The past weeks have been nothing but tragic and terrifying for those residing in the southeastern part of the country. The shores of North Carolina were devastated by the effects of Hurricane Helene and have been struggling to recover from the damage over the past few weeks. In addition, Hurricane Milton caused lasting damage to Florida, specifically Tampa. Storms like these occur every year, but none have been as menacing as these.
Hurricane Helene destroyed the southeastern part of the country, specifically the shores of North Carolina. According to CNN Climate, Hurricane Helene caused 500 miles worth of damage and took the lives of over 230 innocent people. Warm waters, specifically along the Gulf of Mexico can be the perfect breeding ground for a hurricane. Reports state that the temperature was 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above normal when Helene passed over land. These abnormally high temperatures are due to the new realities and dangers of climate change. Studies have shown that hurricanes as damaging and powerful as Helene are now 2.5 times more likely to occur around the Gulf of Mexico (CNN Climate). The effects of Hurricane Helene are still being sifted through. As of yesterday, people in South Carolina are still discovering their neighbors injured, or dead.
As devastating as Helene was, the Gulf of Mexico experienced another monster storm with Hurricane Milton. Many people were forced to evacuate their homes in hopes of avoiding the storm. Meteorologists and scientists were incredibly concerned by the threat Milton placed on Florida’s safety. According to the National Hurricane Center, Milton posed an “extremely life-threatening situation” for the western coast of Florida (CNN Climate). According to FOX Weather, as of Monday, October 7th, winds reached up to 180 miles per hour. Milton has the potential to be the most destructive hurricane in the history of Florida (FOX Weather). Predictions include not only high winds, but flash flooding and storm surges as well.
At least 13 counties in central Florida ordered mandatory evacuations for the 7.3 million residents due to the severity of the storm (FOX Weather). Police officials told those who chose to stay to write their names, date of birth, and next of kin on their bodies with a permanent marker so they can be identified if and when their bodies are found. Many people who have not been told to evacuate are still at risk of severe flooding, and dangerous wind levels. Mr. Hedges, an English teacher here at Ramapo, has loved ones facing the dangers of Milton. He states, “ I have family who lives in Naples, FL. They are technically out of the direct path of the storm, but they are still in a zone that anticipates high levels of flooding. They are not planning to evacuate because they are used to this happening during the storm season. We trust that they know what they’re doing, but that doesn’t mean we are not worried for them.” Although hurricanes and tropical storms are nothing new for the state of Florida, Milton is the most threatening one the state has seen in nearly a century.
Not only are people in danger of these hurricanes, but the lives of many helpless animals are in jeopardy. It is concerning how often people abandon or lose their pets in these hurricanes, and leaves a heartbreaking effect on the community. Ramapo Junior, Emma Sanchez states her opinion on this matter, “I never understood how someone can just abandon their pet. I would rather sleep in my car than abandon my dog. I hope that all of the pets and animals are rescued, and I hope the owners will protect their pets during this time of crisis.” These storms have already left devastating and lasting effects on the residents and animals of the nation, and there is still uncertainty when this danger will end.
The main cause of these yearly storms rests in the hands of climate change. These harsh realities are now something that society must face and endure the dangers of. The effects of Helene have left the Carolinas completely distraught and the threat of Milton has literally brought meteorologists to tears (CNN News). Discussion has begun of renaming Milton as a “Category 6” Hurricane. Thoughts and prayers have gone out to those affected by these hurricanes, and the sense of fear and concern continues to grow by the hour.
