Hurricane season officially began Thursday, June 1 and will end the final day of November. Officials across Florida are urging residents to get ready now for whatever storms may come. From member station WUFT in Gainesville, Grace King has some helpful tips on what that preparation should include.
One very important lesson learned last year. Even though Hurricane Hermine was technically a Category One storm – a minimal hurricane – and was more than one hundred miles offshore from Cedar Key, its storm surge in that area ranked in the top five. Florida Public Radio Emergency Network Meteorologist Jeff Huffman says this is why the National Hurricane Center will be issuing two different types of warnings this season.
Certainly wind is the primary danger from hurricanes, but water runs a close second. In low-lying Florida, flood insurance is a must for many property owners. But the deadline is looming for federal reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program. Quincy Walters with WGCU in Fort Myers explores the history of the program that’s racked up billions of dollars of debt, who needs coverage under the program, and why it’s so expensive.
National Flood Insurance is a must for those whose property is in a flood zone. But how can you tell is you’re in such a zone? From member station WUSF in Tampa, Susan Giles Wantuck explains.
Evacuating coastal areas is always a concern when a hurricane threatens. Florida, of course, has a LOT of coastal areas. One region of the state – the Florida Keys – is nothing BUT coastal area. And that means when a strong hurricane looms, evacuation is the only option. WLRN’s Nancy Klingener (KLING-en-er) talked to some of those responsible for watching storms in the Keys about how to persuade people to leave, while planning for those who can’t…or won’t.
Besides the beginning of a new storm season, this also marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of Hurricane Andrew. For the residents of South Florida, Bryan Norcross was that lone voice in the void that talked a terrified populace through Andrew. When all other stations went silent, his was the one that stayed on the air and kept listeners sane through the worst storm in living memory. From member station WLRN in Miami, here’s Luis Hernandez.