Over Thanksgiving the Southeast of the United States experienced a severe storm leaving people hopeless and lost. For some Thanksgiving is thinking about what they are thankful for, for others it can be a time to connect with family after a busy year, and for others it might be a time to disconnect and take a break from work or school. In general Thanksgiving for many is a happy time. Though this Thanksgiving in the Southeast of the United States, Thanksgiving was anything but cheerful. Due to the severe floods from Hurricane Ian homes were destroyed,cities were flooded, and lives were lost. `

 

Florida or in states and cities that border oceans flooding and natural disasters are fairly common. Around every 3 year Florida gets hit by a hurricane and flooding can occur at any time of the year. Oftentimes the weather in these places is more extreme because they are closer to the ocean. Hurricanes form when the warm air meets the warm seawater this is why hurricanes are more common in tropical areas. Hurricanes form over tropical areas at 5- 20 degrees in latitude where the water is extremely hot. At this heat and latitudes the water is warm enough to give the storms strength. The storms also gain strength from the rotation of the Earth.

 

During the hurricane people’s homes were completely submerged under water. Hurricane Ian was listed as a Category 4 Atlantic Hurricane and was the one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit Florida since the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane which was listed as a Category 5 Atlantic Hurricane. Hurricane Ian started as a tropical storm off the coast of the Caribbean in the Caribbean Sea on September 23. Hurricane Ian hovered over Cayo Costa in Florida. Cayo Costa is a miniscule island off the coast of Fort Myers. The hurricane was picking up speed and was currently going at 150 miles per hour. Hurricane Ian caused havoc across Cayo Costa destroying homes, buildings, and anything in its path. Telephone poles were toppled and many victims lost their homes and cars due to the winds and falling debris.

 

The hurricane then made its final landing near Georgetown, South Carolina at this point Category 1 hurricane. The residents of Georgetown luckily had time to help fill sandbags for themselves and others to help protect their houses from the horrific storm. Many of the streets were severely flooded and many properties were damaged due to the flooding. Many homes were destroyed and it is estimated that $28 to 260 billion dollars has been lost in property damages. Around 119 people died due to the hurricane. Hurricane Ian was extremely destructive and left many people unsure of what to do next. Many people are unable to afford to rebuild from the damage. Florida and other coastal states will continue to witness devastating storms, all we can do is prepare in advance for the next storm and to continue to hope that the next will not be as devastating as the last.