Here comes the hurricane, ah, ah! Here comes the hurricane, ah, ah!
Normally we’re accustomed to the captivating echos “Katrina, Katrina, Katrina” but this time Tropical Cyclone Hurricane Lee is coming for the crown. Level 3 hurricane Lee will be sweeping up and down the East Coast and he’s aiming for 10s across the board.
While we all have been growing tired of the heat, these extreme changes in weather patterns and increases in extreme weather are a result of one thing, and one thing only: climate change. After the outbreaks of Wildfires in Canada and California, now we have to face the brutal winds and rain brought in by Hurricane Lee. Now, one thing about Maryland is she has some bipolar summers but never in my days have I seen weather this extreme.
Here on the East Coast, we’re experiencing heaving rains, strong winds, in the midst of extreme heat and the occasional scattered thunderstorms but, it’s important to keep in mind, we’re getting the easy end of the stick. Those located in the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and even Bermuda are likely to face life-threatening storms, rip currents, and floods that will ultimately alter their quality of life. Not only are they on a much smaller scale of land but they also are limited in their access to valuable resources. This can pose an extreme concern especially when it comes to these fluctuating weather conditions.
Much like the trajectory of this storm, the media narrative is shifting in the wind. Where some once reported tropical storm warnings for the Eastern Seaboard, now calls for concern on New England and Eastern Canada. With Hurricane Lee continuing its unpredictable dance, some states have cautiously eased their advisories, while others remain in the line of fire. The storm may have weakened, but the aftermath promises nothing short of catastrophic.
And catastrophic it was. While we faced slight challenges here in Maryland, the situation was even more dire in Massachusetts. The floods reached unprecedented levels, causing extensive damage to homes, widespread power outages, and submerged vehicles. It's hard to fathom. Amidst the relentless winds and surging waters, tragedy struck as a gentleman lost his life when a massive tree limb crashed onto his vehicle during the height of the storm. This somber incident serves as a reminder of the sheer force of nature and the vulnerability we all face in such extreme circumstances.
The once-in-a-lifetime storms are becoming alarmingly normal and all too frequent. Whether facing extreme wildfires or tropical storms, one thing is for sure: climate change is undeniable at this point.
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