The state of Florida is anxiously anticipating impact from Hurricane Matthew today and tomorrow, so we have moved our Friday Finds to Thursday this week!
Hurricane Matthew is currently just off the southeastern coast of Florida and is expected to ride all the way up the eastern seaboard into North Carolina over the next few days. Here in Central Florida, I live far enough inland I won’t have to worry about a direct hit from this Category 4 storm. However, it is such a massive system that we will indeed feel its force with tropical storm-instensity winds, heavy rains, and localized flooding.
Walt Disney World Resort is located in the orange zone of the above projection map. As you can see, that area is also expecting damaging winds and rain. If you are currently at Walt Disney World, you are probably in one of the best locations in the state for riding out Hurricane Matthew! I have long heard about people evacuating TO Walt Disney World during threats like this, because it is self-sufficient, producing its own power, being stocked with plenty of food and water, having its own emergency services, and providing entertainment within the Resort hotels when safe to do so. The building structures are also built to withstand extreme circumstances. I actually know someone there right now who is from coastal South Carolina. She had to evacuate her area, so she brought her kids to Walt Disney World!
So what exactly is a hurricane?
A hurricane is a large tropical storm that develops over warm waters. It is fueled by evaporation and heat, may have sustained winds of greater than 150 mph, and can cause major devastation wherever they fall. They can typically be up to 600 miles across. I heard a news report yesterday that Hurricane Matthew is wider than the state of Texas–that’s over 660 miles wide!
To fully understand hurricanes, visit Weather Wiz Kids. This website contains very thorough information about how hurricanes form, the difference between various storm warnings and advisories, levels of hurricane categories, hurricane safety tips, and more.
Hub Pages also offers hurricane and tornado information, as well as unit study activities to help your children understand these types of storms.
Hurricane Safety Tips:
- Before a hurricane arrives, have a disaster plan ready.
- Gather essentials, like flashlights, batteries, non-perishable foods, bottled water, and a weather radio. Also have at least 3 days’ worth of medications on hand, as well as baby supplies if you have an infant, and necessities for your pets.
- If your area is told to evacuate, do so! Staying put may endanger not only your family, but also rescuers and first responders.
- Keep cash on hand and a full tank of gas in your car.
- Charge cell phones!
- Know where the nearest shelter is and multiple routes to get there in case of road closures.
If you are in the path of this storm system, we hope you stay safe, and we will be keeping all in prayer during this time!
[Tweet “Understanding & getting ready for #hurricanematthew at this week’s #fridayfinds.”]
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