Peak Hurricane Season is Here

We have now been in the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season since June, and if there is anything we’ve learned over the years, it is the fact that we have so much more to learn about these storms. NOAA began naming these in 1953 by giving them short, easily remembered female names. That process helped to eliminate confusion. Prior to that, they were identified by the year and the order they occurred. In 1979 the use of both male and female names would be utilized in the Atlantic Basin for the naming of storms, joining with the counterparts in the Northern Pacific area.

There have been at least a dozen early season Major Hurricanes which have formed between the June 1 start of the Official Hurricane Season and one in May with winds speeds from 115mph to 160mph.

In 2023 we see exceptionally warm waters within the spawning ground for these potentially strong storms. Officials caution residents and visitors alike to be very aware of local conditions and updates by local agencies. NOAA is predicting 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher).

Officials with the city as well as county and state agencies, encourage residents to be prepared during these uncertain times dealing with the unpredictability of these storms, which can bring with them potential severe damage and life-threatening challenges.

Residents learned with Hurricane Ian that both the path of these storms as well as their intensity can quickly change, bringing with it storm surge, high winds and inland flooding during late September of 2022. That storm would be the third costliest weather disaster on record and left 148 people dead, many of them as a result of the storm surge, which devastated the coasts of Collier and Lee Counties.

This storm emphasizes the need to stay alert and follow instructions given to you by the authorities. Evacuation orders should be followed without delay, if not prior to the order being given. Have a 72-Hour Disaster Survival Kit prepared and ready for yourself and your family members. This kit should be accompanied by a family plan for your evacuation and your destination with contact numbers and names. Creating your own personal disaster plan is paramount to ensure your family is safe. If you do evacuate your home, turn off the water to prevent any potential damage should a leak occur.

Important personal documents such as passports, insurance information, medical records, banking paperwork, social security information, and credit cards should be taken with you in a waterproof container. 

Working flashlights, batteries, cell phones/chargers, bedding and pillows, necessary clothing, a first aid kit and medications per individual, extra set of keys for home and cars, mosquito spray, radio with batteries with NOAA capabilities, appropriate toiletries and hygiene wipes. Have all vehicles fueled and ready to leave if that becomes necessary.

Should you be required to leave, be patient as city personnel will be working to clear the debris on the roadway and utility workers will be restoring power as necessary should it be impacted. Municipal employees will be working to ensure water and wastewater treatment will be brought back online should it be impacted.

Your pets are part of your family. Please put a plan in place to make sure they are adequately protected and cared for if and when you leave with them. Do not leave your pets behind, they too are your responsibility.

Your preparation for these potential storms can be the difference between a small inconvenience and a sad outcome which might have been minimized for you and your family. The State of Florida has prepared an easy guide to help you prepare, and it can be found at www.floridadisaster.org.