How Hurricane Ian Could Be Worse Than Irma – The Supply Chain
You immediate response should be “How can Hurricane Ian be worse than Irma?” The current Tropical Depression 9 and soon to be Hurricane Ian is currently projected to be in our Southwest Florida neighborhood late Tuesday-early Wednesday at a Category 2 storm. If it tracks a little to our north, it’ll be a Category 3 in Tampa’s neighborhood. Irma was a Category 5 as it approached and hit Estero as a Category 3. I know this. Our station is in Estero. I was here when the eye crossed over our town. Things are different with TD9, soon to be Ian. Here’s a look at this morning’s models:
Fresh Friday 12z spaghetti models on https://t.co/3cvwpvVJ22. Consistent pull north and turn towards Florida. NHC showing 110mph CAT 2 Hurricane possible Wednesday 2am. Conditions appear very favorable for development. https://t.co/Hk3pbO7x8H #flwx #tropics #TD9 pic.twitter.com/ojW1UlVSEP
— Mike's Weather Page (@tropicalupdate) September 23, 2022
That gulf is super warm. I was down at Barefoot Beach and can confirm. So the longer this storm stays in the gulf, the bigger it’s going to get. If it hits us, it’s predicted to be in Category 2 range. If it goes further north before landfall it’ll be a lot stronger. Back to my original thought.
How can Hurricane Ian be worse than Irma?
I’m not talking about roof damage or flooding, I’m talking about the supply chain. And electricity. When things break you need parts. When hurricanes hit, the power goes out. It takes parts to fix the things that break to get the power back on. Do they have enough parts? Here’s why I’m thinking this. Shortages have been in the news for quite awhile now. Manufacturers can’t complete cars and trucks without all the parts. Locally, it was something that happened to me.
Last May I got a water bill for $30. My water meter broke. I contacted Lee County and let them know. The response came back that they didn’t have the parts to fix it. Two weeks ago they finally did. I got free water from the county for essentially 4 months because they didn’t have the parts needed to fix the meter. So if Florida sees a lot of damage from the hurricane, do they have all the parts needed to get all of our power back in in a timely manner? I’m hoping so. We were without power after Irma for more than a week, and the power companies had everything they needed. What’s the situation with parts and electrical components when it comes to fixing damage from a storm?
I’ll keep you updated if I find out more. Here’s the link to our guide, and more information below.
2022 Hurricane Central - Preparedness Guide
Hurricane Central – Preparedness Guide gives you the updated information you may need in the event of a hurricane. Just because 2021 was a quiet year for storms doesn’t mean we can ever let our guard down. This guide is sponsored by local businesses here in SWFL. Gavin’s Ace Hardware, Sean King Law, and Powerhouse Home Services.
- Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
- Put together a go-bag: disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate
- If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
- Make a family emergency communication plan.
- Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts.”
Terminology - Hurricane Watch
Hurricane watch = conditions possible within the next 48 hrs.
Steps to take:
- Review your evacuation route(s) & listen to local officials.
- Review the items in your disaster supply kit; and add items to meet the household needs for children, parents, individuals with disabilities or other access and functional needs or pets.
Terminology - Hurricane Warning
Hurricane warning = conditions are expected within 36 hrs.
Steps to take:
- Follow evacuation orders from local officials, if given.
- Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
Follow the hurricane timeline preparedness checklist, depending on when the storm is anticipated to hit and the impact that is projected for your location.
- Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
- Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
- Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
- Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
- Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
- Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
- Review your evacuation plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead.
- Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
After The Hurricane
- Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
- Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
- Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.
- Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
- Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
