As the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season begins, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an 85% likelihood of an above-normal season, with 17-25 named storms, 8-13 of which could escalate to hurricanes, including 4-7 major hurricanes reaching Category 3 or higher.
Residents like myself, who lived through the devastating impacts of hurricanes Frances and Jeanne in 2004, hitting three weeks apart, understand the gravity of these predictions. The events of nearly twenty years ago, when many lost their homes and lived in FEMA trailers, are still vivid in the community’s collective memory.
Several residents experienced prolonged power outages lasting weeks. I know multiple families who had to reside in temporary accommodations for over a year due to the backlog of roofing companies.
Fortunately, there is positive news: our city’s infrastructure has seen significant improvements over the last two decades, including updates to building codes. Florida Power & Light (FPL) has bolstered the power grid’s resilience by installing underground utilities and replacing wooden poles with concrete ones along major roads such as US-1 and CR-512.
Each year, NOAA’s predictions remind us of the potential for severe weather, partly influenced by climatic conditions such as La Niña, which reduces wind shear in the Atlantic, fostering more favorable conditions for hurricanes.
NOAA also pointed to the near-record high sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean as a basis for predicting an active hurricane season.
Right now, through June 14, the first of two Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays is happening, which means many disaster preparation items can be purchased tax-free, including:
- Water
- Shelf-stable canned food
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Reusable ice
- Pet items
- Toys
- Portable power banks and more
Other important items that are tax-free include:
- Portable generators
- Tarps or other waterproof sheeting
- Smoke detectors and alarms
- Fire extinguishers
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Portable radios less than $50
We at Sebastian Daily do our best to keep the community informed as we broadcast live updates on YouTube during storm events. Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel for local and accurate information.
Nearly 20 years have passed since Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne struck Sebastian three weeks apart. We chose to live in a hurricane-prone area, and it’s essential to be ready and know your evacuation route if needed. Be prepared this season.