City Helps Residents Prepare for Hurricane Season

Residents packed the Marco City Hall council chambers on June 22 to learn how to "Be Prepared. Be Informed" ahead of hurricane season. With notepads in hand and questions ready, attendees gathered to hear local meteorologist Rob Duns share hurricane forecasts, preparedness tips, and storm safety information.

Introduced by Fire Chief Chris Byrnes, Duns delivered an informative presentation featuring hands-on demonstrations and practical advice tailored to Marco Island residents preparing for the months ahead.

Duns began his presentation by informing the crowd that the average Atlantic hurricane season produces 14 named storms. He continued by explaining that, of those 14 storms, only seven typically become hurricanes, and only three of those seven strengthen into major hurricanes. To be considered a major hurricane, a storm must reach Category Three strength or higher, whether it makes landfall or not. Duns specifically highlighted storm surge during his presentation, as it remains one of Marco Island's greatest vulnerabilities. He explained that a hurricane category does not necessarily determine how much storm surge it will produce. A Category Two hurricane can cause considerable damage and even destroy entire areas solely due to storm-surge flooding. As an example, Duns cited a 2008 hurricane in Texas that made landfall as a Category Two storm but produced a 16-foot storm surge, causing devastating flooding. In comparison, Hurricane Charley in 2004 reached Category Four strength but generated only about six feet of storm surge. Duns concluded this portion of the presentation by noting that this year's hurricane season is currently expected to be relatively quiet.

Not only should residents observe the storm surge, but they should also look out for how wide a storm is, such as its wingspan. Hurricane Katrina extended 400 miles, which Marco can relate to since Irma and Ian also reached that width at one point in their route. Residents should pay attention to the bigger and longer hurricanes since the wider they are, the more impactful the storm surge could be. Duns highlights that where the storm surge meets landfall matters just as much. He added, “Things can change fast for storm surge once it's reached shore.” Key points on what residents should pay attention to during hurricane season were shared with the crowd. Residents were encouraged to stay attentive to weather broadcasts and updates from local meteorologists. One factor highlighted was a storm's forward speed, as how fast a hurricane is moving can play a vital role in its potential impacts. He noted that the average hurricane typically travels between 12 and 15 mph. Duns also explained that one factor Marco Island cannot change is its coastline shape. Marco's coastline contains several inlets that can funnel water inland, increasing the potential for flooding and storm surge impacts. In comparison, the Palm Beach coastline is straighter, making it less vulnerable to water being pushed through inlets and onto land during a storm.

Knowing your evacuation zones before a storm threatens the area is important and understanding that no two hurricanes are the same. “Don’t make decisions for the next hurricane based on the last hurricane,” Duns said, emphasizing that each storm behaves differently and requires residents to stay informed throughout the season. For Marco Island residents tracking storms, Duns noted that the closest live Doppler Radar is provided by Gulf Coast News, which offers more localized coverage than radar systems based in Tampa or Miami. Duns also discussed the role of Saharan dust, which was asked by a resident in an open discussion after the presentation. The Sahara Desert dust begins during the early part of hurricane season. He explained that copious amounts of dust can absorb the sun’s energy and influence ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions, which can impact tropical development in the Atlantic. Do not be alarmed.

Following the presentation, residents asked a variety of hurricane preparedness questions. Duns answered each one individually and referred attendees back to the informational displays and resources highlighted throughout his presentation, as well as featuring our local first responders and City council members who are qualified to help navigate certain questions regarding Marco Island specifically. The event mixed education with a little excitement as attendees entered raffle drawings for hurricane preparedness supplies, including emergency radios, lanterns, flashlights, batteries, and portable power banks. While the prizes generated plenty of enthusiasm, they also served as a reminder that having the right supplies ready before a storm can make a significant difference during hurricane season. Duns' visible displays served as a terrific way to really grasp how a hurricane moves, so residents can feel prepared. This event was a successful time to engage in the importance of hurricane preparation and be informed on the resources Marco Island has to feel safe and ready for this next season.