Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Category 4

Hurricane Milton has rapidly strengthened into a Category 5 storm, prompting hurricane and storm surge watches along Florida’s western Gulf Coast. The storm poses a significant threat, with life-threatening storm surges, destructive winds, and heavy rainfall expected by midweek.

“If Milton remains on its current path, it will be the most powerful hurricane to strike the Tampa Bay area in over a century. Residents have never experienced a storm of this magnitude before,” warned the National Weather Service in a briefing on Monday morning.

The agency also emphasized, “Milton is set to become a historic event for Florida’s west coast.”

 

Growing in Strength

Residents in areas prone to storm surges should heed local officials’ instructions and evacuate if ordered. This is a severe situation, with the National Hurricane Center predicting surges between 8 and 12 feet above ground along the western Florida Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay, if the surge coincides with high tide.

Hurricane and Storm Surge Alerts:

Hurricane Watch: In effect for much of Florida’s western Gulf Coast, from Chokoloskee to the mouth of the Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay. This indicates hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or more) are possible within 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Watch: Covers areas north and south of the hurricane watch, extending into Florida’s Big Bend and the southwest coast. Mexico’s northern Yucatán Peninsula is also under alert.

Storm Surge Watch: Extends from Flamingo to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay, signaling the potential for life-threatening surges within 48 hours.

Stay informed, follow local advice, and be prepared to take action to stay safe.
Hurricane and Storm Surge Alerts:

Hurricane Watch: In effect for much of Florida’s western Gulf Coast, from Chokoloskee to the mouth of the Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay. This indicates hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or more) are possible within 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Watch: Covers areas north and south of the hurricane watch, extending into Florida’s Big Bend and the southwest coast. Mexico’s northern Yucatán Peninsula is also under alert.

Storm Surge Watch: Extends from Flamingo to the Suwannee River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay, signaling the potential for life-threatening surges within 48 hours.

Stay informed, follow local advice, and be prepared to take action to stay safe.

The 4th Hurricane of the Year

Hurricane Milton

Helenes Devastation

Hurricane Helene's Devistation

Hurricane Category 4

Hurricane Helene (2024) made landfall in Florida on September 26 as a powerful Category 4 hurricane. It brought life-threatening storm surges, destructive winds, and heavy flooding to coastal areas, especially Florida’s Big Bend region. Residents in low-lying areas faced mandatory evacuations, and parts of the Gulf Coast were hit with over 130 mph winds. Major flooding is also a concern in Georgia and the Carolinas, with storm surges causing widespread damage to homes and infrastructure​(
FOX Weather
) .

For live updates, check the National Hurricane Center: NHC Helene Advisory.

Historic Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida on Thursday, September 26, at around 11 p.m. as a powerful Category 4 storm. It brought sustained winds of up to 140 mph. By Friday afternoon, Helene had weakened to a tropical depression, but its heavy rains and winds continued to wreak havoc over an 800-mile stretch across the southeastern United States. The storm claimed over 100 lives across six states, with hundreds more reported missing. As of Sunday evening, more than 2,000 people were seeking shelter in 73 locations spread across five states. Additionally, more than 4.5 million people lost power due to the storm, with over 2 million still without electricity at the time of reporting.

President Biden issued federal disaster declarations for Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. In response, the Biden administration has mobilized over 3,200 federal personnel to assist with the recovery efforts. FEMA Acting Response and Recovery Director Keith Turi emphasized the ongoing dangers, warning that many injuries and fatalities occur after the initial storm has passed. He urged residents to heed local officials’ warnings and proceed cautiously during recovery efforts.

In the affected areas, hundreds of water rescues have been conducted. One notable rescue took place at Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin, Tennessee, where over 50 people were airlifted from the hospital roof after being trapped by floodwaters. Helicopters have been essential for reaching stranded survivors in some regions. A major concern in the aftermath of the storm is the lack of access to clean drinking water, with many cities enforcing boil water advisories, which have been complicated by widespread power outages.

North Carolina has declared a public health emergency as it deals with severe flooding, with some regions receiving nearly 30 inches of rain. Governor Roy Cooper confirmed that emergency responders are doing everything they can to provide aid, but communication challenges and submerged roads are complicating efforts. Flooding was worsened by water overtopping the Lake Lure Dam, which prompted evacuations and over 25 swift water rescues. Governor Cooper described Helene as “one of the worst storms in modern history.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also reported that Hurricane Helene caused more devastation than Hurricane Idalia, which hit the Big Bend region in 2023 as the strongest storm in over 125 years. Mandatory evacuations were enforced in 23 Florida counties, including Taylor County, where a 15-foot storm surge accompanied Helene’s landfall. Damage assessments remain incomplete due to persistent flooding.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) and the Disaster Housing Recovery Coalition (DHRC) are closely monitoring the situation and are working to support low-income households and advocates. Through its Disaster Housing Recovery, Research, and Resilience (DHR) initiative, the NLIHC-led DHRC, composed of over 900 national, state, and local organizations, is committed to ensuring that federal disaster recovery efforts reach those most affected and marginalized by disasters, including low-income households and people experiencing homelessness.

Helene Recovery

Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Debby

Hurricane Debby

Hurricane Category 1

Hurricane Debby (2024) is currently a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. It made landfall along the Big Bend coast of Florida and is causing significant concerns for catastrophic flooding in the Southeast as it moves slowly inland. Debby has already led to heavy rains, power outages, and road closures in Florida, including the closure of the main bridge to St. George Island. The storm has also spawned tornadoes, resulting in at least one fatality and several injuries​ (National Hurricane Center)​.
The 2nd Hurricane of the Year

Securing Your Home Before a Hurricane

Securing Your Home Before a Hurricane

Securing Your Home

Protecting Your Property

Securing Your Home Before a Hurricane
Why It’s Important
Securing your home before a hurricane can significantly reduce the damage caused by high winds, flying debris, and flooding. Proper home preparation protects your property, reduces repair costs, and ensures a safer environment for you and your family during the storm.

How You Benefit
By taking proactive steps to secure your home, you enhance its structural integrity and minimize the risk of severe damage. This preparation can lead to lower repair costs and faster recovery. Additionally, insurance companies may offer discounts for homes with certain hurricane-resistant features.

Steps You Can Take Right Now
Install Storm Shutters: Protect windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood to prevent breakage from flying debris.
Reinforce Garage Doors: Strengthen garage doors to withstand high winds and reduce the risk of them blowing in.
Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and any loose items that could become projectiles.
Trim Trees and Shrubs: Remove dead or overhanging branches that could cause damage to your home.
Inspect and Repair Roof: Ensure your roof is in good condition and consider installing hurricane straps or clips to reinforce it.

Protecting Your Belongings

– Review your existing homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what coverage it provides for hurricane-related damage. Most standard policies cover wind damage but may have specific limitations.

Protecting Your Home
Protecting Property
Protect Your Vehicle
Protect Your Boat

Hurricane Milton

Getting Essential Items for a Hurricane Kit

Getting Essential Items

Stock up on Hurricane Supplies Now!

Why It’s Important?
Having a well-stocked hurricane kit is vital because it ensures you have the necessary supplies to sustain you and your family during and after the storm. When a hurricane hits, access to food, water, and medical supplies can be limited. A properly prepared kit can make the difference between comfort and distress.

How You Benefit
A hurricane kit provides immediate access to essential items, reducing the need for last-minute shopping and avoiding empty store shelves. It enhances your ability to handle power outages, water shortages, and other disruptions. Having a kit ready also means you can respond quickly to evacuation orders.

Steps You Can Take Right Now
Gather Water and Food: Stock up on at least three days’ worth of water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food items.
Include Medical Supplies: Ensure your kit includes prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and a first aid kit.
Pack Personal Hygiene Items: Include items like soap, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, and baby supplies if needed.
Collect Important Documents: Store copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank records in a waterproof container.
Add Tools and Safety Items: Include a flashlight, batteries, multi-tool, blankets, and a portable phone charger.

Protecting Your Belongings

– Review your existing homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what coverage it provides for hurricane-related damage. Most standard policies cover wind damage but may have specific limitations.

Protecting Your Home
Protecting Property
Protect Your Vehicle
Protect Your Boat

Hurricane Milton

How to prepare for a hurricane in Florida

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Check Your Policy
– Review your existing homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what coverage it provides for hurricane-related damage. Most standard policies cover wind damage but may have specific limitations.
Contact Your Provider
– Reach out to your current insurance company and inquire about the possibility of adding hurricane coverage to your existing policy. They can explain your options and provide cost estimates.
Compare Quotes
– Contact multiple insurance providers and obtain quotes for hurricane insurance. You can do this by contacting local insurance agents, using online insurance comparison tools, or working with an independent insurance broker.
Understand Details
– Carefully review the details of each insurance policy, including coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Ensure the policy covers not only wind damage but also related perils like flooding and storm surge.
Determine Your Needs
– Consider your specific needs and the risk factors associated with your location. For example, if you live in a coastal area prone to flooding, you may need flood insurance in addition to hurricane coverage.
Access Deductables
– Pay attention to the deductible associated with the hurricane insurance policy. A higher deductible may result in lower premiums, but it means you’ll pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim.

Why It’s Important?
Hurricanes are powerful and unpredictable natural disasters that can cause extensive damage to property and pose serious risks to human life. Preparing for a hurricane is crucial to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones, minimize property damage, and facilitate a quicker recovery after the storm. Without proper preparation, you could face life-threatening situations and significant financial loss.

How You Benefit
By preparing for a hurricane, you ensure that you have the necessary supplies and plans in place to weather the storm. This preparation reduces stress and anxiety, provides peace of mind, and enhances your ability to protect your home and family. Being well-prepared also means you can recover faster and more efficiently in the aftermath of a hurricane.

Steps You Can Take Right Now
Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a detailed plan for your family that includes evacuation routes, meeting points, and communication methods.
Assemble an Emergency Kit: Gather essential supplies such as water, food, medications, first aid kits, and important documents.
Secure Your Property: Install storm shutters, reinforce doors, and remove outdoor items that could become projectiles.
Stay Informed: Monitor weather reports and local authorities for updates and evacuation orders.
Have a Communication Plan: Ensure all family members know how to stay in touch during and after the storm.