Always prepare: In any dangerous weather, information saves lives

It has been 10 months since Hurricane Matthew dumped more than 16 inches of rain over Wayne County.

The recovery continues and now, as we look to Texas -- as well out of our own windows today -- we are reminded how quickly conditions can change, hit or miss, with tropical systems.

Forecast models have come a long way, but as oceanic and atmospheric temperatures continue to rise, scientists say we can expect more of the same, more often.

And, while mankind's contributions to climate change are still a hot-button issue politically, the fact remains -- warmer water and air make for wetter and more frequent tropical storm systems.

The take-away here ought not to be fuel for arguments around the office water cooler or the holiday dinner table. No, only one word holds water now -- preparation.

What we have seen is that storms can intensify rapidly and can stall over one area for an extended period of time. And while storm surge is often cited as the No. 1 cause of loss of life and damage to property with these types of storms, extended rain fall can equate to millions upon millions of gallons of water with nowhere to go.

We opened up our website during Hurricane Matthew so that everyone with an internet connection could find out the latest information at the height of the flooding that came after the storm. It remains open now. And we continue to report on extreme weather conditions -- from heat advisories and flash flood warnings to high wind advisories and tropical updates -- for one reason, information saves lives.

Evacuation routes, batteries, radios, non-perishable food items and water, several days' worth at least, are essentials during an extreme weather event. And so are updated road closures, river crest warnings and other advisories.

Our thoughts are with the people affected by Harvey, and they remain with the folks right here at home still dealing with the aftermath of Matthew. But take heed, prepare and follow along as we report on these events as they happen.

Knowing the latest information could make all the difference.

Published in Editorials on August 28, 2017 10:48 PM