The Impact of Hurricane Matthew

After causing major destruction in the Caribbean, this rare Category 4 hurricane is headed straight for the East Coast of the United States. No other Atlantic storm on record has packed such powerful winds for such a prolonged period of time as Hurricane Matthew. The storm is expected to bring destructive hurricane conditions to Florida, Georgia and the coastal Carolinas into the weekend. Keep reading to learn more about what is expected from this hurricane.

Photo From: nhc.noaa.gov
Dangerous Conditions on the East Coast


While the eye of the storm may never make landfall, the eyewall of the Hurricane Matthew is likely to hit a sizeable area of Florida's East Coast and is probable to pass near enough to the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina to cause hurricane conditions there as well. The winds of the eyewall may be the strongest experienced along the Florida East Coast in decades. They are expected to be 145 mph, although there is a small chance the winds could reach Category 5 strength. In addition to the potential wind damage, major storm surge flooding will also impact Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and southern North Carolina through Saturday. Rainfall flooding is also a major threat, as storm surge will limit rainfall runoff. This will be particularly damaging in areas where swollen rivers cannot drain.

Possible Destruction on the Coast and Inland 


Regardless of whether Florida experiences a direct hit from hurricane Matthew, historic damage will occur Friday along the coast. Hurricane winds will lead to widespread structural damage, numerous downed trees and widespread power outages lasting for days. People also don't realize that storm surges are going to go much further inland. Storm surge of up to 8 feet is expected along the coast from central Florida to Georgia, and up to 15 inches of rain may fall in some areas. The Governor of Florida warns the impact will be "catastrophic." If Hurricane Matthew makes landfall, it will be the first Category 3 or higher to hit the U.S. mainland since Wilma in 2005. In addition, it will be the first to hit Florida's east coast since Hurricane King that came ashore Miami in 1950.

Latest News Updates


Hurricane Matthew is expected to make landfall or near-landfall late tonight (Thursday, October 6) between West Palm Beach and Cape Canaveral, Florida. Models released by the National Hurricane Center this morning show that after hitting Florida, the storm will move up the coastline to both South and North Carolina before turning southeast and heading back out to sea. Forecast models put Florida's Palm Beach county at the heaviest point of impact for the impending storm. The Governor of Florida stated, "We're planning for the worst, hoping for the best, but we're not going to take a chance."

Whether living on the coast or inland, a lot of people will be impacted by Hurricane Matthew. Those along the coast have been urged to evacuate. However, those inland who may not be required to evacuate could still be affected by major flooding. While our goal at Big Bags USA® is to assist you in the pre-flood time frames to help minimize property damage, we are also here to assist communities and individuals in times of need. Our innovative flood barriers can be used for the containment and deferment of water, traffic safety barriers and slope stabilization. During a state of emergency, as Florida is currently in, communities can seek financial assistance for flood protection measures such as our barriers. Our large polypropylene sandbags are much more effective than traditional sandbags. To learn more about how we can assist in your communities times of need, call 800-337-0537. Stay safe everyone!

If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.


D.R.I.P.S.
Disaster Relief & Innovative
Protection Systems, LLC
(573) 480-6699

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