Our View: Hurricane season provides no rest for the weary; advance planning is critical

Growing old isn't for sissies, the old saying goes, but then, neither is living in Florida.

After Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend area Sept. 27, Sunshine State residents had little time to recuperate before bracing for another hit across the state's midsection from Hurricane Milton.

These haven't been run-of-the-mill hurricanes, either.

While Helene's eye made landfall in a relatively underpopulated part of the state, there was still significant flooding associated with the storm in communities farther south along the Gulf Coast. The storm maintained much of its strength as it moved hundreds of miles inland, causing catastrophic damage in places like scenic Asheville, North Carolina, and other towns in the Appalachian Mountains.

As this was written, it was too early to assess Milton's impact, but there were preliminary reports of its 180-mph winds as it moved over the Gulf of Mexico.

The Tampa Bay region, parts of which saw significant flooding in Helene, was expected to get inundated again.

Learning from these experiences

Thanks to all the first responders, nonprofits and volunteers who have assisted in recovery efforts following Helene ― as well as those doing so in Milton's aftermath. They are true heroes who make it possible to continue living in Florida and other areas subject to tropical storm damage.

But there are lessons the rest of us can learn from these experiences.

For example, start preparing homes for hurricanes before the season starts, rather than waiting until storms bear down on us. Storm-driven panic buying can lead to shortages of food, water and other essential items when they are needed the most.

No matter whether it's a busy hurricane season or not, it's best to have adequate supplies on hand for peace of mind.

Also, it's time to come to grips with the reality busy hurricane seasons like the one we're in are likely to become the norm rather than the exception.

Tropical storms have become stronger and more frequent. It's hard to deny that reality with the weather we've been experiencing lately.

It's also clear no part of Florida should be considered safe from the effects of hurricanes. If Helene can cause tremendous damage in parts of North Carolina and Tennessee, even inland communities along the Treasure Coast like Indiantown, Tradition and Fellsmere must be ready for violent winds and heavy rain.

While storm surge is primarily thought to be a concern for people living along coastal areas, an interactive map from the National Hurricane Center shows danger can extend farther inland than many people might expect along rivers and streams that empty into the ocean. Particularly in Category 4 or 5 storms, the map shows significant flooding potential for properties near the St. Lucie River almost as far west as Florida's Turnpike.

There will be fallout from the storms

Living in denial isn't a practical option. It's incumbent on our community leaders to make the capital investments needed to protect our infrastructure against future storms.

These storms are likely to drive up property insurance costs, so there's a need for state legislators to consider reforms to keep that industry viable. Housing affordability is likely to become even more challenging, another issue our leaders must address.

It's hard to predict the long-term impact from these types of storms, but it's possible they could slow the pace of people moving to Florida.

Many transplants have moved here specifically to avoid unpleasant weather. At some point, though, hurricane anxiety might outweigh the benefits of not having to shovel snow every winter.

For people who think Florida is already too crowded, that might sound like a welcome development, but the impact on the state's economy could be profound. Tourism, for example, could take a hit if fewer people are willing to take the risk of planning trips here during hurricane season.

Which isn't to suggest all is lost. Floridians are a tough and resilient sort. We put up with bugs, humidity, slithering reptiles and all sorts of other everyday inconveniences because we love living here.

To stay here over the long term, we're just going to have to plan smarter, pull together and help our neighbors when we can.

Hurricanes are something we can handle. But nobody ever said it was going to be easy.

Editorials published by TCPalm/Treasure Coast Newspapers are decided collectively by its editorial board. To respond to this editorial with a letter to the editor, email up to 300 words to [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Our View: Helene, Milton ... next? Storms show need for advance prep