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Battling Hurricane Irma: A Night of Terrifying Torment — NewsBreak
Hurricanes are terrifying. Despite growing up on a tropical island where hurricanes are common, I never underestimate their power. I’ve experienced hurricanes both in Puerto Rico and now in Florida. Each one was more terrifying than the previous one.
On Sunday, September 10, 2017, I lived in Central Florida when Hurricane Irma, a category 5 storm, was forecasted to make landfall. The expected time of impact for my area was around 2:00 a.m. In preparation, we stocked up on essentials such as water, non-perishable food to last several days, batteries, and flashlights. Our roof was undergoing repairs, so roofers had placed a tarp over it to prevent further damage. As a precaution, we cleared the patio terrace of all furniture, plants, and wind chimes, anticipating potential projectile hazards. The atmosphere was eerily calm, devoid of bird activity, signaling the impending storm. It was a clear indication of the imminent danger.
Besides my immediate family, we were joined by my mother, a friend, and her 4-year-old child as we hunkered down at our home to ride out the storm. Our household swelled to 8 people, including two dogs and a cat. The long wait felt interminable. We tried to pass the time by engaging in board games, conversations, and watching TV, although most of the TV time was dedicated to keeping…
