In 2005, Hurricane Dennis made landfall near the Alabama-Florida state line as a Category 3 hurricane. While Florida’s Big Bend area did not experience tropical storm strength winds, it suffered significant damage from storm surge, which can be more deadly and destructive than wind, impacting areas far from the storm’s center.
The Saffir-Simpson Scale categorizes hurricanes from 1 to 5 based on sustained wind speed, but this scale only provides part of the picture. While wind can cause damage to structures, storm surge can push buildings off their foundations, trap people in their homes, wash out roads, toss boats inland, and cause widespread destruction.
Former FEMA director Craig Fugate emphasized that water, not wind, is the leading cause of death during hurricanes. The forecasted storm surge from Hurricane Helene in Florida’s Big Bend area could reach between 15 and 20 feet, posing a significant threat to coastal communities.
Storm surge is the rise in sea water above normal levels during a storm. Unlike the Saffir-Simpson Scale which measures wind speed, storm surge does not account for wave height above the water’s mean level. The impact of storm surge can be exacerbated during high tide, leading to more severe flooding.
Comparatively, Hurricane Katrina caused flooding in New Orleans due to levee failures, while Mississippi faced up to 28 feet of storm surge, resulting in extensive devastation along the coast. Fugate pointed out the vulnerability of Florida’s Big Bend region to storm surge, despite its lower population density.
The shallow waters along the Gulf Coast, particularly in the Big Bend area, contribute to heightened storm surge risk. The unique geography of the Big Bend hinders water from spreading along the coast, causing it to accumulate and move inland rapidly during a storm.
Coastal communities in the Big Bend area, like Panacea, are at risk due to limited evacuation routes and the potential for roads to be submerged. Fugate warned that rescue operations may be impossible during the storm, urging residents to evacuate before it’s too late.
In conclusion, the looming threat of Hurricane Helene and its projected storm surge in Florida’s Big Bend region underscores the importance of preparing for water-related disasters and heeding evacuation orders to mitigate potential loss of life and property damage.