” n a l P A t e G “ ! a l l u k a W I nside ng & i k c a r T e n A Hurrica
• Hurricane Tracking Map • Information for Before & After the Storm • Hurricane Tips by Scott Nelson
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Photo by Jeanny Petrandis
Page 2H – The Wakulla News
Get A Plan Wakulla
Thursday, June 10, 2010
This year’s hurricane season is predicted to be active to extremely active – with eight to 14 hurricanes, and three to seven of those being major hurricanes. The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management in coordination with The Wakulla News is providing you with the Hurricane Tips located throughout this edition. Please utilize the information in the development of your personal family disaster plan. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an active to extremely active hurricane season this year and this outlook underscores the importance of preparing for hurricane season. Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season, which begins June 1, NOAA is projecting a 70-percent probability of the following ranges: • Fourteen to 23 named storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher), including: • Eight to 14 hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or higher), of which: • Three to seven could be major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of at least 111 mph). If this outlook is correct, it is indicative of what could be one of the most active seasons on record. We urge every resident to be prepared. It is important that each citizen take steps to protect their property and assure their safety during disasters. The first step to protecting your family is to develop your specific plan, which includes a process for evacuation. The county and state have very robust response capabilities to By SCOTT NELSON meet your needs immediately Director of Wakulla County following disasters; however, the Emergency Management
only way we can protect you from life threatening situations is to remove you from harm’s way prior to the event. Every major disaster is chaotic as power, communications, and access to resources are strained and in many cases unavailable. It is important for every citizen to understand that land-falling hurricanes in our community will be devastating, regardless of our response capabilities. Every citizen must take steps to prepare for and recover from the impacts of hurricanes. Homes and property are replaceable; we cannot replace lives. The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office along with our partner response agencies will do everything possible to assure we meet your needs. However, every citizen has a responsibility to follow evacuation orders and to assure that they are prepared to recover from disasters. If you or a family member has a special medical need (electricity dependent, oxygen dependent, etc.) they should contact the Emergency Management Office for information on our special needs registry at (850) 926-0861. Please take a few minutes to think about your current plan and the actions you will take in response to disasters in your community. For more information about family preparedness plans go to www.Floridadisaster.org. If you have any questions you can contact the Sheriff’s Office, Division of Emergency Management at (850) 9260861 or visit our website at www.wcso.org. Hopefully, this hurricane season will end without impacts to our nation, state, or community. We all know that it is not if a storm will impact our county, but when it will occur. Please utilize the information in this guide to develop your plan and to make decisions to protect your life and property.
Every citizen should take steps to protect their property and assure their safety during disasters. The first step is to develop a plan.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Get A Plan Wakulla
The Wakulla News – Page 3H
If a hurricane evacuation is ordered... Hurricane Evacuation Procedures
Experts working with local media partners will announce evacuation orders indicating if your area is threatened by a particular hazard. If asked to evacuate, do so immediately and follow these instructions: • Before any storm, have a plan for you, your family and your pets. • Make a survival kit and take it with when you evacuate. • Identify a friend, family member, or hotel/motel out of the area where you can stay for extended period of time. • Fuel your vehicle and get emergency cash. • Take important papers with you, including your driver’s license, special medical information, insurance policies, and property inventories. • Take medications and prescriptions with you. • Let friends and relatives know where you are going. • Shut-off water, gas and electricity at the main fuse box. • Lock and secure your home. • Be patient, expect congested roadways. • Don’t return to the disaster area until you have received official word that it is safe.
Evacuation Assistance
If you need assistance or transportation during an evacuation because of age, disability or other special needs, you should pre-register with your County Emergency Management Department. Wakulla County Emergency Management Crawfordville (850) 926-0800 www.wcso.org/emergency-management.html Franklin County Emergency Management Apalachicola (850) 653-8977 www.franklinemergencymanagement.com Leon County Emergency Management Tallahassee (850) 488-5921 http://lcso.leonfl.org/em.htm www.haveahurricaneplan.com
Don’t return to the disaster area until you have received official word that it is safe.
American Red Cross Shelter Locations The Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross will open the following shelters for any storm evacuation. Additional shelters will be announced on local radio and television. Hurricane Shelter Information Hotline (850) 402-5656 Wakulla County Crawfordville Elementary School 379 Arran Road, Crawfordville Franklin County Shelters are not opened in Franklin County for Tropical Storms and Hurricanes due to the risk from Storm Tide. Leon County Florida High School 3000 School House Road, Tallahassee Lawton Chiles High School 7200 Lawton Chiles Lane, Tallahassee Oak Ridge Elementary School 4350 Shelfer Road, Tallahassee Springwood Elementary School 3801 Fred George Road, Tallahassee
Volunteering During a Disaster
Capital Area Chapter - American Red Cross When hurricanes strike you can help your community by volunteering with the American Red Cross. For more information visit www.tallyredcross.org or contact the American Red Cross Office at 850-878-6080 or toll free at 1-866-943-9010.
Page 4H – The Wakulla News
Get A Plan Wakulla
Thursday, June 10, 2010
FSU scientists use unique model to predict active 2010 hurricane season Florida State University scientists who have developed a unique computer model with a knack for predicting hurricanes with unprecedented accuracy are forecasting a very active season this year. Associate Scholar Scientist Tim LaRow and his colleagues at FSU’s Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS) say there will be an average of 17 named storms with 10 of those storms developing into hurricanes in the Atlantic this season, which is June 1 through Nov. 30. The historical seasonal average is 11 tropical storms with six of them becoming hurricanes. “It looks like it will be a very busy season, and it only takes one hurricane making landfall to have devastating effects,” LaRow said. “The predicted high number of tropical systems means there is an increased chance that the eastern United States or Gulf Coast will see a landfall this year,” he said. The COAPS model, unveiled just last year, is one of only a handful of numerical models in the world being used to study seasonal hurricane activity, and it has already outperformed many other models. The model uses the university’s high-performance computer to synthesize massive amounts of information including atmospheric, ocean and land data. A key component of the COAPS model is the use of predicted sea surface temperatures. The 2009 forecast, the model’s first, was on target: It predicted a below-average season, with a mean of eight named storms with four of them developing into hurricanes. There were nine named storms
with three that became hurricanes. The model’s 2009 forecast, plus its hindcasts of the previous 14 hurricane seasons — that’s when the data that existed prior to each season is plugged into the model to reforecast the season and then compared to what actually occurred — really shows the model’s precision. From 1995 to 2009, the model predicted a mean of 13.7 named storms of which a mean of 7.8 were hurricanes. In reality, the average during this period was 13.8 named storms with a mean of 7.9 hurricanes. How the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will affect the development of tropical storms this year is a question that scientists are still trying to figure out, LaRow said. The oil on the ocean surface can diminish the amount of surface evaporation, which would lead to local increased ocean temperatures near the surface, but LaRow said he’s made no adjustments to the model to account for the oil that continues to gush from an underwater well. “The oil spill will probably have little influence on the hurricane season, but we don’t know for sure since this spill is unprecedented,” he said. “It’s uncertain how exactly the atmospheric and oceanic conditions might change if the spill continues to grow.” COAPS researchers spent about five years developing and assessing the numerical model before putting it to the test with its first real-time forecast last year. Numerical models require major computing resources in order to make trillions of calculations using the equations of motion along with the best physical understanding of the atmosphere. By contrast, statistical models, such as the one that produces Colorado State University’s annual forecast, use statistical relationships between oceanic and atmospheric variables to make a forecast. COAPS received a $6.2 million, five-year grant from NOAA in 2006 that has been used, in part, to support the development of the model.
A truck and camper are abandoned in the flooded roadway at Mashes Sands in 2005. (News file photo)
How the oil spill in the Gulf will affect development of tropical storms is a question that scientists are still trying to figure out. Atmospheric and oceanic conditions might change if the spill continues to grow.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Get A Plan Wakulla
For daily updates click www.thewakullanews.com
Be Prepared Disaster Supplies
Before The Storm
While at home during a hurricane, you should have the following items on hand. Please remember that if you are in an area that is evacuated, it is important to leave when the order is issued.
Every year, prior to hurricane season, review your hurricane plan and make changes as necessary. It should include evacuation plans, where you will go, and the route you will take to get there, when you will leave and what supplies you will take.
Water - Store one gallon of water per person per day for at least 5 days Food - Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
First Aid Kit - One for your home and the other for your car Tools - Basic tool kit for making temp ora ry rep a irs a fter the storm
Clothing and Bedding - Work boots and gloves, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, lots of towels, hats and sunglasses Special Items - Baby formula, diapers, bottles and medications for children and adults
Entertainment - Games and books for children and adults
If you plan to stay, make sure you have all of the supplies necessary to be on your own for at least 72 hours. If you are planning to go to an evacuation shelter, have your shelter supplies kit packed and ready. Make sure you have all the materials on hand to protect your home. You should also trim dead wood from trees. Don’t forget to make arrangements for pets. If the storm is threatening the area you should listen to local media for information and actions to be taken. In addition you should: • • • • • • • • • •
Fuel your car. You will need it to evacuate and pumps don’t work without electricity. Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools. Install your storm shutters or cover windows with plywood and secure all doors. If you don’t cover your windows, remove your screens so they won’t blow away and you can reinstall them after the storm to keep mosquitoes at bay. Prepare boats as appropriate. Turn refrigerators and freezers to the highest settings. Freeze plastic bottles of water (leave room for expansion). Turn off small appliances that are not needed. Turn off LP tanks. Call an out-of-town friend or relative to let them know of your plans. Then instruct other family members to call that person for information about your family after the storm. Fill sinks and bathtubs with water. Check them for slow leaks. Get an extra supply of cash. Banks and ATMs may not be operational immediately after the storm.
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The Wakulla News – Page 5H
Hurricanes pose risks for senior citizens By GREG LINDBERG AARP FLORIDA
As Floridians gear up for the 2010 hurricane season, AARP Florida is urging our nearly 3 million Florida members to prepare for this year’s season. “Floridians 50+ are struggling with a bad economy, worried about the Gulf oil spill and fighting skyrocketing costs for prescription drugs,” said AARP’s Florida Director Lori Parham. “Since it’s been five years without a major hurricane in Florida, it’s tempting to let down your guard. But the truth is, older Floridians especially need to be ready for a major storm.” Parham is urging Floridians age 50+ to join others in helping their friends, neighbors and communities prepare for storms. To help, AARP Florida has compiled several hurricane-preparedness resources online that are specifically tailored to Floridians 50+. To learn more, go to www.createthegood.org/diytoolkits and look for Operation Hurricane Prepare. Parham offered these important tips to prepare: • Prepare to be able to manage for at least three days until government responders and volunteers can deliver supplies in the event of a major disaster. A week would be better. • Recognize that your health is at risk if you lose air conditioning, fresh water, sewage service or other services. If you may need assistance during and after a storm, register with your local special needs shelter. For registration information, visit the Florida Department of Elder Affairs website at elderaffairs.state.fl.us/english/disaster.html, or call 1 (800) 96-ELDER (1-800-9635337). • Have two survival kits on hand – one for an evacuation and one to help you be self-sufficient for several days when you return home. Your evacuation kit should include important papers, a two weeks’ supply of medications and medications list, contact information for friends and family, and a video or other camera to record any damage once you return home. Your returning-home kit should include a flashlight, first aid kit, batteries, food, water and any medications you may need. • Make a plan for your pets. Because many of us consider pets to be family members, we can hesitate to evacuate when necessary for fear of leaving our animals at risk. • Prepare your home against hurricane damage. Have a licensed professional install hurricane shutters on your windows. Parham said that while it may be best to ride out a storm in your home, evacuation may be necessary if your residence is not suitable for sheltering you or if you live in an evacuation zone. Residents of manufactured housing should always plan to evacuate their areas. Parham also urged Floridians 50+ to consider lending a helping hand to those in need. “If you’re in good health, your fellow older Floridians can use your assistance.” she said. “Using AARP’s Operation Hurricane Prepare toolkits, you can make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Page 6H – The Wakulla News
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The Wakulla News – Page 7H
Get A Plan Wakulla
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Page 8H – The Wakulla News
Get A Plan Wakulla
Some definitions of hurricane terms Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds between 25 mph and 38 mph. Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds between 39 mph and 73 mph. A cyclone with sustained winds reaching 39 mph will be named. Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or greater. Post Tropical Cyclone: A former tropical cyclone. This generic term describes a cyclone that no longer possesses sufficient tropical characteristics. Two types of Post Tropical Cyclones are extratropical cyclones and remnant lows. Extratropical Cyclone: A cyclone of any intensity that possesses frontal characteristics. Remnant Low: An area of low pressure that no longer possesses convection near the center of circulation, as would be expected of a tropical cyclone. This low must also have sustained winds less than 39 mph. Hurricane Watch: A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within the next 48 hours. Hurricane Warning: A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area, generally within the next 36 hours. Tropical Storm Watch: A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within the next 48 hours. Tropical Storm Warning: A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area, generally within the next 36 hours. Hurricane Wind Watch: Issued for inland areas of coastal counties as well as inland counties when hurricane force winds are possible within the watch area, generally within the next 48 hours. Hurricane Wind Warning: Issued for inland areas of coastal counties as well as inland counties when hurricane force winds are expected within the warning area, generally within the next 36 hours. Tropical Storm Wind Watch: Issued for inland areas of coastal counties as well as inland counties when tropical storm force winds are possible within the watch area, generally within the next 48 hours. Tropical Storm Wind Warning: Issued for inland areas of coastal counties as well as inland counties when tropical storm force winds are expected within the watch area, generally within the next 36 hours. Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale: A rating scale with five categories that is based on the maximum sustained wind speed of a tropical cyclone. The scale no longer is related to any predicted storm surge height. Funnel Cloud: A rotating, funnel shaped cloud extending downward from a shower and thunderstorm base. A funnel cloud does not come in contact with the ground. Tornado: A violently rotating column of air extending from the shower and thunderstorm base to the ground. Storm Surge: The onshore rush of sea or lake water caused by the high winds associated with a landfalling cyclone and to a lesser extent by the low pressure of the storm. Coastal Areas: Areas along the coast susceptible to the effects of storm surge.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The Wakulla
Stay Informed After The Storm • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Keep listening to your local radio or TV stations for information. If you are evacuated, return home only when authorities advise that it is safe. Make sure you have plenty of gas, and bring any supplies you may need (batteries, water, non-perishable food). Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. Immediately following the passage of the storm, debris and downed power lines may be covering roadways making them impassible. Emergency crews will be working to clear roadways but it may take hours or even days to clear them all. Avoid sightseeing. Roads may be closed for your protection so if you encounter a barricade, turn around and go another way. Do not drive in flooded areas. Avoid weakened bridges and washed out roadways. If water is touching the span of the bridge, do not cross over. Stay on firm ground. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from downed power lines. Beware of downed power lines. Lines may be charged and dangerous. Beware of snakes, insects or animals driven to higher ground by flood waters. Enter your home with extreme caution. Beware of fallen objects or damaged roof and wall sections. Remove shutters or plywood and open windows and doors to ventilate or dry your home if necessary. Replace screens if you removed them prior to the storm. Check gas, water and electrical lines and appliances for damage. Do not attempt to repair damaged gas or electrical lines. Call a professional. Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated. Avoid using candles or other open flames indoors. The fire department may not be able to respond if you have a fire. Use a flashlight, glow sticks or battery-powered lighting. Use the telephone to report emergencies only. This includes cellular phones. An older “corded” phone can be used if your power is out but your phone lines are up. Be especially cautious when using a chainsaw to cut fallen trees. Ambulances may have difficulty responding to accidents, and roads to hospitals might be impassable. Never connect portable generators to your house. Use them only to run necessary appliances and plug the appliance into the generator.
Storm Strength The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1 to 5 rating on a hurricane’s intensity. • Category 1, winds 74-95 m.p.h.; • Category 2, winds 96-110 m.p.h.; • Category 3, winds 111-130 m.p.h.; • Category 4, winds 121-155 m.p.h.; • Category 5, winds 156 m.p.h. and greater.
During The Storm If you stay at home during a hurricane you should take the following precautions in addition to those mentioned in the Before the Storm section as the storm approaches:
• Stay away from windows and doors, even if they are covered. • Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, hallway or basement if available. If you live in a two story home, choose a room on the first floor. • Close all interior doors and brace exterior doors if possible. • Lie on the floor under a table, or another sturdy object. • Some protection is afforded by covering with a mattress during the height of the storm. • If the eye of the storm passes over, it will be calm for a short period of time. REMAIN INDOORS! As soon as the eye passes over, winds will increase rapidly to hurricane force from the opposite direction. • Remain calm. It may take several hours for the storm to pass.
2010 Hurricane Names: Alex, Bonnie, Colin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona, Gaston, Hermine, Igor, Julia, Karl, Lisa, Matthew, Nicole, Otto, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tomas, Virginie, Walter.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Get A Plan Wakulla
The Wakulla News – Page 9H
NOAA’s answers to frequently asked questions about hurricanes and the oil spill What will happen to a hurricane that runs through this oil slick? Most hurricanes span an enormous area of the ocean (200-300 miles) – far wider than the current size of the spill. If the slick remains small in comparison to a typical hurricane’s general environment and size, the anticipated impact on the hurricane would be minimal. The oil is not expected to appreciably affect either the intensity or the track of a fully developed tropical storm or hurricane. The oil slick would have little effect on the storm surge or near-shore wave heights. What will the hurricane do to the oil slick in the Gulf? The high winds and seas will mix and “weather” the oil which can help accelerate the biodegradation process. The high winds may distribute oil over a wider area, but it is difficult to model exactly where the oil may be transported. Movement of oil would depend greatly on the track of the hurricane. Storms’ surges may carry oil into the coastline and inland as far as the surge reaches. Debris resulting from the hurricane may be contaminated by oil from the Deepwater Horizon incident, but also from other oil releases that may occur during the storm. A hurricane’s winds rotate counter-clockwise. Thus, in VERY GENERAL TERMS: A hurricane passing to the west of the oil slick could drive oil to the coast. A hurricane passing to the east of the slick could drive the oil away from the coast. However, the details of the evolution of the storm, the track, the wind speed, the size, the forward motion and the intensity are all unknowns at this point and may alter this general statement. Will the oil slick help or hurt a storm from developing in the Gulf? Evaporation from the sea surface fuels tropical storms and hurricanes. Over relatively calm water (such as for a developing tropical depression or disturbance), in theory, an oil slick could suppress evaporation if the layer is thick enough, by not allowing contact of the water to the air. With less evaporation one might assume there would be less
moisture available to fuel the hurricane and thus reduce its strength. However, except for immediately near the source, the slick is very patchy. At moderate wind speeds, such as those found in approaching tropical storms and hurricanes, a thin layer of oil such as is the case with the current slick (except in very limited areas near the well) would likely break into pools on the surface or mix as drops in the upper layers of the ocean. (The heaviest surface slicks, however, could re-coalesce at the surface after the storm passes.) This would allow much of the water to remain in touch with the overlying air and greatly reduce any effect the oil may have on evaporation. Therefore, the oil slick is not likely to have a significant impact on the hurricane. Will the hurricane pull up the oil that is below the surface of the Gulf? All of the sampling to date shows that, except near the leaking well, the subsurface dispersed oil is in parts-per-million levels or less. The hurricane will mix the waters of the Gulf and disperse the oil even further. Have we had experience in the past with hurricanes and oil spills? Yes, but our experience has been primarily with oil spills that occurred because of the storm, not from an existing oil slick and an ongoing release of oil from the seafloor. The experience from hurricanes Katrina and Rita (2005) was that oil released during the storms became very widely dispersed. Dozens of significant spills and hundreds of smaller spills occurred from offshore facilities, shoreside facilities, vessel sinkings, etc. Will there be oil in the rain related to a hurricane? No. Hurricanes draw water vapor from a large area, much larger than the area covered by oil, and rain is produced in clouds circulating the hurricane. Learn more about NOAA’s response to the BP oil spill at http:// response.restoration.noaa.gov/ deepwaterhorizon.
Storms’ surges may carry oil into the coastline and inland as far as the surge reaches. Debris resulting from the hurricane may be contaminated by oil from the spill.
Page 10H – The Wakulla News
Get A Plan Wakulla
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The state appears to be in good financial shape as hurricane season starts By MICHAEL PELTIER THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Florida will enter the 2010 hurricane season in the best financial shape it has been in years despite a sluggish economy that has been a drain on state and local coffers for the past three years. The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund is flush with cash and the bonding capacity to survive all but the most destructive 2010 season and could handle a relatively large storm without having to borrow money. Meanwhile, Citizens Property Insurance Corp is also benefiting from four seasons without a major hurricane and has bolstered its reserves. Citizens expects to have approximately $14 billion in readily available cash resources to pay hurricane catastrophe claims. “We’ve taken steps in the right direction to get the CAT fund back on track while Citizens has also improved its ability to cover claims,” said Sen. Garrett Richter (R-Naples) and chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. “This is multi-step process.” Despite that good news, industry representatives caution that the state is still only a couple hurricanes away from the financial precipice it leaned over following back-to-back hurricane ravaged seasons in 2004 and 2005. “The key to remember is that hurricanes are not one-time events,” said Gary Landry, vice president of the Florida Insurance Council. “The CAT fund’s bonding ability has improved and that’s great, but the other side is that is if we get hit by a series of storms, then we are right back to ground zero.” Overall, the state is carrying more debt than it wants too under a
self-imposed seven-percent cap established to assure its credit rating remains high. The Division of Bond Finance in its 2009 reports estimates that Florida will exceed its seven-percent debt ratio ceiling over the next few years as the state begins a slow economic recovery. Last year, the state was carrying at least $41 billion in debt, of which $26.4 billion was supported by state tax revenues. The remaining $14.7 billion is debt accrued by other government agencies and is not reliant on state tax revenue for repayment. The state’s ability to borrow money cheaply may be affected by events other than hurricanes as the investment markets look to potential effects of what is becoming the largest oil spill in U.S. history. Though near-term effects are “manageable,” Moody’s Investor Services said the long-term impact on Florida’s economy is less certain and potentially more damaging should oil wash ashore. “The state’s high dependence on tourism dollars and jobs is significant and a gradually worsening disaster associated with any part of Florida’s 1,197 coastline miles could likely have long-term implications even greater than the recent global recession or Hurricane Ivan in 2004,” wrote Moody’s researcher Edith Behr in a May 18 report. Cat Fund solid
Two weeks ago, Florida Hurricane Catastrophe fund managers told the Cabinet that easing credit markets and more favorable rates would allow Florida officials to meet all the state’s obligations for the upcoming hurricane season. The state would have the capacity to borrow $15.9 billion in the event of a big hurricane. Combined with $6 billion in reserves and $3.5 billion in pre-event notes, the state has a total disaster capacity of nearly $25.5 billion, enough to meet its entire 2010 obligations. “The fund‘s cash balance is in its best shape in history,” Landry said. “It can also reach the potential bonding capacity it needs to meet potential claims for the season.“ “It is still perilous to insure against hurricanes in this state,” Landry said.
A Dog Island home with damage caused by the tidal surge from Hurricane Dennis in 2005. (Photo by J.S. Clark)
The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund is flush with cash and the bonding capacity to survive all but the most destructive 2010 season.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Get A Plan Wakulla
The Wakulla News – Page 11H
A history of hurricanes in the area, from the 1830s to the present. Aug. 7, 1837. A hurricane makes landfall along the northern Gulf Coast, likely somewhere west of Panama City. This storm produced a storm surge in excess of 6 feet at St. Marks. The effects of this storm at St. Marks were likely similar to Hurricane Dennis of 2005. Aug. 30, 1837. A compact major hurricane makes landfall near Apalachicola. According to Florida’s Hurricane History by Jay Barnes, “Damage from this hurricane was severe, as ships were wrecked and homes and wharves were washed away. In St. Joseph (near modern day Port St. Joe) a three-story building was razed to the ground.” The damage in Apalachicola was first estimated to be $200,000, but that figure was later reduced. The editor of the Apalachicola Gazette summarized the scene: “I write from the midst of ruins.” September 1841. St. Joseph was completed destroyed by a hurricane. Little is known about this storm other than little was left of the town after the storm. Oct. 4, 1842. A major hurricane makes landfall near St. Marks and produces a 20-foot storm surge at Cedar Key. Tallahassee suffers significant wind damage valued at $11.1 million in 2008 dollars. At Apalachicola, the East Pass lighthouse was heavily damaged when it lost 30 feet of its height. According to Florida’s Hurricane History, “’Roads in all directions from the Florida capital were blocked with thousands of fallen trees.” Sept. 13, 1843. Port Leon is wiped off the map by a category two hurricane. A 10 foot storm surge is produced referred to as a “tidal wave”. The hurricane kills 14 in the Florida Panhandle. In the Florida Historical Quarterly, historian T. Frederick Davis wrote: “Every warehouse in the town was laid flat with the ground... Nearly every dwelling was thrown from its foundation and many of them crushed to atoms. The merchants took what precautions they could for protection against high wind and water before the height of the storm, by moving their goods, as they thought, out of danger. But the surging water and furious blasts were irresistible, and the goods in the stores were either destroyed or badly damaged... Every dwelling house and store that was not demolished was left in a wretchedly shattered and filthy condition.” Aug. 30, 1850. A powerful hurricane hits Apalachicola bringing a significant storm tide. Several downtown streets were flooded. Aug. 24, 1851. The Great Middle-Florida Hurricane. A major hurricane hits Apalachicola producing a 12-foot storm surge in St. Marks. This storm was recorded as the “most savage and destructive storm in the history of Apalachicola.” All three lighthouses were blown down or washed away. Florida’s Hurricane History puts it this way: “The wind apparently blew for more than 20 hours, leveling houses of all sizes. Extremely high tides washed away warehouses and stores and all of their contents, leaving the inhabitants without shelter and almost all without food. All of the buildings on Water Street were destroyed, and every house on Front or Commerce Street is in ruins.” In Tallahassee, the Tallahassee Sentinel reported: “Tall forest oaks were uprooted or rudely snapped asunder; China trees stood no chance, fences
were prostrated, tin roofing peeled up like paper, roofs torn up, brick bats flying; and altogether such a general scatteration taking place as is not often seen.” At St. Marks, the storm tide was greater that all previous storms with portions of the fortifications swept away. The tide was estimated in excess of 12 feet. Residents were forced from their homes in the midst of the storm and forced to swim or float on debris. Oct. 3, 1877. A major hurricane makes landfall at Apalachicola creating a storm surge of 12 feet. June 21, 1886. A Category 2 hurricane makes landfall in St. Marks. June 30, 1886. A Category 2 hurricane makes landfall east of Apalachicola. June 9, 1966. Hurricane Alma makes landfall near Apalachicola as a Category 2 hurricane. Alma caused $66 million in damage. Winds of 75 to 100 mph were estimated in coastal Wakulla County. Sept. 23, 1975. Major Hurricane Eloise makes landfall near Destin with winds of 125 mph. This storm created a 16-foot storm surge across the panhandle coast. Damage exceeded $400 million. Nov. 21, 1985. Hurricane Kate makes landfall east of Panama City, near Mexico Beach with winds of 95 mph. Significant wind damage occurred around the western Big Bend, particularly in and around Tallahassee. 2004 Hurricane season – Even if a tropical cyclone does not directly make landfall in our forecast area, impacts can still be felt. This was very much the case in the active 2004 season. Bonnie, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne all had an impact on our forecast area. The most severe was Ivan which produced numerous tornadoes across the panhandle and Big Bend with storm surge heights of eight to 10 feet along the panhandle coast. July 10, 2005. Hurricane Dennis made landfall in the Pensacola area, over 200 miles from the Big Bend, and still caused moderate to significant damage along the Big Bend coast. While wind speeds remained below hurricane force locally, the main impact was storm surge. Between eight to 10 feet of storm surge was observed in Apalachee Bay well east of where Dennis made landfall. From Apalachicola to Keaton Beach, coastal communities were inundated with storm surge. U.S. Highway 98 was washed out in several places in Franklin County. This unusually high storm surge from a storm making landfall hundreds of miles to the west was caused by the combination of tropical storm force winds pushing water into Apalachee Bay and a trapped continental shelf wave moving northward along the Florida west coast. Aug. 22, 2008. Tropical Storm Fay progressed across the Florida Big Bend and Panhandle over three days in late August. While winds from Fay were generally in the 40 to 50 mph range, significant widespread heavy rain created near record flooding across much of the Florida Big Bend, including Tallahassee. A storm total rainfall report of 27.50 inches was received from Thomasville, Ga. – 22 inches of rain fell in a 24-hour period, setting a record for the highest 24 hour rainfall total in Georgia.
Even when a hurricane doesn’t make landfall in our area, it can still create impacts – such as tornadoes produced by Ivan in 2004, or flooding caused by Dennis in 2005.
Page 12H – The Wakulla News
Get A Plan Wakulla
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wakulla County Storm Surge Map Apalachee Bay is particularly prone to large storm surges. Since reliable data has been maintained in the 1830s, our region of coastline has only experienced nine major hurricanes of Category 3 intensity. Our worst case scenario would be a strong Category 2 or 3 hurricane moving northward and striking along the Franklin County coastline between Apalachicola and Carrabelle. A Category 3 would likely produce 15 to 20 feet of storm surge along Apalachee Bay – which would likely destroy coastal communities as well as cut off portions of Franklin County from the remainder of the panhandle, prolonging the recovery period. It should be noted that a major hurricane need not strike along the Franklin County coastline to produce a significant storm surge in Apalachee Bay: Hurricane Dennis in 2005, created a moderate storm surge across the bay even though it made landfall in the Pensacola area. Though the tropical storm force winds east of the center of Dennis produced the majority of the overall surge, a trapped continental shelf wave added around two to four feet, bringing the cumulative surge to eight to 10 feet.
It’s not too early to
P R E PA R E F O R THE SEASON. Hurricane season is upon us. State Farm® can help before as well as after it strikes. Contact me today to learn how to prepare or visit statefarm.com®.
Gayla Parks, Agent 5032 Capital Circle SW Tallahassee, FL 32305 Bus: 850-222-6208 gayla.parks.hbr4@statefarm.com
Storm surge 2005
The St. Marks Post Office was flooded in July 2005 by the tidal surge from Hurricane Dennis – which traveled up the Gulf coast and made landfall at Pensacola. The hurricane, while it didn’t hit here, pushed a wall of water into Apalachee Bay that caused extensive flooding to coastal areas. (News file photo)
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