Hurricane Preparedness Blog

Florida isn’t out of the woods yet; Fay could bring more heavy flooding to areas in its track…

As I was watching some of the radar loops from around Florida, it occurred to me that some of this heavy rain is falling in areas where there is some elevation. Thus, the rain will have to collect somewhere downhill.

Central Florida and areas along the Panhandle have rolling hills (quite spectacular to see when driving through) and there is a risk of deep flooding if the rains persist or get too heavy. So, I am calling on people who live in the area or who know people that do to be prepared. The first part of that is to be aware. Check your local NWS web page for updates. Listen to your local TV meteorologist and their advice. Doppler radar can pinpoint some heavy rain areas and the competition within the local TV markets is such that each has a better radar than the other- take advantage of that and listen to what the meteorologists are saying. They, coupled with the local info from the NWS, will help you to be educated as to what the threat is to your life and property.

If you are traveling through the region- be extra careful. Slow it down and never drive across flooded roads- even if you have an SUV. Moving water is especially powerful and where gravity gets involved with this rain runoff, there will be problems. Stay aware and stay safe.

This is a serious situation and the places with elevation will have aggravated flooding issues.

As Fay makes its way across the state, Floridians statewide are preparing for (or already experiencing) the wind and rain.   Up to ten inches of rain have been reported from Fay, which can mean flooding for certain parts of Florida.    Along with the potential for flooding, what’s also scary is that Fay’s track has shifted so much from initial forecasts- but this has proven one thing: everyone needs to be prepared for storms.

In order to bring affected residents local information, we’ve started another blog, TropicalStormFay.org.   We’re updating it routinely with shelter information, school closings, toll suspensions, sandbag availability, and anything else that people from the community want to know.   Hopefully, it’ll help subdue the panic mode, and help people find the information they need.    It’s full of county-by-county coverage and resources for affected areas- we’re sure you’ll find information there that’ll help get you through Fay.

A low category of storm still deserves a high level of preparation.    All tropical storms and hurricanes can bring severe damage and loss…

As a storm approaches, we should consider all of its potentially deadly aspects -  including storm surge, wind speed, and rainfall.   Don’t focus only on what category of storm is coming, but think about what’s the worst that each factor, and the combination of those factors, could do.

Although Fay is only a tropical storm at this point, we still need to be watching it closely, and thinking about what kind of rainfall affected areas are going to get.   Many areas of Florida received above average rainfall in July- which means that numerous regions around the anticipated forecast cones of Fay are already well-moistened.   This saturated ground can increase the chances of flooding- especially if Fay delivers the type of rainfall it’s already shown it can bring.

Note:  Even if you are hundreds of miles away from the center of a cyclone, you can still see the effects of its havoc.  Being outside of the forecast cone does not translate into safety.

In addition to finishing your hurricane plan now, here are some basic guidelines to get you flood ready:

• When you hear hurricane, think inland flooding.
• Determine whether you live in a potential flood zone.
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Keep abreast of road conditions through the news media.
• Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.
• Do not attempt to cross flowing water. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle…two feet of water will carry most cars away.
• Have flood insurance.   Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.   Do not make assumptions.  Check your policy.

Source Used:  “Inland Flooding.”  NHC.   17 August 2008.

Good afternoon, readers. Just checking in with a quick update: We have set up a separate resource site in anticipation of Tropical Storm Fay making landfall in Florida next week.

Tropical Storm Fay Resource Site (TropicalStormFay.org)

While the Hurricane Preparedness blog will continue to focus on overall readiness, the Fay site should provide useful response and recovery information should it be needed - of course we’re hoping not!

Have a great weekened. We’ll be getting all of our ducks in a row to provide you with the best information when you need it.