It's uncanny. My Florida friends email, text or call more often when there's a tropical storm or hurricane threatening. "Hey Paul, whadaya think?"

Minnesota winters are robust (wrong word) and every now and then a tornado touches down somewhere in the state, but I'm glad I don't live in Hurricane Alley. Every summer and fall tens of millions of Americans play meteorological Russian roulette. "Is this the year?" I sure hope not, but just in case make sure your insurance premiums are paid up.

I've learned not to discount tropical storms either. Sometimes puny storms that stall for days at a time can produce outrageous amounts of rain. That may happen with "Debby," with some 10-25″ amounts possible from Savannah, Ga., to Hilton Head and Charleston, S.C., by Thursday.

Sunday's weather should turn out nicer than I thought earlier: partly sunny with highs near 80. Heavy storms return Monday with highs in the 70s much of this week; low 80s by the weekend. And I'm happy to report: no storms with names nearby.