By Travis McGee
We are just weeks before hurricane season and on May 16, 2024, we experienced “Derecho” , the storm before the storm that was as unpredictable as Houston’s weather. Derecho struck on the 16th of May and lasted to midday of the 17th of May. Hurricane season starts June 1st and ends November 30th, so have we gotten a sneak preview of a very active hurricane season? Earlier indications are predicting just that. There is a highly active season anticipated due to the combination of La Nina and record water temperatures in the Atlantic as well as the Gulf of Mexico. On average there are about 14 named storms during hurricane season, but this season has at least 20 named storms thus far.
I am no weatherman, but I have lived in this city for over 50 years now and have witnessed how unpredictable weather is here in Houston. When we do experience a storm it is usually one of historical proportions affecting Houston residents financially, damaging property, and most importantly ending human life. Sometimes the aftermath of the storm is worse than the storm itself for many reasons, because of failing infrastructure, drainage issues, lack of resources, FEMA, insurance disputes, etc. just to name a few. Hurricane season can have a mental, physical, and psychological effect on you because of past storms. Residents being without electricity and AC in the Houston heat for weeks at a time is beyond torture. This is often compounded with having to deal with FEMA and insurance companies that tend to drag their feet answering claims and rendering the needed financial assistance.
Make no mistake about it, Houston has seen some of the worse storms in the history of the United States and the winds alone from “Derecho” were compared to Hurricane Alicia which was a Category 3 hurricane that hit Houston in August of 1983. Alicia caused over 3 billion dollars in damage and claimed 21 lives. So, winds being compared to Alicia are very alarming since some of hers were up to 130 mph. Though this recent storm did not affect the city in the same way citywide, we still had casualties, property loss, damages, blackouts, etc. Schools, homes, businesses, and downtown Houston were all affected.
In times like these, we must know the difference between NEEDS and WANTS. e victims of the storm need help. On the other hand, the opportunists of the storm want attention and free stu . If you are fortunate enough to have a roof over your head with electricity and AC considering the fact that people have died in this storm, you are blessed. Everyone should allow those that need the help to get help, prioritize NEEDs over WANTS. I personally live in the SouthPark Sunnyside area of Houston and we came out surprisingly good this time.
