A Word to Those Affected by Hurricane Michael
After hurricane Michael slammed into the Florida Panhandle as a category 4 storm, it was clear that it was going to cause catastrophic damage. However, the real impact proved to be even worse than many of us imagined. Entire homes, neighborhoods, and cities are gone, and the devastation is not limited only to the coastal region.
Even inland Florida areas have not been spared, along with Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina. On behalf of everyone at BMBP, we extend our condolences to all families that have lost loved ones, and everyone who is facing injuries, loss, damage, and uncertainty about tomorrow.
Devastation Along the Florida Coastal Areas
According to the forecast, Hurricane Michael was expected to make landfall somewhere along the Florida Panhandle. The exact spot chosen by fate and Mother Nature turned out to be Mexico Beach – a picturesque seaside town just down the coast from Panama City.
While residents attempted to reinforce their homes and secure everything that might be blown away by Michael, most structures were no match for the sheer force of the storm. Pictures taken after the storm tell it all: entire streets flattened, and in many neighborhoods it is impossible to tell that there used to be streets lined with residences, shops, schools, and parks. As of the date of this post, first responders are still assessing the damage, and in many places residents are not allowed to return to salvage what’s left of their homes and possessions.
Hurricane Michael’s Impact on Wider Areas: Tampa, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Even Miami
Florida hadn’t experienced a wind event of this magnitude since the deadly Hurricane Andrew. With a storm path of 320 miles, Hurricane Michael was felt all across Florida, including in areas as far from the epicenter as Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
Even after the storm had moved into Georgia, it was still categorized as a category 3 hurricane. As a result, Savannah, Charleston, Wilmington, and even some areas in Maryland felt the storm’s impact. Heavy rain, extreme winds, red tides, flooding, and power outages were reported during the storm and in its immediate aftermath from throughout the area.
Life Slowly Returns to Normal in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas
Although it is almost impossible to overstate the harrowing effects of Hurricane Michael, it is also impossible to overstate the resiliency of people living in the affected areas. Just as the storm passed and the floodwaters receded, residents and responders were back into the affected neighborhoods to start the massive clean-up and rebuilding effort. Many homes will have to be rebuilt from scratch. Sadly, many homes will not be rebuilt and the character of seaside neighborhoods will change dramatically.
While all of the supply and logistics chains are restarting their operations, it will take time to restore complete delivery and freight services to the affected areas. If you live in Florida, Georgia, South or North Carolina and have placed an order for Mexican beach pebbles with us, please allow for extra time for your delivery. We are working with all available freight companies to provide the fastest service possible, but in some areas, such as Miami beach pebbles deliveries still require extra time. If you have any questions about your order, please do not hesitate to contact our Florida Mexican beach pebble representatives here or by calling us at (760) 579-2871.