wedding, I mean they aired the entire fucking ceremony as it happened and then replayed portions throughout the day. And it's pretty much the same on all the local stations. Correspondents in the same five or six places check in a couple of times an hour without anything of substance to say.

[nadinbrzezinski]

95. Now THAT fits the description of the OP

:hugs:

What a waste of air.

[kdmorris]

106. No, it doesn't

Nadine, why are you taking this so personally? I've asked you a couple times why you can't understand as an EOC professional what overhyping a storm does when the next one comes along.

Seriously, what's your problem? Why are you taking this so out of proportion? No one has ever said there should be no coverage or that people shouldn't prepare.

Do you think that because you say "this is what they said" that people can't read for themselves? I refuse to allow you to define the message we are concerned about for us. I might offer the same suggestion you gave me. If you don't like what the OP has to say... just go to another thread.

[nadinbrzezinski]

111. Not taking it personally, we are just watching two different

coverage

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1828415

And since we are, we have the same chance of agreeing as oil and water. Why can't you accept that? We are WATCHING TWO DIFFERENT SETS OF COVERAGE out of the same station.

[kdmorris]

114. Blink... ok...sure... n/t

[kdmorris]

105. Ugh, that sucks

are you in an evacuation zone?

Hopefully, you have completed all the preparations needed for this storm. Here's hoping that it takes a jog to the East. Stay safe up there!

[smokey nj]

110. I'm not in an evacuation zone. They only evacuated low lying areas in Bayonne and unlike

other parts of Hudson County, not too many people live on Bayonne's waterfront. We're all set. The last thing we had to do was fill our tub and we just did that. I'm actually kind of annoyed that Hudson County hasn't gotten much coverage either on the local news or in the updates from the Governor.

[kdmorris]

113. Well, here's hoping it won't be too bad

and you'll just be without power for a few days. Category 1 storms are still dangerous, especially in areas that are not used to those sorts of threats.

[smokey nj]

115. Thanks.

[LeftyMom]

125. An ordinary seasonal storm can cause seven deaths.

That's like what, two nasty car wrecks?

[cwydro]

136. Exactly.

In fact one of the deaths was a car accident. Another was a heart attack.

[rocktivity]

29. This writer doesn't have the decency to reserve his self-serving postuing

until AFTER the storm passes? Patrik Jonsson must be only six years old -- someone who totally incapable knowing of what happened with hurricane Katrina.

"Government officials leading a chorus of caution" -- the nerve of some people, huh?

:eyes:
rocktivity

[FedUpWithIt All]

40. I remember similar threads during Katrin too.

It's weak and really in poor taste IMHO.

[nadinbrzezinski]

41. Me too

[marions ghost]

133. ditto

!!!

[nadinbrzezinski]

31. Oh and forgot, unrec

[Ruby the Liberal]

36. We here in the Northeast shook up Washington and are about to wash away Wall Street

Credit where credit is due, aye?

Respect the authoritah of the Hurriquake!

[FLPanhandle]

44. I truly hope we Floridians can laugh at the NE over your hurricane

As much as Californians laughed at the NE over your earthquake. :)

[TomClash]

38. So far, a fair amount of rain

Not much wind.

[fxw]

42. KMA

Real progressive empathy. You might think about. changing teams. 55+ million people are in the path of this storm.

[Waiting For Everyman]

45. Maybe we should just continue with the "Katrina approach"?

This reaction is predictable too, because deaths prevented is not a news story. If this storm were nothing but a DRILL (which it's not), it would still be worth doing - by the authorities AND the people. And no, I don't think this will cause people to ignore warnings in the future - not those with common sense anyway. The rest, are always doing silly things no matter what. On the contrary, I think this is educating people quite a bit.

Downing this is just not cool. Sorry.

[nadinbrzezinski]

50. Yep, I prefer to have my President do this diuring a serious event

[FLPanhandle]

53. This is not a Katrina

Not even in the same ballpark.

[Waiting For Everyman]

79. Of course not, it's the attitude and approach which is the point.

[Marrah_G]

120. We don't know what it is because it is not over yet.........

[steve2470]

48. I've lived in Florida for 53 years and seen many hurricanes

If the hyperbole saves a life or two (or thousands), who cares ?

[FLPanhandle]

51. I've been in Florida for almost as long

Hyperbole can lead to deaths due to "crying wolf" too.

[titaniumsalute]

81. How can it lead to deaths?

[kdmorris]

83. Basically, when every time a storm is approaching

if people are told that it's going to kill them and it's the storm of a lifetime, they don't take them seriously anymore. The perception of threat that people experience in these situations are directly related to what has happened before.

So, if Irene is the "storm of a lifetime" and just for illustration, it's not as bad as "unprecedented destruction", then next time... lets just say when Jose forms - if it's coming right at SE Florida again and the media says "it's the storm of a lifetime and will cause unprecedented destruction" people think "they said that last time and it didn't happen. So I won't prepare/won't evacuate" and then they die when they decide to ride out a CAT 5 storm on a barrier island (or the Keys).

[FLPanhandle]

89. Exactly.

Happens all the time down here.

[titaniumsalute]

101. Sure...cite your sources. I live here and haven't seen it at all.

[kdmorris]

112. 2004... Hurricane Frances, Charley, Jeanne

With my own eyes, I saw people prepare after Charley hit. People that were directly affected by Frances and Jeanne (i.e. lost property/flooding) were MORE likely to take the threat of Wilma, Katrina and Rita seriously in 2005.

People in Miami-Dade county were not actually badly affected by Frances or Jeanne. In 2005, when Katrina formed into a CAT 1 hurricane right off the coast, there were people who didn't prepare and their stated reason was "because Frances and Jeanne weren't that bad". And Katrina flooded Cutler Bay badly.

I am not saying that everyone just says "fuck it". I'm saying that the perception of threat is related to how bad storms really were in proportion to what the media said about them.

[titaniumsalute]

116. So it is the media's fault?

It is THEIR fault. People need to educate themselves about what is going on. And if anyone cites another hurricane for "not being as bad as expected" as a reason not to prepare that is ludicrous.

[kdmorris]

117. I do not think it's completely the media's fault, no

But I do expect them to have some responsibility in reporting the news so as not to sensationalize it. When they report news in a "for profit" way, they DO bear some responsibility, yes. They do not report the news in an accurate way because that doesn't get ratings... and hence that doesn't get sponsor dollars flowing.

[titaniumsalute]

122. I agree

Look I worked in radio broadcast for years. I know about revenue and ratings. I suppose people need to sift through the bs and gather info and prepare for the worst.

I saw another post of yours and see you're in delray. I live in Boca so we're neighbors. The Coffee District in Delray has the best beers on the planet.

[kdmorris]

123. Amen to that!

(the best beers) :)

Edited to add: Frances is what taught me to take all of this seriously. Even a Tropical Storm can take down a fence or a tree. But it's not going to destroy us. After Frances, my supervisor at the time had the nerve to say to me (I had no electricity and no water - well at the time) "See. I told you it wouldn't be that bad" and promptly wrote me up for taking a sick day to board up the windows.

And when Jeanne was coming through, she said "it wasn't that bad last time" and belittled me for taking time off again.

(not that this has anything to do with media sensationalizing storms... just thought I would share)

[titaniumsalute]

124. toast

:toast:

[kdmorris]

126. Raises her mug of Samuel Adams Black Lager

:toast:

[titaniumsalute]

97. Woulda Coulda Shoulda

No one in the media has said "This storm is going to kill you."

There has been nothing but "here's many scenarios of what can happen." There has so far been hurricane force winds, there have been tornados with damage to homes, there has been flooding in many area (some parts near Richmond, VA reporting 20 inches or rain), there has been strong rip currents and huge waves associated with the storm. Why is it wrong to educate what can happen to a corridor of people who are nearly 25% of the nation's population?

People are responsible for their actions. If you prepare for every hurricane like it is going to be the worst then you will be fine. That is how my family has weathered storms for over 20 years in South Florida.

[cwydro]

76. I lived in the Keys for 23...

and saw many people not take warnings seriously because of the constant hyperbole.

[steve2470]

86. It's too bad those viewers and listeners tuned out the percentage of accurate information

I've sat through MUCH hyperbole in my lifetime, and yes, I can parse out the real from the hype. I think anyone with common sense over the age of 12 or so can do this.

I've never seen a newscast or heard a newscast where they flat out LIE about conditions. Overhype it, yes. Over-dramatize it, yes. Making tons of money, of course.

Call me cynical but the overhype isn't going away in a capitalist system. One simply has to parse out the reality in their broadcasts. If a person chooses to completely ignore all newcasts, I'm sorry but they do so at their peril.

STORM OF THE CENTURY ???? Yea, overhype. However, read the fine print and pay attention to the facts put forth. I wish I could wave my magic democratic socialist wand and do away with overhype but it's not going away. I'd rather have OMFG STORM OF THE CENTURY than, oh no big deal, just a bit of rain and wind. I'll pick my poison out of all this. Accurate newscasting is for publicly funded stations only. I think it's a dying art or dead art at the capitalist news stations.

[cwydro]

88. I absolutely agree with you on that.

We learned to ignore the media and follow the NHC to make our own decisions.

But there are a lot of people out there who believe EVERYTHING they hear on TV or read on the internet...god help me, I even know some of them.

[FLPanhandle]

90. Unfortunately, you are the exception

Even in this thread people are clinging to the hyperbole that has been presented instead of the much more boring reality of the situation.

[kdmorris]

135. Several years ago, the NE had massive flooding.(2006)

The newslady was sitting in a canoe and talking about how awful the conditions were and the scene was carefully crafted to not show buildings or how high the water actually was. Then two guys walking in front of the woman in the canoe, showing the water to actually be only ankle deep.

This is the type of stuff I mean. Unfortunately, I think you may be right that it won't ever go away. Many who get tied in knots down here are elderly (very large population of elderly in Delray Beach, FL).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q64qvkVtXd0&feature=player_embedded

[titaniumsalute]

109. Is that the people's fault or the hyperbole's fault?

I've heard hyperbole for years and still prepare (probably over prepare) for hurricanes each time.

[lunatica]

52. they yearn for a global warming sign even as they deny global warming.

It's Schizophrenic

[ohheckyeah]

58. I haven't noticed any more commercials than usual.

The danger of this storm is the storm surge and we don't know yet how much damage that has or will cause. Personally I don't care how much money CNN makes off the storm coverage...if it saves even one life it's worth the 'hyperbole'.

[nadinbrzezinski]

61. On MSNBC they are doing them every 25 minutes, not every 22

per usual... I noticed that.

[fishbulb703]

63. Yellow journalism 2.0... you would think the internet would have solved this by now.

Until the majority of news comes from on the street bloggers with real time data (voice, video, txt, whatever) we will have to deal with this. And even when the majority of Americans do get their news this way, 20% will still be listening to talk radio.

[bklyncowgirl]

65. I'm sitting here in New Jersey hoping that it will all in the end be hyperbole

Let's face it though, if you're in the path of the storm you care about what's coming. Watching images of giant waves, downed trees and water up to the windows of cars is mesmerising.

Big waves, high winds and best of all people, some of them highly paid reporters, who act like candidates for the Darwin awards. Let's face it, don't you like seeing some overpaid TV news quy in a bright yellow raincoat getting knocked on his kiester by a gust of wind?

As someone who personally believes that anyone who deliberately disobeys a mandatory evacuation warning, and insists on staying out on a place like Sea Bright, NJ which has historically done a really good imitation of the lost city of Atlantis every time there's a major storm, should not expect the firefighters and cops or the Coast Guard to come and rescue them at public expense not to mention great danger to themselves--or if they need rescuing, maybe they should be charged for the rescue.

Admittedly it can all get a bit tiring after awhile which is why my husband's watching "Antiques Roadshow" or something like that and I'm here on the Internet.

[glowing]

69. At least MSNBC isn't showing their lockup series.

[FLPanhandle]

71. LOL

Okay there is the good flip side to the overblown reporting of minor hurricane.

[SoCalDem]

73. storm-porn trumps prison-porn n.t

.

[SidDithers]

75. I don't think the Carolinas were the biggest areas of worry...

they've gone through bigger, more intense storms before.

It's the storm track on Irene that's taking it up through Maryland, Mass, NY and NJ that's making it a dangerous storm. A large, slow moving storm, creating a bigger than normal storm surge, moving directly at low-lying, heavily populated areas that aren't used to hurricanes, makes this a storm to watch.

Sid

[Ruby the Liberal]

80. That would be logical, if only those burbs had a population as large as say, Ft Walton Beach.

[titaniumsalute]

84. I also live in Florida...and I find this post a complete waste

First off...media's job is to make money. Gee, there's a new concept? Yes they report stuff, sell ads, and make money.

However, as someone who lives in South Florida I will NEVER complain about media asking people to do the right thing and keep themselves safe. We're used to hurricanes here in FL. Our hurricane homes, buildings, plans, etc. are pretty buttoned up. In the NE (where I used to live) they don't experience this much.

I worked in NYC for years and there's not much room for any water surge during a major storm. If the Hudson starts pouring into the city it will do significant damage. In addition, as you know wind gusts in a major city are enhanced by buildings. I've been in NYC during a major thunderstorm where you get 60-70 mph gusts. Shit's flying off balconies when that happens and become projectiles.

So if there's a little crying wolf and it saves a life or two what the fuck difference does it make to you? If your son got concerned and decided to not drive or go outside during a storm because the media made some impact on him...wouldn't it be worth it?

[FLPanhandle]

92. Fine, we both agree there is media hyperbole and a little crying wolf.

You think it okay. I think it makes people less inclined to believe the media next time.

I'd rather they treat people like adults instead of scaring them like children.

[titaniumsalute]

100. I think it is ok to give people reasons to be on utmost alert

The storm was projected to hit NC coastline as a Cat 3 and be a Cat 2 through NJ. You know as well as I do that is serious shit for an area that rarely sees any hurricanes. I think it is nuts not to alert people in all the ways it could be awful. If people are fucking idiots and decide to ignore warnings in the future then that is their fault...not the media's fault.

I grew up in Ohio. We probably had one to two tornado warnings every summer. EVERY TIME WE WENT TO OUR BASEMENT. I never once saw a tornado and none hit my neighborhood. It didn't matter. We were bright enough to decide that being cautious is more important than being ignorant.

[FLPanhandle]

102. It's been over 48 hours the NHC has said Irene would be only a Category 1

And probably a tropical storm in the Northeast.

That info is minimized by the media. Why not give out the modelers forecast and not spend all their time on worst case scenarios?

[titaniumsalute]

107. I've heard 50 times in the past 24 hours that it had been downgraded

But as you know...since you're a very seasoned hurricane veteran...this is a massive sized hurricane. The pressure is still 950mb which is extremely low for a Cat 1. Therefore it is sucking in HUGE amounts of air and because it is mostly still over water is dumping unprecedented amounts of water over land. The land it is dumping water on is nearly 100% saturated from huge amounts of July-August rainfall. This means more flash-flooding and widespread flooding.

In addition, I'm from the north. As you know the trees in FL are generally smaller and much more hardy to wind. My palm trees can take 100 mph and lose a few leaves. The NE trees are mainly large oaks, walnuts, maples, silver maples, etc. These trees are completely covered in leaves as it is mid summer. This makes them much more susceptible to loosing huge branches or completely coming down. These trees can and will kill if it hits you. With the land as saturated as it is many of these trees will simply fall over with 50-70 MPH winds.

[northamericancitizen]

93. Interesting article about ''How we could cover storms''

http://tinyurl.com/3sjahca

From the page: ''So the question the journalists should ask is how they can add value to that. That is the the question must ask constantly now that information can be exchanged so easily and instantly from officials to citizens, data sources to users, and witnesses to witnesses. It’s an everyday question, not just one for emergencies.

Journalists don’t add value by repeating themselves endlessly, but standing in front of random but ultimately uninformative sites where their cameras and trucks happen to be set up (or worse, in the water), by alarming more than informing people.''

[FLPanhandle]

96. "alarming more than informing people."

Someone gets it. Great read.

[cwydro]

103. I worked with the elderly for some years

and to see the terror some felt with the nonsense spouted on Miami stations every time a butterfly farted in Africa...

But people don't think about those who may live alone, perhaps uneducated...TV reports can literally terrify people and I have seen it firsthand.

[Ruby the Liberal]

118. Good thing you don't need to head north tomorrow

Amtrak just announced they were closing from Jax to all northern destinations and Toledo Oh to the east.

Maybe Amtrak is just doing this for the "ad revenue".

[kdmorris]

127. Of course not

Why would you think that Amtrak shouldn't close the rail due to a CAT 1 storm? They close airports all the time due to a CAT 1 storm.

This is about sensationalizing storms...not "we shouldn't be preparing".. not "we shouldn't be covering the storm at all"... not actions that are taken and need to be taken to protect life and property. You seem to be deliberately misunderstanding...

[MadBadger]

121. I'm on a Tornado Watch until 5AM

So I appreciate the coverage.

[pipi_k]

128. Well I'll let you know how much of it was hyperbole

on Monday after it's gone.

Maybe it's not on the same scale of destruction as Katrina or Andrew, but to the smaller number of people who might be affected by it, it sure isn't hyperbole. It really can be a disaster.

I'm just hoping I don't have trees crashing through my house or on my cars...

[kdmorris]

129. That's exactly (and only) the point

"Maybe it's not on the same scale of destruction as Katrina or Andrew"... but the media acts like it is.

[nadinbrzezinski]

130. I am watching the Mayor of NYC giving rational

civil defense instructions.

That is apparently yellow journalism.

Take care by the way.

[Violet_Crumble]

132. If it makes just one complacent person take any risks seriously, then what's yr problem?

I'm about as geographically far away from it as possible, but I really don't get it. You'd rather have US officials not play it on the cautious side? Or would you prefer the approach taken with Cyclone Tracey here in Australia, where people weren't expecting it to pass over Darwin and weren't prepared, resulting in 71 deaths and the destruction of the city? The mayor of New York is wrong for issuing an evacuation order for low-lying areas of the city? And mentioning New York gives a massive hint as to why this has had a lot of media coverage (it's one of the top stories on the Australian Google News). It's the densely populated area that this hurricane and its storm surges are going to hit, and the number of people that could be affected. I'm a firm believer in 'prepare for the worst and hope for the best' and if that oversaturated media coverage helps just one person get themselves to somewhere safe to wait it out, then why would anyone have a problem with it?

[FLPanhandle]

137. because we are not children

The media should give us accurate and non-sensationalized information and not "hype it up" in order to increase ratings.

Yes, sometimes reality is a bit more boring than the hype.
Yes, the viewers won't tune in 24/7 for a minimal hurricane (now tropical storm).

It's the same formula they use with terrorism. Scare, scare, scare. Actually putting a threat in context with real odds of happening is more responsible though.

[chrisa]

138. lol I actually stayed up last night to watch the 'hurricane.'

Outside right now: A mediocre rain storm. Not that I'm complaining or anything - this is better than I expected - I was dreading wind and water damage here.

The best possible situation happened, and more for us.

[phantom power]

139. Because the northeastern seaboard isn't florida.

They aren't used to having hurricanes, aren't used to preparing for them, and a large-diameter category 1 hurricane with a big storm surge could do them a lot of damage.

[jpak]

141. 10 dead, nearly 5 million without power, billions in damge - ain't "hype"

There will be major flooding in New England tonight and tomorrow.

stupid post fail

yup

[rocktivity]

142. "Hyperbole" versus "reasonable warning" this

while keeping in mind that at least 16 people didn't live to read this article.









x(
rocktivity