Hurricanes in
Gulf are cause
for concern

Hurricane season is upon us, and a tropical storm hit Texas last week and a major hurricane, Dean, is strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico.

Flooding from Tropical Storm Erin killed 13 people in the Midwest and nine people died in Jamaica from Hurricane Dean. Dean was expected to reach sustained winds of 155 miles per hour and drop 20 inches of rain on the Cayman Islands. Gusts of more than 180 miles per hour have been reported.

These are sobering numbers, especially if you live in a hurricane-prone area.

Unfortunately, North Carolina has had more than its fair share of hurricanes in recent years.

The peak of hurricane season won’t come until early to mid-September, but now is the time to begin preparations.

Most residents of this area already know the drill: have a full tank of gas in case evacuation is required, stock plenty of food and water for extended power outages, buy extra batteries for flashlights, etc.

The ocean is unusually warm this summer, so the conditions are right for hurricanes to gain disastrous strength. Hundreds of Columbus County residents who have been on mission trips to the Gulf states following Katrina know first-hand the damage a major hurricane can cause.

Columbus County hasn’t had a direct hit from a major hurricane like Hugo, Andrew or Katrina, so it’s important that residents not underestimate the power of these storms.

Already, the signs of this hurricane season are a cause for concern.