Living in Florida, the Sunshine State, means we don't always have sunshine. Sure, lots of beaches and fun in the sun but we are also coastal....which means increased risk of weather related problems. Over the years I've learned to keep an eye on the weather....not as much as my hubby....and stand ready.
Last night the hubby's phone made this crazy "alert" sound...sort of a short siren. It was a Hurricane Warning alert. Hermine, the latest storm to affect our lives was gathering strength.
This is the latest radar picture of the storm. Not as big and nasty as Sandy, Gilbert, or Wilma but still something to demand respect.
The storm has not made Category 1 Hurricane status but it has brought rain with it for days, 3 straight days of rain, making the ground soft and tree limbs heavy. Heavy tree limbs, and heavy trees, come down easy, knock out power, cause damage, and block roads.
So where are we on the map? Right near the southern end of the purple part. Flooding is always a concern, especially in the low lying areas along the coast. The towns of Horseshoe Beach, Suwannee, and Steinhatchee require new homes to be on stilts but many of the older homes are still on the ground. Tornado activity is a possibility, too......a major problem especially for those living in mobile homes.
The hubby and I work as a team with jobs according to our knowledge and ability. For the hubby this all means checking on friends and family and making sure they will be OK, getting the chain saw ready for big limbs and trees that come down, and making sure the vehicles are ready to roll if necessary. For me this means making sure the emergency supplies are ready...check....and having extra food, places to sleep, and things to do available for people who need shelter...check.
I'm as ready as I will ever be.
