All articles tagged with #storm preparations
Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm of the year, has made landfall in Jamaica, causing widespread fear, destruction, and evacuations, with authorities warning of catastrophic flooding and life-threatening conditions.
Several counties and municipalities in the Tampa Bay area have announced closures and cancellations ahead of potentially severe weather, with Pinellas County schools remaining open for normal operations on Tuesday, Pasco County schools closed with plans to reopen on Wednesday, Hernando County schools having early dismissal on Tuesday, and Citrus County schools on a half-day schedule with after-school activities and extracurriculars cancelled.
As Hurricane Lee approached coastal New England, residents in Maine and Massachusetts prepared for the storm, but appeared largely unfazed. Cruise ships sought refuge in Portland, Maine, and homeowners in Provincetown, Massachusetts, piled sandbags. The storm was expected to make landfall in New Brunswick, Canada, but its large size meant that severe effects would be felt in New England as well. Governor Janet Mills of Maine declared a state of emergency, and President Biden authorized a federal emergency declaration. Preparations included hauling boats out of the water and distributing sandbags. The region, already hit by extreme weather this summer, faces the risk of power outages and falling trees due to recent heavy rainfall.
Tropical Storm Idalia is currently in the Gulf of Mexico with sustained winds of 70 mph. It is forecasted to strengthen into a major hurricane before making landfall in Florida early Wednesday. Tropical-storm-force winds are expected to arrive as weather conditions deteriorate, serving as a deadline for storm preparations and potential evacuations. This year's Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be near-normal, with the presence of El Niño increasing wind shear and potentially impeding hurricane formation. However, heightened sea surface temperatures pose additional threats, including the potential for supercharged storms.
Tropical Storm Franklin is expected to make landfall on the island of Hispaniola, shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti, bringing heavy rains and the potential for landslides and floods. Dominican officials have announced closures of schools, government offices, and businesses, while Haiti has not yet announced any closures. The storm is forecasted to linger over Hispaniola before moving into open water. The Dominican Republic has issued red alerts for nearly half of its provinces and has dispatched workers to prepare for the storm. Haiti, already dealing with a surge in gang violence and displacement, is concerned about the potential chaos and the government's limited ability to respond quickly.