As Hurricane Helene barrels towards the Florida coastline, residents are making their final preparations to weather the storm. This blog post takes a deep dive into the experiences of those facing the impending threat, shedding light on the difficult decisions and challenges they are grappling with.
Abandoned Towns & Shuttered Businesses
Battered by the high winds and by a storm surge that is expected to do great damage, similar to what has occurred in thousands of small towns and fishing villages along the northern Florida coast where stores are deserted and windows have been boarded up.
The northeastern Gulf Coast, from Tallahassee to the Big Bend region of Florida and into coastal Alabama is a prime area for strike. (National Hurricane Center) At the time of writing, communities in this region are bracing themselves for the very real prospect that they may lose their homes or businesses as the storm bears down on them.
Difficult Decisions and Difficulties of Volunteers Evacuating
Despite large mandatory evacuation orders, some South Floridians are staying put as they make their final preparations to ride out the storm. In the town of Panacea, in a string of diminutive fishing communities on Apalachee Bay facing the Gulf just south of Tallahassee, the waters were lapping up almost to Lance Palmer’s front door before night fell and he knew it was time to move.
I was just checking conditions and trying to make a call if I was going to bail or not, he said. Because flood water was already halfway up my house this morning and a little earlier than today. And I was like, ‘God, [Expletive], I got to go there.’ “
John Luper is facing his challenge nearby. He tries to talk his mother and brother into moving up after him, but they will not listen. Armed with a jerry can full of fuel, he said: “They ‘re not going to go. “I’m stuck with them.” Authorities said it was likely that storm surges could reach as high as 20 feet (six meters) in the Lupers’ neighborhood near Appalachian Bay.
Conclusion
Hurricane Helene aimed at Florida, where residents face countless problems and tough decisions. About half of residents have evacuated, while the other half are refusing to budge with their homes and businesses at risk. The storm’s uncertain path and potential for widespread destructionr have forced a lot of residents to ask themselves, “How do I prep for a hurricane?” In this first person account we wanted to show you the resilience and determination in those who lay in the path of Hurricane Helene as they prepare finally and hold out for the best.
