Through the months of August and October, hurricanes spike on the coasts of the United States. These aggressive storms are lethal if the area is not evacuated quick enough. Hurricanes Milton and Helene have had a severe impact on Florida and significant effects on nearby states.
As an illustration, tropical cyclones are formed over the ocean. Heat is taken as fuel for the storm to build up strength. Cooler air disintegrates the intensity, and this mutates into tornadoes and thunderstorms, which then advance to local land.
Wind speeds can average from 74-95 miles per hour. The calmest part is in the eye, a 20–30-mile radius in the middle of the tempest where the winds circulate. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale determines the placement in categories one through five, where rank is based on the highest speed reached.
Florida suffers major hurricanes every year, and as of this past month, Helene has caused catastrophic damage to the state. However, the scarce effects of hurricane Milton have ruined homes, ended lives and flooded counties. Winds had picked up from 35 to over 180 mph in two days. Florida’s Division of Emergency Management urged people to evacuate while they could.
“If you are in the Storm Surge Warning area, this is an extremely life-threatening situation and you should evacuate if ordered to do so by local officials,” according to the National Weather Service.
Ubers and shuttles are being provided to influence people to exit the area. Urgency in the escape and the need to fill generators has caused a gas shortage in close to 1,500 gas stations. Florida Governor Ron Desantis has believed the shortage to continue after the storm because of damage already done to the Port of Tampa.
Tropical cyclones are more often than not looked at as aggressive and fatal, however, when people begin to look at the storms from a positive perspective, communities unite as one to provide support to those affected. Anna Macdowell shared her perspective on the hurricane and how it affected her life.
“I think everyone would say it affected us a lot more than we expected. We’re just now starting school back today after all schools were closed for an ‘indefinite’ amount of time. Although there were obviously many negative impacts, I’d say a positive was everyone coming together. It was really interesting to see all the small businesses that hadn’t been affected give back to the community and help in any way they could,” Macdowell said.
Fright, worry and stress punctured the lives of people throughout the west coast of Florida. Society fears for citizens and the aftermath of this catastrophic storm. Not a single thing could have prepared anyone, as Mother Nature is unpredictable. At this point in time, all we can do is hope for a quick recovery for the people and property impacted.