Tropical Storm Gustav (downgraded as I type) is not even in the Gulf of Mexico nor is it over Cuba, yet the local forecasters are already panicking our local populace with reminders about supplies they should purchase and things they should do in preparation. Here’s a bit of humor concerning the National Hurricane Center’s forecast cone.

The Weather Channel shows the cone and where the storm may hit along the Gulf Coast. Right now it extends from Texas to Florida.

Here are seven computer model projections. More of them have shifted west since I last looked at them. A high pressure system has been sitting over Florida. High pressure systems help protect an area. Too bad one isn't over my area right now.