defensivetactics

For my Florida friends, this Hurricane is nothing to mess ar..

Added 2024-09-26 02:30:44 +0000 UTC

For my Florida friends, this Hurricane is nothing to mess around with. I went out during Hurricane Ian for immediate disaster response and search and rescue. Please make sure you are prepared for the worst. If you are in the area of the hurricanes path, you need to follow local guidelines and evacuate if applicable.
Here’s an update for the Tampa Bay Area as that’s where I have family and lived before as of 1030 eastern time.

1. Based on the current track, I'm expecting hurricane-force winds to remain offshore for the Tampa Bay area, with the storm passing around 115 miles west of Tampa. The winds from the hurricane are projected to extend about 75 miles out, meaning the Bay Area should avoid the worst of it unless the storm changes course.

2. Unfortunately, the Florida Panhandle won't be as fortunate. Helene is expected to make landfall as a Category 4 storm on Thursday evening, bringing a storm surge of 15 to 20 feet. Residents in Tallahassee need to finalize their preparations as soon as possible. I've posted a family hurricane kit list for anyone still getting ready. Students at Florida State University and Florida A&M will be hit hardest. The University of Florida will see some effects, though hurricane-force winds aren't expected. Tropical storm conditions will impact the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida, but significant wind damage isn’t expected. However, the University of Tampa may face some flooding in student housing due to storm surge.

3. For the Bay Area, expect the strongest winds and power outages starting Thursday afternoon into the evening. Tropical storm-force winds should arrive by late morning and continue throughout the day.

4. The biggest concern remains storm surge, especially for those in flood-prone areas. Evacuation orders have already been issued, so if you live in a Zone A flood area, take them seriously. If you flooded during Idalia, you're likely to see worse with Helene. The peak surge will come late Thursday evening.

5. The storm should pass by Friday morning, with conditions improving quickly after that.