Editor’s Note
Downed lines during Hurricane Matthew left many without power for a week or longer, like this area on Wilmington Island. Are you ready?
Hurricane SEason
Photo by Amy Thurman
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storm surge maps, where temporary shelters are set up, and whether or not they accept pets. The aftermath of every storm has found far too many abandoned pets (or worse). Plan ahead for your fur family. Please. Check with your marina now for their hurricane policies and incorporate that into your own home hurricane plan. Marina managers have their hands full with hundreds of boats and boat owners and leaving it to the last minute makes it harder for everyone involved. Our hurricane guide provides boat info, as does BoatUS: www.boatus.com/hurricanes/BoaterPrep.asp Start now, plan ahead, and be ready. If you have questions that you can’t easily find answers to, please email me and I’ll help you find the resources you need.
started this column several weeks ago after Tropical Storm Arthur formed in early May, and I’ve revised twice over the past couple weeks to include a second, Bertha, then a third named storm, Cristobal. All the forecast models predict a busier than average season, with a range of 13 – 22 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major storms expected. Yes, those are forecasts and we all know that what’s predicted and what actually happens are often vastly different things. But consider that since 2016 the actual storm activity for each season was either at the high end of predicted ranges, or exceeded them. Also consider that this season’s expected numbers are the highest in recent years. I also read back through previous issues and found this, from the June 2016 issue: As of this writing, we’ve had three named storms this year, two of which (Alex and Bonnie) occurred before the official start of Hurricane Season on June 1, followed by Colin in the first week of June. Sounds familiar. 2016 was predicted to be an average year, though it was slightly above average with 15 named storms, seven hurricanes and four major hurricanes. That was the year that Tropical Storm Hermine came through our area causing damage to several coastal marinas, wind damage and flooding all along the coast, then Hurricane Matthew came through a month later as a Category 2 storm, and did even more damage. I’m not trying to cause undue worry – but I am trying to get your attention and encourage you to plan. Now. As we’ve all seen with COVID-19, rushing out at the last minute to buy up everything in sight is problematic. Not only does that prevent others from having access to needed supplies, but you’re likely to get caught without things you may need. Make a list now and add a few items to your cart each time you shop. This is not only good planning, but also easier on your budget, and even more critical in today’s world, easier on the supply chain. There’s a lot more you can do now to prepare, so if we do get hit again, you’ll be safe and ready – see Hurricane Season 2020, starting on page 15. Our complete Hurricane Guide can be found on our website and downloaded. Visit www. southerntidesmagazine.com/hurricane. It makes good sense to check the National Hurricane Center on at least a weekly basis to see what’s going on. Even though August and September are peak months, there’s still the possibility of major early-season storms. Check your county’s emergency management agency for information specific to where you live. In most cases, everything east of I-95 is a mandatory evacuation zone in the event of even tropical storms, which can cause significant flooding in coastal areas. Learn what your county evacuation routes are, review June 2020
Southern Tides Magazine
See you out there!
Amy Thurman
Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com Want to help others in the event of a hurricane or other disaster? Consider volunteering for a disaster relief organization, like Team Rubicon. I’ve recently joined and am serving in the Savannah Metro area, which encompasses Chatham, Effingham, Bryan and Liberty counties, as well as Beaufort County in South Carolina. Team Rubicon has a dual mission of responding to disaster events, and helping Veterans reintegrate into civilian life. With multiple military installations in our coastal region it’s a natural fit. You’d be working alongside good men and women in whatever capacity you’re able to manage and helping folks in need, as well as our Vets. You can visit the website to learn more, and/or touch base with me. If you’re in Camden, Glynn or McIntosh counties, I’m happy to connect you to those area leaders as well.
TeamRubiconUSA.org
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