Haunted by hurricanes past, Tallahassee residents brace for Idalia impact
With Hurricane Idalia quickly closing in, residents in the capital city and county are making last minute strides to fortify their homes against what experts say could be an unprecedented storm to hit Tallahassee.
Sandbag locations around Leon County maintained a steady flow of traffic as people filled bag after bag for themselves, loved ones and neighbors.
"I think we need to be quite vigilant," Sharon Berrian said. "All residents need to be aware of what's happening and prepare properly."
Berrian said she has been checking the news religiously to stay on top of the latest updates and gathering the necessities: batteries, non perishable foods and, of course, sandbags.
The storm has steadily grown stronger as it keeps inching towards the Big Bend, and storm surges could reach anywhere from 10 to 15 feet, according to the National Hurricane Center. Dark, ominous clouds started to settle in midway through the morning — a looming presence hanging over everyone's head as a reminder that preparation time is running out.
As a member of the National Guard, William Jessie said he's seen the worst of the worst after being sent to help towns decimated by tragic storms over the years. Because of this, he said he treats every hurricane the same no matter how big or little the threat.
"For me it's like Michael," Jessie said. "Michael was a Category One or Two, but over night became a Five."
Matt O'Brien, a local firefighter, spent the eve of the hurricane helping the people in his community pack up sandbags. Hurricane Andrew hit his home as a child, and he said it was devastating to see what was left behind, or lack thereof.
"We had just destruction everywhere," O'Brien said. "So I'd hate to see that here, especially with all of our trees."
Residents have mostly aired concerns about the potential wind damage from fallen branches and the possibility of losing power for any given period of time. Some areas are subject to flooding which many hope the sandbags will be enough to curb any damage.
For Kathleen Powers Conti, her family is not taking any chances with their young baby. New to Florida after moving from Texas in December, this is their first hurricane, she said, and they plan to evacuate and stay with friends in Dothan, Alabama.
Leon County issued a mandatory evacuation for people living in mobile or manufactured homes Tuesday afternoon. Shelters are opening at Lawton Chiles High School, Ft. Braden School, Lincoln High School and James Rickards High School.
A positive amid the chaos of any natural disaster is watching the community come together, Berrian said. Tallahassee watches out for one another, she said.
"We are a community of friends," she said. "We are a community that helps other people."
Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on Twitter @elenabarreraaa.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee braces for Idalia impact, haunted by past hurricanes
