Helene and Milton: Destructive Duo

The peak of the Atlantic hurricane season has arrived. Hurricanes begin as tropical waves mixed with thunderstorms and are fueled by water temperature increases. Whipping in at around 130 mph, harsh winds and rain threaten inhabitants in all Atlantic coastal areas, especially those in Florida. 

In late September and early October 2024, two destructive hurricanes ravaged the southeast. Hurricane Helene started in the Caribbean and made landfall in Florida on September 26, classifying as a category four. Citizens began to recover from the disaster when Hurricane Milton, a category three hurricane, hit Florida on October 5.

Five days before Hurricane Helene reached land, citizens of Florida and other coastal states started to prepare. Floridians took safety measures such as boarding up windows, buying surplus food, and building safety rooms. Those at serious risk packed up their belongings and evacuated the area.

Government officials issued evacuation notices for millions of people. 4.2 million across the Southeast were without power due to the storm. A former Charlotte Catholic student, Alexandra Roberson, now lives in Bradenton, Florida and attends IMG Academy. Due to the school’s location, she was forced to evacuate. 

Since this was her first year at the academy, the whole evacuation process was new to her. Alexandra said this was her first time ever evacuating for a hurricane and it was quite scary. She left just two days before the hurricane would hit her school. 

Hundreds of Alexandra’s schoolmates boarded flights out of Florida to return home or stay with friends. Alexandra said that she “was happy at first to leave school, but then when [she] thought about the people that were suffering [she] was sad.” When she returned a week after Helene’s landfall, she was relieved to find only minor damage. 

Alexandra had only been back at school for seven days when she was informed of Hurricane Milton heading her way. Within days the school evacuated for a second time and Alexandra headed home again. The second hurricane caused more damage, having directly impacted the bay area. Parts of IMG’s main basketball gym were ripped off, trees were uprooted, and the school’s golf building caught on fire.

Finally back at IMG Academy, Alexandra has gotten back into the school routine. Due to these recent hurricanes, IMG has made a hurricane relief program for people who were affected. Alexandra also mentioned that living in Florida has caused her to be more mindful of the weather and more aware of what happens around her.

These two recent hurricanes have not only had a serious impact on all of those living in the Southeast but to everyone else as well. Communities have come together to collect items such as canned food, water, toilet paper, and other necessities and give it to those affected by the storm. This shows that even in times of loss and devastation, humanity will step up and help those in need.

In late September and early October 2024, two destructive hurricanes ravaged the southeast.