Hurricane Irma [Update] · 3:12pm Sep 9th, 2017
Now that I've evacuated and am settled in, I think I should chime in on some of what I've been hearing at jammed gas stations and supply areas. I'm not one to just go up and start ragging on news stations, but from what I've seen, people need to keep calm despite what the news is telling you. I will be writing this to alleviate some concerns and explain a little of what the news ...for whatever reason, isn't talking about.
Make no mistake, this is a serious event. Hurricanes, even a Category 1, should always be taken seriously. However, one must look at these with a logical and level-headed mind.
Weather is not a hard science, specifically weather events as large as Irma which is around 400 miles wide. As of now, Irma is a strong Category 3 (125 mph) and has still to complete its Cuba track. The news and like sites continue to discuss its expected northern turn.
If it does: If the storm turns north, then it may strengthen, but will likely not become what it is even now. In that event it will ride up Florida and continuously lose power from it impacts on the coast. It will cross warmer waters which act like steroids for hurricanes, however, at this point it will be partially over land which affect these events more than the fuel they consume.
If it doesn't: The storm may continue on it's track and impact either Mexico or the other states that share the Gulf of Mexico. That was a theory of an expert from the very beginning of news coverage when Irma was only a Category 3 and has yet to be re-mentioned even though history and probabilities show that it's still a very strong option.
Hurricanes that ride through the thin strip of islands between Florida and Cuba historically lose power and either curve dramatically or just shoot off in a direction. Now, weather is unpredictable, so remain cautious, but I like to believe history and predictions from individuals with no vested interest in new popularity hold a little more water than those who don't. There's a pun in there somewhere, I swear.
Now, I live on the coast and have for most of my life. I know what these storms can do first hand. So there are a few terms and situations that I havent seen be explained so I will mention them now.
Storm Surge: This just means the water that rises with the storm due to forces being pushed on water from the hurricane. I live in Naples, Naples is 4 feet above sea level. If I get an 8 foot storm surge, then I'm looking at possibly 4 feet of water, however, my house is 3 feet higher due to a higher plot build, so I'm down to 1 foot. Now, this leads into possible flooding.
Flooding: A topic in the forefront of everyone's mind since Harvey. In short, that is likely to never happen in Florida due to the way we are built. Houston paved over wetlands and have a lack of an expansive canal system, also their reservoirs (underground area to evacuate water to abate flooding). Days before storms like this hit Florida, our reservoirs are emptied to allow excess water to be absorbed, I saw this on the way to work so I know it's being done. In addition to reservoirs, we have expansive canals to evacuate water along with retention ponds (almost every neighborhood in Florida has a lake, this is a pretty retention pond).
If you live miles inland, these canals and ponds go a long way in stopping the surge. If you live on the beach, get higher up, but beware as the higher you go the stronger winds become.
Winds: Winds are powerful enough to break windows and move cars and sheer rooves. Keep your windows closed as the uneven pressure may shatter windows or, hopefully not, take your roof.
The top right section of the storm is the most dangerous since it moves counterclockwise so you must add the storms power and the movement speed to get the actual speed. So if the top right section is 125 mph and Irma is moving at 10 mph, it will be 135 mph wind gusts.
Hunkering down away from windows in a location that is built strong is the best way to ride this out.
After the Storm, power will be out and standing water may hold hidden dangers. Please stay safe and away from down powerlines, they may remain live and will kill upon touch, even the puddles they touch are deadly.
Above all else, remain logical, level-headed, and safe.
