I've lived in beautiful, sunny Florida most of my life. One thing I never take lightly is the threat of a hurricane. We just got over a week of heavy rain and flooding (parts of Southwest Florida remain under water) from a no-name tropical wave. We've had many brushes with the named storms, most memorable was Hurricane Charley in 2004. He was far kinder to us than many others. Life halted for more than a week as we lived without electricity and all of the wonderful modern conveniences that come along with it.
As of 11 am on Monday, September 4th, Irma is on a path that may bring her our way. Currently she is a category three hurricane, meaning a hurricane that categories it as a "major" hurricane, bringing high wides, rain and storm surge. So, although Irma is a long way from us and may change course a number of times over this coming week, we should be ready.
(Courtesy Palm Beach Post)
Hurricane season starts on June 1st, so it's always a good idea to have some supplies ready at the beginning of the season. Water, batteries, non-perishable food, flashlights, propane are always good to have on hand. Today I've seen long lines at the stores an gas stations. I suggest that it's time to fill up your cars with gas (and gas cans); refill all prescription medication; make sure you have plenty of water and non-perishable food and make a plan. Our plan includes an evacuation plan if the storm heads our way.
It may seem early, but at least we will have all of the provisions we need and a plan. I'm certainly not overreacting, but I'm not taking a storm of this caliber for granted. If you are ever in the projected path of a major hurricane, I hope you won't take it lightly either.
Hopefully my update to this post will be a change in direction of Irma. Let's hope she heads out into the open Atlantic and doesn't cause harm to anyone who may be in her path.
Here's Hurricane Irma as of 11 am today, via WTSP News 10:
Stay safe, be prepared and be well!