HOLT, Fla., May 10, 2017—The National Weather Service  designated this week as Hurricane Preparedness Week for the 2017 storm season.

Even though hurricane season doesn’t start until June 1, the NWS wants people to focus on preparing now for the potential landfall of a tropical storm or hurricane.

Each day of the week will focus on different aspects of hurricane preparation such as determining risk, developing a plan, gathering supplies and strengthening the home.

In other words, prepare now.

While Holt isn’t located on the coast, it’s only about 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. A strong storm impacting the coast doesn’t have time to lose strength before reaching U.S. 90.

Because it’s not a coastal town, Holt doesn’t have to worry about storm surge. However, high winds, driving rain, dangerous lightning and fast-forming tornadoes are all possible with tropical storms and hurricanes and can strike anywhere.

Additionally, large amounts of rain can cause inland flooding.

Even though Holt is “up the hill” as they said in the late 1800s, residents living along the lower sections of Log Lake Road and near the Yellow River should consider flooding a potential hazard.

Long time, no storms
The United States hasn’t been hit by a major hurricane in more than a decade and the Florida panhandle hasn’t seen a major storm since Hurricane Dennis in 2005.

“Many people
are suffering
from hurricane amnesia.”

National Weather Service

“However, hurricanes such as Ike, Sandy and Isaac reminded us that significant impacts can occur without it being a major hurricane,” according to the National Weather Service website. “Many people are suffering from hurricane amnesia in the forms of complacency, denial and inexperience. This remarkable hurricane streak is going to end, and we have to be ready for it to happen.”

Stephanie Holcombe

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