Yes, the list of storm names is created years in advance of a given storm season.
But Hermine...not sure where they got that one.
In any case, the storm that is currently lashing us with its outer bands, previously known as Tropical Depression 9 is now Tropical Storm Hermine.
And though it is poised to make landfall well north of the Tampa Bay region, the area will continue to be battered over the next couple of days. That means Hillsborough and Pinellas County schools will close for the day Thursday. Governor Rick Scott has already issued a state of emergency for dozens of counties.
City officials on both sides of the bay are urging non-stupidity, i.e., try not to drive anywhere if you don't have to. And if you do, do not drive through standing water.
Also, given problems municipalities throughout the area have had with over-taxed wastewater systems, they're asking residents not to use too much water, i.e. waiting on doing the laundry or running the dishwasher until after the storm passes.
The storm is expected to make landfall Thursday and slowly make its way across the state.
