My wife and I just endured our first direct hit hurricane as Florida residents, second hurricane overall in just two weeks. We live in the the center of the state, so no storm surge risks, thankfully, though flash flooding was a major concern.
We got lucky at our home - no damage, no flooding, no tornados, kept power. The architects of our neighborhood did a great job planning for these storms. We barely slept as the insane rain and wind beat down. Fortunately, our trees remain standing but lost a lot of branches and leaves. If that’s the worst of it, I’ll take it. We were prepared for the worst possible outcomes.
I wish I could say other residents in the state - and region - fared well. If you have the means, please consider helping those in need any way you can. The chaos and destruction caused by Milton and Helene is incomprehensible.