Tampa Bay Injury Attorney Blog
Tropical Storm Idalia is intensifying swiftly as it barrels toward Florida and has the potential to reach Category 3 status.
Floridians are being warned of the potential to lose power, and portions of Pasco County will be under mandatory evacuation.
As Tropical Storm Idalia approaches Pasco County, those who live closest to the ocean, in manufactured homes, and in low-lying areas will be required to evacuate, according to the county.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Idalia is anticipated to become a hurricane on Monday and make landfall as a dangerous major storm on Wednesday morning close to the Big Bend of Florida.
You can track the storm here.
What Types of Damage Can We See From a Category 3 Hurricane?
Category 3 hurricanes are major hurricanes that produce widespread devastation. Wind speeds can reach 111 to 130 miles per hour. When Hurricane Katrina hit the United States in 2005, it was a Category 3 storm. While it was in the Gulf of Mexico, it developed into a Category 5 hurricane in just nine hours, but when it hit land again, it became a Category 3.
A Category 3 hurricane can cause buildings and homes to lose their roofs. Winds can uproot or break strong trees. Affected communities can experience near-total power outages that might last days or weeks.
In a Category 3 hurricane, storm surges that are 9 to 12 feet above normal can enter buildings that appear to be far from the beach. Floodwaters can infiltrate the first and second floors of a building, causing extensive water damage.
With Tropical Storm Idalia heading our way, it is important to be prepared. One major tip our Pasco County Hurricane & Storm Damage Claims Attorneys at Whittel & Melton is to take photos or videos of your roof before a severe storm hits your house or business. You will have strong proof to present to your insurance provider if the storm damages your roof in any manner. You should be able to make a convincing case for your claim by showing them photos of your roof before it sustained damage and contrasting them with photos taken after the storm.
Right now, you should make your preparations and evacuate to safety if you live in an area that is requiring it. You can view shelter locations here. You and the safety of your family is most important right now.
After the storm, if you have any questions or need help with recovering after Idalia’s devastations to your home or office building, please let us help. You can call us in Pasco County at 727-847-2299 or statewide at 866-608-5529. You can contact us 24/7 online.