What a difference a degree or two can make, as we all learned this past week from Hurricane Milton. This strange disturbance deep in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico did the unthinkable, moving eastward and multiplying its force. I can’t remember a pattern like that, and if I never see it again, I’ll be better than fine.
Looking back on the week, having watched the various options for landfall and destruction, the Cone of Uncertainty appeared to spell out a cataclysmic result for Tampa, supposedly the nation’s 49th-largest city. In reality, the Greater Tampa Bay area is comprised of a multitude of smaller cities and towns, with a total population in the millions. Situated on a huge bay, and with a shallow Gulf floor near the harbor entrance, a storm surge could devastate countless people and properties.
And that was exactly what the forecast was showing, with a tidal surge estimated at up to 15 feet, with waves likely doubled in height by the geography of the region. Losses would be some form of catastrophic, defying words.
Slowly, the path seemed to be shifting a degree or two southward. That trend continued, and landfall eventually occurred south of the City on the Bay. This bit of serendipity resulted in a negative storm surge in the high-density population area, saving countless devastation of lives and property.
Of course, wherever a huge storm goes, there are winners and losers, and horrible losses further South will be examined over the next few days. Applying the term “good news” to any part of this seems heartless and even reckless, but of all the possible outcomes, this was probably the least awful.
Life in the area (and generally throughout the State) will not return to normal for many months and even years. Following on the heels of Helene, we should take heed of my last week’s Blog regarding insurable risks. Don’t wait any longer to begin your disaster planning. Start with buying Flood Insurance.
I have no doubt that many Floridians will decide to abandon Florida in the aftermath of our back-to-back storms. However, more will come to replace them, and the population will continue to grow. We should expect no less in our Tropical Paradise.
Overall, various reports show that residents in the Cone of Milton were acting responsibly in abandoning the Coastline area for higher ground. Countless lives were saved because of their actions. The rest of us need to view their misfortune and self-reliance as providing role models for life in Florida.
Many years may pass with very little “excitement” regarding Hurricanes and Tropical Storms, but that is not cause for complacency. Protect yourselves and your possessions, while enjoying your stay in the Sunshine State.
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