Wednesday, December 15, 2021
The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Debby has maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (129 kph). Forecasters warned heavy rain could spawn catastrophic flooding in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia.
Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida as a Category 1 storm, bringing with it maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The storm has caused catastrophic flooding, with storm surges and high winds posing significant threats to affected areas. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for severe weather conditions and advises residents to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Florida's Big Bend region, which includes the west coast from Apalachicola to the Suwannee River, has a history of being affected by several hurricanes. Here are some notable storms that have impacted the area:
Date: September 10-12, 1960
Details: Donna was a powerful hurricane that made landfall in the Florida Keys and traveled up the state. It caused significant damage along the entire west coast, including the Big Bend area. Winds reached over 100 mph, and heavy rainfall led to flooding.
Date: September 23-24, 1975
Details: Eloise made landfall near Panama City but had widespread impacts across the Big Bend. It brought strong winds and heavy rain, resulting in power outages and flooding.
Date: November 21-24, 1985
Details: Kate struck the Big Bend region as a tropical storm but intensified before landfall. The storm brought heavy rain and winds, causing significant flooding and damage in areas like Cedar Key.
Date: September 23-25, 1998
Details: Georges made landfall in the Florida Panhandle but had effects felt throughout the Big Bend area. The storm produced heavy rain, strong winds, and caused power outages across the region.
Date: September 1-2, 2016
Details: Hermine made landfall in the Big Bend region near St. Marks as a Category 1 hurricane. It caused significant flooding and power outages, with damage reported in several counties.
Date: July 6-9, 2021
Details: Elsa impacted the Big Bend as a tropical storm after making landfall in the Big Bend region. It caused heavy rainfall, strong winds, and localized flooding.
These storms highlight the vulnerability of Florida's Big Bend to hurricanes and tropical storms, impacting communities and ecosystems over the years.
The Dos & Don'ts During a Hurricane
Preparing for hurricanes is crucial for individuals living in hurricane-prone regions, as these powerful storms can cause widespread devastation and pose significant risks to life and property. To protect your property, it is essential to fortify your home by securing doors and windows, trimming trees and shrubs, and reinforcing roofs and structures to withstand high winds. Installing storm shutters, reinforcing garage doors, and securing outdoor furniture and objects can help minimize damage from flying debris and strong winds during a hurricane.
Surviving hurricanes requires careful planning and preparation, including creating an emergency kit with essential supplies such as food, water, medications, first aid supplies, and important documents. Developing a family emergency plan that outlines evacuation routes, designated shelters, communication strategies, and meeting points is essential for ensuring the safety of your loved ones during a hurricane. Staying informed about weather alerts, evacuation orders, and emergency updates from local authorities is critical for making informed decisions and taking timely action to protect yourself and your family.
In the event of a hurricane, it is important to follow evacuation orders if instructed to do so and seek shelter in a safe location away from flood-prone areas and storm surge zones. During the storm, stay indoors, away from windows, and in an interior room on the lowest level of your home to minimize exposure to high winds and flying debris. After the hurricane passes, exercise caution when venturing outside, as downed power lines, flooding, and debris may pose additional hazards. By being prepared, staying vigilant, and following safety guidelines, you can enhance your chances of surviving a hurricane and protecting your property from the destructive forces of these powerful storms.
