Here we go again, folks. Another storm, another day in paradise. If you live on Florida’s Gulf Coast, you already know the drill. Hurricanes and tropical storms are just part of life here. You can’t live on the Gulf without getting cozy with a storm or two—it’s basically in the contract.
This time, the storm with her sights set on us is Tropical Storm Helene. If you’ve lived in Florida long enough, you might shrug this off, but here’s the thing: while we’re pros at riding out these storms, it’s never a good idea to get too comfortable. So, let’s take a look at what Helene’s bringing to the table, what her impact could be, and, most importantly, how you can be ready when she knocks on our door.
Where’s Helene Heading?
Right now, Tropical Storm Helene is making her way toward the Gulf Coast, with Florida’s Big Bend region right in her path. If you’re in the stretch from Tampa to Apalachicola, it’s time to start paying attention. The latest updates show that Helene’s winds could pick up speed, and she might even get upgraded to a hurricane before she hits land.
So, while she’s not the biggest storm we’ve seen, don’t let that fool you. These things have a mind of their own, and Helene could quickly go from “meh” to “uh-oh” in a matter of hours.
Big Bend and Gulf Coast: What’s the Risk?
If you live along the Gulf Coast or in the Big Bend region, you already know the potential risks that come with these storms. Flooding, high winds, and power outages are all in the mix, but Helene is bringing a special guest to the party: storm surge.
This is where things can get dangerous. Storm surge is basically a wall of water that gets pushed onshore by the storm’s winds. And in low-lying areas like the Big Bend, even a few feet of water can cause a lot of damage. It’s one of those things that you don’t really notice until you’re standing ankle-deep in it, wondering why you didn’t take it more seriously.
So, if you’re near the water, storm surge is the biggie to watch. This isn’t just about wind or rain—it’s about how high the water will get and how fast it’ll rise. Trust me, it happens faster than you think.
What Should You Do?
Alright, now’s the time to make sure you’re ready. We’ve all been through these storms before, but that doesn’t mean we should just coast through it. Here’s what you need to do before Helene comes knocking:
1. Get Your Supplies Together: You know the drill—non-perishable food, bottled water (at least a gallon per person per day), batteries, and any medications you’ll need for a few days. Don’t wait until the shelves are empty to stock up.
2. Secure Your Home: If you’re in an area that floods easily, get those sandbags ready. Make sure there’s nothing outside that could get picked up by the wind and thrown through your window. If you’ve got hurricane shutters, now’s the time to use them. If not, plywood will do the trick.
3. Have an Evacuation Plan: If the local authorities say it’s time to leave, leave. Don’t wait around. Know where you’re going, and get there before the highways turn into parking lots.
4. Keep an Eye on Helene: Storms like to change direction or intensity with little notice. Make sure you’re keeping up with the latest updates from local news and the National Hurricane Center. That way, you’ll know exactly what to expect when Helene makes landfall.
Riding It Out
Look, Floridians have hurricane season down to a science, but Tropical Storm Helene is a reminder that we can’t let our guard down. Each storm is different, and the moment we think we’ve got it all figured out, that’s when Mother Nature likes to throw a curveball.
So, stay smart, stay safe, and most of all, stay prepared. You might think you’ve seen it all before, but every storm has the potential to surprise you. And while Helene is just the latest in a long line of storms we’ve danced with, she’s not one to ignore.
In the end, it’s all part of living on the Gulf Coast. We get sunshine and beaches, but we also get hurricanes and tropical storms. It’s a trade-off we accept, but it’s also one we need to respect. So buckle up, Florida—because living in paradise means bracing for the next big one. And Helene? She’s just a reminder that when you live here, you’ve got to be ready for whatever comes our way.
Written By: Stephen Despin Jr. | Founder/Contributor
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