This is the worst nightmare. I pray the other two hurricanes
do not ramp up to 4 or 5. Anyone who listened to Rush
say that the left has exaggerated the danger of Irma for
political purposes and told people not to evacuate
low land Florida areas and that he himself was staying put
and not rushing out to buy water and batteries has
just evacuated his Florida home. Al Roker is wondering
if Rush's advice to his listeners was criminal act,
So am I. Gas seems to be hard to find now and
so does water down there. For God sakes Florida
people listen to your local authorities. Do not sit it
out! Hitch a ride if you cannot get gas, get to a shelter
they will have water and batteries. Hang in there!
The rest of the country is pulling for you!
do not ramp up to 4 or 5. Anyone who listened to Rush
say that the left has exaggerated the danger of Irma for
political purposes and told people not to evacuate
low land Florida areas and that he himself was staying put
and not rushing out to buy water and batteries has
just evacuated his Florida home. Al Roker is wondering
if Rush's advice to his listeners was criminal act,
So am I. Gas seems to be hard to find now and
so does water down there. For God sakes Florida
people listen to your local authorities. Do not sit it
out! Hitch a ride if you cannot get gas, get to a shelter
they will have water and batteries. Hang in there!
The rest of the country is pulling for you!
2
Many are trying to get more information from the USVI, especially St John, which is just now receiving aid. I would encourage the Times to cover our beloved American islands.
4
Hello NYT have you heard of a group of islands known as the USVI, St Croix St Thomas and St John? St Croix was on the outer perimeter and sustained tree and power line and some house damage...on Friday some residents were waiting for power to be restored. St Thomas and St John just 43 miles north received a bigger hit with power out roofs and whole houses gone...the patients in the St Thomas Hospital are being evacuated (roof blown off ) as i write to St Croix. some friends and families have not yet been heard from. We pray for all who have and will experience this nightmare.
4
Guadalupe is a French Department--the equivalent of a state to the US.
“We would like to start out thanking the almighty,” Mr. Rosselló said. “Our prayers were answered.”
Really? One might expect that an all-powerful god that can intervene in human affairs might have keep the hurricane out at sea without impacting anyone. Or is the death and destruction that accompanies hurricanes part of God's Plan?
Really? One might expect that an all-powerful god that can intervene in human affairs might have keep the hurricane out at sea without impacting anyone. Or is the death and destruction that accompanies hurricanes part of God's Plan?
2
I do not believe there is an effort to not report on the USVI. Reports on the most devastated areas always come last because of the nature of communications. The films and reporting from the other islands are coming from those who emerged from the wreckage and yet, had the facilities to record and send. I don't mean to be an apologist, but I have yet to see a reporter on any of these blown out landscapes. The reporting seems homegrown.
1
My husband and I love St. Maarten. We were discussing the destruction last night, looking at photos of it. The people of St. Maarten are so special. I feel horrible about what has happened to them and their island. When it won't be a burden on the people there, we will visit again. This damage of this island once again (they have been hit before by other storms) is heartrending. I know they will rebuild. The winds and waves are so fierce during these storms, I do not suppose there is any civil engineering changes that can be made during rebuilding to withstand future storms any better. When it comes to Mother Nature in a rage, people do not have many defenses.
Homes in hurricane-prone locations need special construction, usually stilt or central pedestal design that protects the structure from the ocean surge which accompanies hurricanes.
Maybe Ta-Nehisi Coates's latest Atlantic article should be required reading for red state Republicans and their representatives. How does all that superiority feel now? trump won because he promised to MAGA, meaning he promised to incarcerate, deport, discriminate, erase, and deny rights to all the people you despise. Turns out that when natural disasters occur, the rich, the poor, white, Hispanic, Dem and GOP are not spared. We're all connected after all.
1
Some of these comments are appalling! While I agree that climate change is a major issue we must face, is NOW really the appropriate time to discuss? It must be really easy to sit on a high horse when your entire life is not in the direct path of a massive hurricane.
I assume all of you bashing fossil fuels walk or bike everywhere, right? And you don't eat meat so you can reduce methane gas, or use electricity because coal is so harmful??
Good grief. What a bunch of hypocrites.
I assume all of you bashing fossil fuels walk or bike everywhere, right? And you don't eat meat so you can reduce methane gas, or use electricity because coal is so harmful??
Good grief. What a bunch of hypocrites.
Let's avoid overstatements.
A 12-year old boy, who said he lives in Swainsboro, GA, wrote in yesterday to say that he was sure -- sure -- he was going to die from Hurricane Irma.
First to the 12-year old boy: Don't worry. If Irma hits the US, it isn't going to hit Swainsboro, GA, which is several hundred miles north of where Irma will hit, and dozens of miles inland. Not only are sure NOT to die, but it's highly unlikely that Irma will have even a slight impact on Swainsboro, GA.
To the rest of us: Some say it's OK to politicize hurricanes; others don't. Either way, let's avoid exaggeration. Don't forget that there are 12-year old boys from Swainsboro, GA reading this stuff, and they actually think "grown ups" wouldn't just make stuff up.
A 12-year old boy, who said he lives in Swainsboro, GA, wrote in yesterday to say that he was sure -- sure -- he was going to die from Hurricane Irma.
First to the 12-year old boy: Don't worry. If Irma hits the US, it isn't going to hit Swainsboro, GA, which is several hundred miles north of where Irma will hit, and dozens of miles inland. Not only are sure NOT to die, but it's highly unlikely that Irma will have even a slight impact on Swainsboro, GA.
To the rest of us: Some say it's OK to politicize hurricanes; others don't. Either way, let's avoid exaggeration. Don't forget that there are 12-year old boys from Swainsboro, GA reading this stuff, and they actually think "grown ups" wouldn't just make stuff up.
St. Martin is one of my favorite places, rich with history and very beautiful. It makes me sick to think of the suffering and destruction.
So far, what I have seen from the Trump Administration in preparing for this storm is the utmost in professionalism, no administration before Trump's has ever done that well. It has because it run like a business, not a bureaucracy. The liberals prefer the bureaucracy, so the decisions are never made but passed up through layers of incompetence.
Remarkable that the US islands of St John & St Thomas, which were decimated by Irma, are not even mentioned in this piece. Hopefully, they are not forgotten by FEMA also.
2
I understand the need to focus on the hurricanes and the devastation they are causing and will continue to cause. But I am stunned and sickened by the lack of national media coverage of the many huge fires that are burning millions of acres in the entire West. Don't they merit at least one front page story too?
It will be fascinating to see states that are the bastion of climate change deniers continue to experience the worst effects of climate change.
once again -- two weather events mean nothing re whether CC is REAL or not. OK, I'll admit if we'd never had hurricanes before, I'd be leaning towards thinking, hey this is some pretty good evidence. Unfortunately, we've had hurricanes before as the table from the National Hurricane center shows.
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastdec.shtml
What you see is that major hurricanes hitting the US peaked in the 1940's. If you go year by year you'll see there were active hurricane years before CC could realistically be invoked as a cause. In 1933 there were 2 cat 5s, 3 cat 4's and 1 cat 3 -- major hurricanes. 20 tropical storms in the atlantic and 11 became hurricanes. 1887 was another busy year.
These are just facts. It does not lend any credibility for commenters to keep up the mantra that these hurricanes are evidence for CC. In fact making such statements erode the credibility of those who have actually researched the topic.
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastdec.shtml
What you see is that major hurricanes hitting the US peaked in the 1940's. If you go year by year you'll see there were active hurricane years before CC could realistically be invoked as a cause. In 1933 there were 2 cat 5s, 3 cat 4's and 1 cat 3 -- major hurricanes. 20 tropical storms in the atlantic and 11 became hurricanes. 1887 was another busy year.
These are just facts. It does not lend any credibility for commenters to keep up the mantra that these hurricanes are evidence for CC. In fact making such statements erode the credibility of those who have actually researched the topic.
1
When I think of Florida, my mind shifts instantly to the Brecht/Weill opera "The Rise and Fall of the City Mahagonny," a spoof on an imaginary city established as a magnet for hedonists and run by avaricious petty criminals who represent the embodiment of market capitalism.
At one point in the opera, Mahagonny is threatened by a hurricane -- but it changes course and the city is spared.
Back in the mid-Nineties, a CD was released featuring interpretations of Kurt Weill's music by various pop recording artists. Here is the song from "Mahagonny" which follows the diversion of the hurricane, as interpreted on that CD by The Persuasions --
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G51yhnmB27c
At one point in the opera, Mahagonny is threatened by a hurricane -- but it changes course and the city is spared.
Back in the mid-Nineties, a CD was released featuring interpretations of Kurt Weill's music by various pop recording artists. Here is the song from "Mahagonny" which follows the diversion of the hurricane, as interpreted on that CD by The Persuasions --
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G51yhnmB27c
It is pitiful what these poor islanders must suffer, who've had no hand in causing global warming and who've lost everything. Florida may or may not take the hit, but there is plenty of money available to rebuild. Hard not to hope that some storm could wake up the deniers in the nation most necessary to battling climate change.
Irma did not "turn north". It's been running straight west-north-west for several days (if anything it recently shifted slightly more west: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at1+shtml/154010.shtml?swath#co..., but is predicted to turn more northward late saturday.
Amazed that I can watch hours and days of storm and flood coverage without hearing the word "climate change" one time.
6
The current administration does not like that term so you won't hear it. It is as if not saying "climate change" will make it go away.
Yes, the political police now in charge will not let us say those words. It is climate change even if we are not to say so.
They say the left are censorious but forget how censorious they [the right] can be. Just read a story in latest Mother Jones issue (recommended) about Iowa legislature and Governor using their political power, closing all the Planned Parenthood clinics in Iowa. That is extreme censoriousness from the right, jeopardizing women's health for conservative ideological reasons. Just so will the conservative denial of climate change jeopardize all our lives. Just so will the conservative denial of environmental damage, their refusal to fund environmental clean ups, poison all people, all life.
I am ranting, annoyingly. Bye.
They say the left are censorious but forget how censorious they [the right] can be. Just read a story in latest Mother Jones issue (recommended) about Iowa legislature and Governor using their political power, closing all the Planned Parenthood clinics in Iowa. That is extreme censoriousness from the right, jeopardizing women's health for conservative ideological reasons. Just so will the conservative denial of climate change jeopardize all our lives. Just so will the conservative denial of environmental damage, their refusal to fund environmental clean ups, poison all people, all life.
I am ranting, annoyingly. Bye.
“We would like to start out thanking the almighty,” Mr. Rosselló said. “Our prayers were answered.”
Perhaps you should consider blaming the Fossil fuel industry. I find it hard to believe that god prefers one country over another.
Perhaps you should consider blaming the Fossil fuel industry. I find it hard to believe that god prefers one country over another.
9
Irma should dispel all the Republican naysayers who deny Global Warming as a reality. Where are the mea culpas from Tennerson and the rest of the conservatives who have kept us using fossil fuels and have now apparently given us the fruits of their backwardness in the form of a lashing of hurricanes on Texas, the Caribbean, and our east coast? Despite our failure to deal with the fossil fuel pollutants and our resulting late opportunities to minimize the results of Global Warming, we better recognize the need for action now to reduce all the Global Warming hazards that are now rising world wide.
9
St. Martin's island is devastated while only a mile away the neighboring island of Anguilla suffers very little damage. Both islands got the full brunt of the storm.
Why the dramatic difference? Anguilla enforces a very strict building code requiring hurricane resistant cinder-block construction reinforced with steel rods. It works.
It makes no economic sense to spend billions of dollars to rebuild communities with the same flimsy construction that got destroyed the first time. All money allocated for reconstruction must demand improved building codes enforcible immediately. This should apply to St. Martin, but to Florida, Texas, and any community located in harm's way.
Why the dramatic difference? Anguilla enforces a very strict building code requiring hurricane resistant cinder-block construction reinforced with steel rods. It works.
It makes no economic sense to spend billions of dollars to rebuild communities with the same flimsy construction that got destroyed the first time. All money allocated for reconstruction must demand improved building codes enforcible immediately. This should apply to St. Martin, but to Florida, Texas, and any community located in harm's way.
25
Texas has a building code. They just don't enforce it. It is more a suggestion than a code. No teeth. We had that fire in the warehouse in Oakland, CA, because the funds to enforce our building code were lacking there. Not enough inspectors.
When will people learn that building codes (and other despised regulations) are a necessary evil to prevent deaths and financial disasters?
When will people learn that building codes (and other despised regulations) are a necessary evil to prevent deaths and financial disasters?
1
These little islands will bear the brunt of our consumption and pollution, but what are "weak" island nations supposed to do about the impending natural disasters coming their way when the head of the EPA says that mentioning "climate change" is insensitive? We can't seem to do much of anything except "pray," throw benefit concerts, and occasionally raise a lot of money.
5
i'd like to hear more about Dutch Sint Maarten. With 50,000+ population that took a direct hit from Irma and are now facing Jose, that's a lot of people who could use information and support. I still have received no word from friends and neighbours, so any further reporting specific to Sint Maarten would be appreciated. Thank you.
4
Puerto Rico is part of the United States. It has been a territory for over a hundred years. Write it down! Most Americans don't know this because...Americans only think of themselves and know little about geography, or their colonial territories. Puerto Rico has given many thousand of lives to defend America. America, wake up!
11
Almost 4 hurricanes in matter of weeks...and still climate change and global warming deniers don't accept the truth.... Deplorables!
11
Why all the prayers now? God already sent us scientists.
21
Massive fires in the west, massive hurricanes in the south, a mega earthquake next door, flooding where we've never seen floods before and solid evidence that it will all get worse. To sit and continue business as usual is beyond foolish; it's suicidal. Have homeowners and businesses who have lost everything rebuild away from the shore. Worried about your taxes going up? It is costing us more as a nation to continue business as usual. Harvey is projected to cost $70 billion; how much for Irma and the next one? How many people have to die or lose everything before we react sensibly?
14
South Florida is about to be Katrina redux. It's time to ask why, when there is an estimated 97% agreement about man made climate chaos among scientists, we have so very many GOP members of Congress, not to mention the governors of TX and FL, who stubbornly deny it. Could it be the substantial ties between the GOP and BIg Oil? Hmmmmm.
13
As the Trump administration rolls back every regulation of the Obama era and, as Steve Bannon would have it, deconstructs the administrative state, Mother Nature is providing reason after reason after reason why such a philosophy is short-sighted, wrongheaded and cruel. It's not nice to fool Mother Nature.
14
Britain has really failed Barbuda. Storm over, island destroyed, no one there from "mother England" with even a single bottle of water. One ship "in the vicinity" and the next one 2 weeks out? They have known about this storm for 2 weeks. Maybe Barbudans should revolt and sell themselves to the US - at least we know how to show up for an emergency.
3
Miami developers knew about the storm for more than a week, yet high rise cranes threaten occupied high rise condos. Pure avarice made these leeches gamble with the lives of Miami residents.
4
Only if it's a state. We have a similar lack of response for the 'Territories' like the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
5
Yesterday in an article about Irma I commented about the NY Times devoting an entire section of its paper to promoting automobile products.
There were three replies. T J Campbell wrote: “A lot of people love that section....if they continue to water it down, I'll cancel my subscription”
Ellen Perry referenced ad revenues and also threw in electric vehicles.
These reactions were not unexpected. Every day in a hundred ways we demonstrate how much we care about climate change and how little we will do about it. The price of gasoline goes down, and out of the dealers' lots roll the SUV's. But never mind the SUV's - the entire auto fleet is a problem, electric vehicles included. The personal automobile drives vast energy consumption, sprawl and loss of vegetation.
If reducing one's CO2 output requires an ounce of extra effort, it seemingly won't get done. It's always too cold, snowy, dark, hot, or rainy to walk; the buses or trains never run exactly when and where we want them to run; the "good" schools are never in our neighborhoods; the small house with one bathroom couldn't possibly work. But none of this is our fault - it's the developers, the oil companies, the politicians. Don't blame us, because we recycle and have meatless Mondays.
There were three replies. T J Campbell wrote: “A lot of people love that section....if they continue to water it down, I'll cancel my subscription”
Ellen Perry referenced ad revenues and also threw in electric vehicles.
These reactions were not unexpected. Every day in a hundred ways we demonstrate how much we care about climate change and how little we will do about it. The price of gasoline goes down, and out of the dealers' lots roll the SUV's. But never mind the SUV's - the entire auto fleet is a problem, electric vehicles included. The personal automobile drives vast energy consumption, sprawl and loss of vegetation.
If reducing one's CO2 output requires an ounce of extra effort, it seemingly won't get done. It's always too cold, snowy, dark, hot, or rainy to walk; the buses or trains never run exactly when and where we want them to run; the "good" schools are never in our neighborhoods; the small house with one bathroom couldn't possibly work. But none of this is our fault - it's the developers, the oil companies, the politicians. Don't blame us, because we recycle and have meatless Mondays.
6
I do have a car and use it for going to some really out of the way places (E.g. A store that's 30 miles away), but I walk or bike whenever practicable. Sadly there are places where without a car you're just not going to get around well. That being said, we should all try to walk and use public transportation more when possible.
8
My families homes and businesses in Miami were wiped out in the hurricane of 1926 - an event that would repeat itself in the ensuing decades. And I was born a few hours after the lights went out and the waters began to rise during Hurricane Donna. Thirty-two years later I would be wiped out from Hurricane Andrew.
I'm no climate-change denier - but to borrow the mantra from the real estate profession - sometimes it's just location-location-location.
I'm no climate-change denier - but to borrow the mantra from the real estate profession - sometimes it's just location-location-location.
1
The video with this story has lines like "total devastation" and "nothing left"
at the same time
as the video shows houses, shops still standing with what look like intact windows
"total"
"nothing"
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
at the same time
as the video shows houses, shops still standing with what look like intact windows
"total"
"nothing"
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
1
You need to report on the Virgin Islands!
St. John took a direct hit and some parts of the island, on the east shore are still inaccessible, no power or cell service, all roads closed, houses destroyed, and there has been no news at all about many of the residents.
The governor reported four dead so far on the USVI .The only hospital on St. Thomas is being partly evacuated. The Navy and Marines are sending relief aid but none have reached St. John yet it seems.
St. John took a direct hit and some parts of the island, on the east shore are still inaccessible, no power or cell service, all roads closed, houses destroyed, and there has been no news at all about many of the residents.
The governor reported four dead so far on the USVI .The only hospital on St. Thomas is being partly evacuated. The Navy and Marines are sending relief aid but none have reached St. John yet it seems.
11
Absolutely. We have had to search Facebook and Twitter for news and photos. There is little TV coverage.
1
It is a crime against humanity to deny climate change, and do nothing to mitigate its effects. The global community should treat leaders who ignore our collective welfare as such.
8
Mother Earth is an equal opportunity destroyer.
Let's hope that our shared pain and loss will be a wake up call that we NEED each other regardless of race, nationality, education, political party affiliation....
Let's hope that our shared pain and loss will be a wake up call that we NEED each other regardless of race, nationality, education, political party affiliation....
4
My heart goes out to the victims of Irma. But, one wonders how many such events will it take to get the climate skeptics and deniers to start facing the new reality that more powerful storms are the result of climate change and the warming of the oceans. One event? Harvey. Two events? Harvey followed by Irma. Or, three events? Harvey, Irma, and now perhaps Jose. As they say in baseball, "It's three strikes and you're out!" This a wake up call from Mother Nature and we all need to do everything not only to protect ourselves, but literally to save our planet and our very lives and those of our children. It's time for the Trump Administration to wake up and rejoin the rest of the world in the Paris climate accord, and to rebuild Houston, and perhaps, if the worst happens, Miami in a way that addresses the new global reality of stronger, more destructive weather events due to climate change.
9
As I sit for the fourth day running under smoke-filled Seattle skies, with four record breaking hurricanes likely to make landfall, drought in Montana and North Dakota, a major earthquake hitting our southern neighbor and unstable leaders threatening each other with nuclear destruction, I have to admit that this starts to feel a little apocalyptic.
9
Don't forget the weeks solar explosions and ejections!!!
I'd gladly join all power utility customers in committing to pay an extra few dollars a month if that combined funding would make it possible to send U.S. capability, crews and equipment to Puerto Rico and get the electricity restored there, now.
6
Storms on every front will be intensifying. We have seen the rain bombs flood areas that have never been considered flood areas before, tornadoes in places they have rarely been seen and it will only get worse as time goes on. This will effect everyone. I cannot understand people who sit on the sidelines and take no position; we must reduce emissions, stop eating meat, get solar panels or a wind turbine, look into geo thermal or electric heating, trade our cars in for electric models and stop eating beef. We also need to vote like our children matter. It's time for the adults on the planet to start acting like adults and take some responsibility. Help some young people who will be effected the most run for office and petition schools to discuss it more. The ignorance on the subject in this country is astonishing, and not in a good way.
27
You left out nuclear plants, Georgia is following thru on building the Westinghouse state of the art plants while other smaller states backed out. We need to have EPA support this initiative. The author of the book titled Sellout claims that nuclear power with a rare earth found in China and the USA, decontaminated, can take carbon out of the air and turn it to steam and water. China is already a leader in this effort.
Mother Nature is proving that if Steve Bannon's deconstruction of the administrative state continued to its final chapter the outcome would be the total deconstruction of the state.
Unfortunately we have to hope instead of know that the so-called Trump administration will do the right thing for the nation by putting a moratorium on continued ravaging of existing and possible future regulations needed to minimize citizen harm from other than terrorism threats.
I do hope that those brave souls already impacted by Irma and those who will be can gather some strength from knowing there is an enormous amount of concern, thoughts and prayers for their safety and survival.
Unfortunately we have to hope instead of know that the so-called Trump administration will do the right thing for the nation by putting a moratorium on continued ravaging of existing and possible future regulations needed to minimize citizen harm from other than terrorism threats.
I do hope that those brave souls already impacted by Irma and those who will be can gather some strength from knowing there is an enormous amount of concern, thoughts and prayers for their safety and survival.
3
I am wondering how come there is so much news about St. Martin, Barbuda, other islands in the British Virgin Islands and hardly a word said about the United States Virgin Islands. And I think that I will lose it if I hear another report talk about a storm that hits St. Thomas so severely and yet there is only talk about when it will hit the US. Guess what folks...it already did hit the US! What ignorance of our geography. Puerto Rico AND the US Virgin Islands are US territories and need your attention as well.
20
I am with you! While I'm concerned about St. Maarten/Martin, etc., I don't understand why there has been virtually no coverage of St. Thomas. As someone with a vested interest in knowing what is going on there, I can't find anything but some home made vides on YouTube. This is beyond frustrating.
3
Agreed. I've been desperate to see news on St. Thomas, where my very good friend lives. I know she's ok, but there has hardly been any mention of the destruction there. It's all BVI, Puerto Rico and now Florida.
Some info here on USVI: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/08/us/hurricane-irma-florida.html
With internet links and electrical power presumably down, getting video, pictures or any information out is no doubt difficult.
With internet links and electrical power presumably down, getting video, pictures or any information out is no doubt difficult.
1
Republicans refuse to believe in climate change on Sept. 8th. Let's see if they believe in climate change on Sept. 12th.
6
Whose prognostication strand of spaghetti, I believe there were 52, is in the lead to win the bragging rights for the closest model?
I think that gets you free beer forever in meteorological circles.
I think that gets you free beer forever in meteorological circles.
I think that we should start raising money for the people in the Caribbeans like we have done for Texas.
5
CLIMATE
Why Hurricane Irma Could Hurt, a Lot: Much Lies in Harm’s Way
By BRAD PLUMER SEPT. 7, 2017
That's an easy question to answer, Mr. Plumer.
It's called "stupidity."
Why Hurricane Irma Could Hurt, a Lot: Much Lies in Harm’s Way
By BRAD PLUMER SEPT. 7, 2017
That's an easy question to answer, Mr. Plumer.
It's called "stupidity."
Our attention is rightly focused on Irma, but I just looked at the National Hurricane Center site and Jose is now Cat 4 and Katia, along Mexico's coast, is "gaining strength".
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
It's almost impossible to divide the attention among three disasters simultaneously.
It's truly sobering to think of how many millions are directly in harm's way of three powerful storms, as well as the devastation that they will leave in their wake.
To me, it's unfathomable.
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
It's almost impossible to divide the attention among three disasters simultaneously.
It's truly sobering to think of how many millions are directly in harm's way of three powerful storms, as well as the devastation that they will leave in their wake.
To me, it's unfathomable.
5
Gosh, it's a good thing that we got rid of those pesky regulations saying that, if you take federal money to rebuild, you can't just keep making the same mistakes over and over. So, we can expect to pay billions for this storm, and billions when another storm hits the same place in a few years. That's the Republican way!
11
There is a silver lining to the fact that it is Trump and not Hillary who is not in the White House. If Hillary had decided to take action, Republicans would probably have blocked her. If Trump decides to act, he will have the support of most of the Democrats and quite a few Republicans.
And then, taking action on the environment will no longer be an executive action. It will be law.
And then, taking action on the environment will no longer be an executive action. It will be law.
2
Aruna - The downside is that the main thing on the Trumps' minds right now is probably the prospect of picking up beachfront property for development at hurricane-sale prices.
3
But Jonathan, I cannot take your speculation for fact, can I now?
Saying something negative about Trump, with NO evidence whatever, has become so common that I am becoming jaded!
People derive emotional satisfaction from saying something negative about Trump and no longer bother to ask if it true.
Saying something negative about Trump, with NO evidence whatever, has become so common that I am becoming jaded!
People derive emotional satisfaction from saying something negative about Trump and no longer bother to ask if it true.
2
I have no objection to Trump deciding to do something positive, even if his motive is purely a matter of giving Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan each a slap in the face. In fact, I find that entertaining. What I would object to, would be if it resulted in Trump getting re-elected in 2020.
1
Marco Rubio: are you still "not a scientist, man?"
Irma is on course to wreck South Florida. Harvey ruined Coastal Texas. Climate change is no longer an Obama plot. Is it?
Your right-wing buddy and fellow climate-denier now has obvious choices to make re: "discretionary budget considerations."
You frauds can't, any longer, blame money on the left.
Irma is on course to wreck South Florida. Harvey ruined Coastal Texas. Climate change is no longer an Obama plot. Is it?
Your right-wing buddy and fellow climate-denier now has obvious choices to make re: "discretionary budget considerations."
You frauds can't, any longer, blame money on the left.
10
Pray for Florida!
2
Our prayers go out to everyone who is in danger this season, however, we do have the means to build sturdier, more hurricane resistant structures if we have the resolve to do so and the costs will be marginal given the big payoffs. We need Bermuda-Standard homes which means no home on the beaches and 2 foot thick reinforced concerete walls, concrete roofs and back-up generations for every home! Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) homes can be constructed with perhaps a 8% cost over conventional building types, but with a several fold increase in wind/storm resistance.
35
Lived in Okinawa, Japan where hurricane standards mean apartments and homes can survive Cat 4 and 5. We need even stronger building mandates than what is already in place as well as no rebuild along coast if you are wiped out once and govt funds rebuild. Fund a rebuild somewhere else.
5
Florida Is Due for a Reckoning. Will Irma Be It?
By ASHLEY DAWSON
"Despite the risks from hurricanes, the state continues to encourage building in dangerous places."
I wish no person any ill of any kind (and I don't believe in divine retribution or karma).
However, anti-federal government states like Texas and Florida are asking for it with their antipathy toward paying taxes and implementing sound planning regulations and environment protections.
So I, for one, will NOT be sending a dime in donations as I have already and gladly paid my federal taxes, some of which will be used for disaster relief.
By ASHLEY DAWSON
"Despite the risks from hurricanes, the state continues to encourage building in dangerous places."
I wish no person any ill of any kind (and I don't believe in divine retribution or karma).
However, anti-federal government states like Texas and Florida are asking for it with their antipathy toward paying taxes and implementing sound planning regulations and environment protections.
So I, for one, will NOT be sending a dime in donations as I have already and gladly paid my federal taxes, some of which will be used for disaster relief.
7
Mr. David - I hear you and get it but, respectfully, would like to remind you that the difference between liberals and the alt-Klan is that the former care for other people at the expense of self-interest. Take a cue from H and go high, even if "pure principle" seems to take a hit as a result.
1
To Jonathan -- I beg to differ as to "Liberal" motives. Originally, at least, Liberalism was motivated by enlightened self-interest, which entails the idea that one best protects one's own rights by demanding that everyone's rights be protected.
Furthermore, I would refer you to the Phil Ochs song, "Love Me, I'm a Liberal." We are used to hearing Liberals attacked from the Right. The Phil Ochs song, however, attacks Liberals from the Left.
I would describe myself as a Liberal, with the qualification that I prefer Marxist economic and social analysis rather than the version offered by bourgeois capitalism. I do not, however, think most people are qualified to do anything beyond tying their shoes.
Furthermore, I would refer you to the Phil Ochs song, "Love Me, I'm a Liberal." We are used to hearing Liberals attacked from the Right. The Phil Ochs song, however, attacks Liberals from the Left.
I would describe myself as a Liberal, with the qualification that I prefer Marxist economic and social analysis rather than the version offered by bourgeois capitalism. I do not, however, think most people are qualified to do anything beyond tying their shoes.
Why aren't the Republicans following their M.O. of blaming the destruction caused by these fake hurricanes in their states on the liberals and their fake scientists? Why aren't they refusing aid from big government, especially FEMA which they targeted for closing? Why aren't they talking about how deregulation has saved them? Oh, and how much money is Trump getting for his properties?
7
Once again the rapacious airlines bare their teeth trying to cruelly price gouge the poor souls trying to evacuate. It's time the government puts in place price controls to put an end to all the predators in the airline industry. Price influenced by supply and demand is one thing, but charging ludicrous prices for a plane ticket is as criminal as usury.
28
Unlike the 1950s, usury is rarely prohibited in "I've got mine" modern America.
2
So Trump's EPA chief Pruitt (who spent most of his career before this suing the EPA) said that it is "insensitive" to the people of Florida and Texas to talk about climate change right now.
Obviously, what really is insensitive to the people of Florida and Texas is to block (as Republicans do bought and sold by their fossil fuel donors), all efforts to lessen risks to their homes, lives and livelihood.
Obviously, what really is insensitive to the people of Florida and Texas is to block (as Republicans do bought and sold by their fossil fuel donors), all efforts to lessen risks to their homes, lives and livelihood.
13
This is the exact same argument gunners use after another mass shooting. "It's no time to politicize this terrible tragedy by bringing up gun control! What terrible unfeeling liberals y'all are." Of course you'd have to be stupid not to recognize that continuing to allow it to happen while doing nothing is way more unfeeling.
They only like free speech when it's white supremacist free speech.
They only like free speech when it's white supremacist free speech.
Climate deniers have done a brilliant job of sewing disbelief and that has resulted in both inaction and increased risk. But lets forget about whether the science is correct or not; our climate is changing, for whatever reasons, and arguing about the causes appears fruitless. Instead, lets focus our ire and concern, resources and political, public and corporate will toward reimagining and recreating safer, more resilient, more energy and food independent communities. It's time to re-direct our efforts toward solutions - governmental as well as private - that might actually make a difference when future catastrophes strike.
3
Climate change is real but please stop with the blaming climate change for this hurricane or any other. It makes climate change look like a hoax. Sea temp has increased and that can make for a more powerful storm, but sea temp has increased by only .18 degree Fahrenheit in the last 100 years. How much power does that .18 degree generate? Would the wind speed be 184.9 instead of 185?
Climate change has a base in science and let's keep it based in science and not conjecture.
Climate change has a base in science and let's keep it based in science and not conjecture.
5
That .18 is average global temperature. I would be interested in the temperature increase in the area of the atlantic where these hurricanes occur. is this figure available? also, air temperature probably has something to do with it as well. any knowledgable person out there willing to enlighten us?
Averages are not illuminating; and while I understand the intention behind what you're saying here, yours isn't good science either because that's not how the math works: http://blog.ucsusa.org/brenda-ekwurzel/whats-the-connection-between-clim...
Where did you get the ".18 degree Fahrenheit" figure you cite for the increase of sea temperature **in the last 100 years**? A quick look at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_surface_temperature reveals the following sentence in the text below the graph near the top of the page (data from NOAA showing "Average Global Sea Surface Temperature, 1880-2012"):
"From 1901 through 2012, temperatures rose at an average rate of 0.13°F (0.07°C) per decade." That's PER DECADE.
"From 1901 through 2012, temperatures rose at an average rate of 0.13°F (0.07°C) per decade." That's PER DECADE.
1
To quote a recent FB post "Doesn't it feel as if Trump denied Climate Change and then the Climate was like......hold my beer."
Trump now has his hands full.
Trump now has his hands full.
19
Jenifer, Laughing,,,, no, I should not add levity,, it is no laughing matter.
Mar-a-lago is just north of Miami. Right on the coast, with a negligible elevation. Did he buy flood insurance? Perhaps 15% odds he gets hit.
Mar-a-lago is just north of Miami. Right on the coast, with a negligible elevation. Did he buy flood insurance? Perhaps 15% odds he gets hit.
1
Trump did not deny climate change, he denied the Paris treaty. But I am glad that this happened to his own property on St. Martin.
He will now rethink the issue. ("Yeah,yeah, Trump never thinks!" Give me a break).
He will now rethink the issue. ("Yeah,yeah, Trump never thinks!" Give me a break).
1
"Trump did not deny climate change"
Ahem:
"The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive." - Donald Trump, Nov. 6, 2012
"We should be focused on magnificently clean and healthy air and not distracted by the expensive hoax that is global warming!" Donald Trump, Dec. 6, 2013
"Give me clean, beautiful and healthy air - not the same old climate change (global warming) bullshit! I am tired of hearing this nonsense." - Donald Trump, January 28, 2014
"I believe in clean air. Immaculate air. But I don't believe in climate change." - Donald Trump, Sept. 24, 2015
http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/08/politics/trump-global-warming/index.html
Ahem:
"The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive." - Donald Trump, Nov. 6, 2012
"We should be focused on magnificently clean and healthy air and not distracted by the expensive hoax that is global warming!" Donald Trump, Dec. 6, 2013
"Give me clean, beautiful and healthy air - not the same old climate change (global warming) bullshit! I am tired of hearing this nonsense." - Donald Trump, January 28, 2014
"I believe in clean air. Immaculate air. But I don't believe in climate change." - Donald Trump, Sept. 24, 2015
http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/08/politics/trump-global-warming/index.html
2
If you look at the graphic in the accompanying storm tracking article, you'll see bands showing wind strength for each major hurricane as it progressed east to west. The only storm in the same league as Irma was Allan, based on how early in their path wind speeds were this high, with Irma beating Allen by a healthy margin.
So the critical story here is that Irma is already record-breakingly powerful BEFORE she's even entered that warm water zone where other historic storms have intensified. Irma missed the larger landmasses like Puerto Rico which might have weakened her some.
If I lived down there, I'd be packed up and gone.
So the critical story here is that Irma is already record-breakingly powerful BEFORE she's even entered that warm water zone where other historic storms have intensified. Irma missed the larger landmasses like Puerto Rico which might have weakened her some.
If I lived down there, I'd be packed up and gone.
5
A number of comments thus far mention climate change - and I'm no denier - however...
My families businesses and homes in Miami were wiped out in the 1926 hurricane - and endured several others over the ensuing decades. I was born a few hours after the lights went out and the waters began to rise during Hurricane Donna - and thirty-two years later I was wiped out in Hurricane Andrew.
To borrow a maxim from the real estate profession - sometimes its location-location-location. South Florida will always be in hurricane alley.
My families businesses and homes in Miami were wiped out in the 1926 hurricane - and endured several others over the ensuing decades. I was born a few hours after the lights went out and the waters began to rise during Hurricane Donna - and thirty-two years later I was wiped out in Hurricane Andrew.
To borrow a maxim from the real estate profession - sometimes its location-location-location. South Florida will always be in hurricane alley.
5
Perhaps, but South Florida may cease to be South Florida in our lifetimes. And, that is the true global change story.
2
And that is a good point DM. Mother Nature doesn't need us.
This is a plea from a person on St. John edited for length
(9/8/17)
As you know we have no cell service down here except for a quick blip here and there. We do have access to one NBC station out of New York. From what we are seeing, St. John and St. Thomas have completely been forgotten. The United States Virgin Islands is ... part of the United States. But right now, no one up north seems to remember that.
So why the desperate plea? People who I love so very much no longer have homes. They do not have possessions. Everything is gone. And it's not just one or two people, it's a lot. People cannot get ice or water. Our food will quickly run out. We wont have power for months. We don't know when the airport will reopen. We don't know when our ferries and barges will run again. And we don't know if we're about to get hit again by Hurricane Jose.
So please, put yourselves in our shoes for a moment and start sharing. Start writing. Start calling. Start emailing. Get us some help please. We have never needed you all more than we do right now. I cannot beg you enough.
We are United States citizens. Please do not forget about us. Please help us.
(9/8/17)
As you know we have no cell service down here except for a quick blip here and there. We do have access to one NBC station out of New York. From what we are seeing, St. John and St. Thomas have completely been forgotten. The United States Virgin Islands is ... part of the United States. But right now, no one up north seems to remember that.
So why the desperate plea? People who I love so very much no longer have homes. They do not have possessions. Everything is gone. And it's not just one or two people, it's a lot. People cannot get ice or water. Our food will quickly run out. We wont have power for months. We don't know when the airport will reopen. We don't know when our ferries and barges will run again. And we don't know if we're about to get hit again by Hurricane Jose.
So please, put yourselves in our shoes for a moment and start sharing. Start writing. Start calling. Start emailing. Get us some help please. We have never needed you all more than we do right now. I cannot beg you enough.
We are United States citizens. Please do not forget about us. Please help us.
23
I found this press release https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/09/07/president-donald-... and also have read that naval vessels are being deployed there. So help is on the way.
I also want to say that it is possible that there is climate change and that the hurricanes would've occurred anyway. Those two ideas are not mutually exclusive.
Now is not the time to argue the science. Now is the time for prayers, preparation, rescue, recovery and rebuilding. God speed, all, thegamesmenplay.com
I also want to say that it is possible that there is climate change and that the hurricanes would've occurred anyway. Those two ideas are not mutually exclusive.
Now is not the time to argue the science. Now is the time for prayers, preparation, rescue, recovery and rebuilding. God speed, all, thegamesmenplay.com
The comme ci, comme ça attitude of many Floridians about hurricanes -- "Oh so what, at least I don't have to live through Buffalo or Cleveland winters," said one Miami resident recently -- staggers the rational mind.
South Florida gets weather-ravaged -- much of it destroyed -- every 25 years, on average. Given the choice between (A) tasting delicate snowflakes on the tip of my nose for 3 months, or (B) wondering every year when (not if) I'll suffer property damage and the need to rebuild, I'd chose (A) every time. Duh.
It would be fascinating to be able to wrap my mind around the minds of those who apparently aren't fazed about losing everything, over and over and over again. But [thankfully] my mind isn't that skewed.
South Florida gets weather-ravaged -- much of it destroyed -- every 25 years, on average. Given the choice between (A) tasting delicate snowflakes on the tip of my nose for 3 months, or (B) wondering every year when (not if) I'll suffer property damage and the need to rebuild, I'd chose (A) every time. Duh.
It would be fascinating to be able to wrap my mind around the minds of those who apparently aren't fazed about losing everything, over and over and over again. But [thankfully] my mind isn't that skewed.
4
I believe the Koch Brothers caused a lot of the problems with global warming. The Koch Brothers said global warming did not exist so they could push their interests. They will never take responsibility for what they have done.
9
One island is 95% "destroyed.' One home owner in Florida packs 400 Christmas ornaments to take away...oh, America.
6
As one who spent the nicest eight days of my life in Grand Case St. Martin, with a day trip to Anguilla and a day trip to St. Bart's, the pictures of the devastation are heartbreaking. The entire economy of those islands is based on tourism, and it looks like there will not be any for at least a year if not more. The beautiful tropical foliage appears to all have been destroyed as well as the structures.
Take the opportunity to see the world now & not later, because the day may soon come when there will be no world to see...
Take the opportunity to see the world now & not later, because the day may soon come when there will be no world to see...
9
Multiplied by Division, Times the End
by Simón Eduardo Manso
"Well, if ain't dang near the End of Times." The humans are slowly suffocating. The entire planet: melting. The hot ocean currents are sucked into steaming spouts that end in biblical downpours. Where the skies are dry, the forests are tinder; biding their time, waiting patiently for a devilish spark, to be unleashed into conflagration. Our gregarious star joins the apocalypse game, and performs a magic show...in the blink of an eye, casting the Earth into the dark shadow of the beast. "Thank god, it's just an act," but the suspicion remains. The beast remains stalking, out of reach, above the sky, belittling the lost souls that kneel before him. We return to sleep, clutching to a fading memory...a sad teardrop...falling, yet motionless, held transfixed, like a jewel set into the Crown of Kingdom Come.
It makes you wonder, "Did God go 'medieval' on us?" Yet, for every end, there is a new beginning, and if there is any hope for mankind, it is that, we can come to terms with the cycle of life. For every soul extinguished, another is born anew. So, instead of running around preaching selfish visions of apocalypse, we need to develop the ultimate resolution with time and nature. We have had an incredible run. We need to take stock. We need to take a look at what we have, and ask what we need. Because, in the world today, those are two very different things.
by Simón Eduardo Manso
"Well, if ain't dang near the End of Times." The humans are slowly suffocating. The entire planet: melting. The hot ocean currents are sucked into steaming spouts that end in biblical downpours. Where the skies are dry, the forests are tinder; biding their time, waiting patiently for a devilish spark, to be unleashed into conflagration. Our gregarious star joins the apocalypse game, and performs a magic show...in the blink of an eye, casting the Earth into the dark shadow of the beast. "Thank god, it's just an act," but the suspicion remains. The beast remains stalking, out of reach, above the sky, belittling the lost souls that kneel before him. We return to sleep, clutching to a fading memory...a sad teardrop...falling, yet motionless, held transfixed, like a jewel set into the Crown of Kingdom Come.
It makes you wonder, "Did God go 'medieval' on us?" Yet, for every end, there is a new beginning, and if there is any hope for mankind, it is that, we can come to terms with the cycle of life. For every soul extinguished, another is born anew. So, instead of running around preaching selfish visions of apocalypse, we need to develop the ultimate resolution with time and nature. We have had an incredible run. We need to take stock. We need to take a look at what we have, and ask what we need. Because, in the world today, those are two very different things.
3
Another factor adding to the danger in Florida is that over the last ten years, there have been few hurricanes hitting Florida while at the same time, the insurances companies have been leaving the state such that the government sponsored Citizen's Insurance is the last line of defense. To encourage people to seek the private sector, Citizen's is made prohibitively expensive. Few hurricanes and high insurance costs equals a lot of people who are "self-insured" . A financial storm is coming as well as a meteorological one to Florida
16
This scenario happens at least once every hurricane season. One would think that we'd learn not to build housing where it will more than likely be damaged or ruined beyond repair every few years.
5
1. I see we're being told that the root of the problem is that "liberals believe in evolution because they want to deny the existence of a Supreme Being." This will be news to the Pope, not to mention Jimmy Carter.
2. I see we're also being told that the climate "evolves," all on its lonesome, perhaps because the climate just wants to.
3. The nice thing about the sciences, and the more-general realization that the physical world is knowable, that what we see around us isn't just random, that things happens for reasons that we can often figure out, is that it takes us out of what Carl Sagan called, "the demon-haunted world."
4. We are in fact capable of understanding these storms pretty well, and figuring out just how much we're contributing to them by way of greenhouse gasses, foolish overbuilding, poor preparation, and the like.
5. Because the notion that stuff just happens, it just DOES, is directly connected to the notion that we don't owe them furriners nothin', let me just add that a serious national effort to help--really help--out the Caribbean would go a long way to making this country more secure.
2. I see we're also being told that the climate "evolves," all on its lonesome, perhaps because the climate just wants to.
3. The nice thing about the sciences, and the more-general realization that the physical world is knowable, that what we see around us isn't just random, that things happens for reasons that we can often figure out, is that it takes us out of what Carl Sagan called, "the demon-haunted world."
4. We are in fact capable of understanding these storms pretty well, and figuring out just how much we're contributing to them by way of greenhouse gasses, foolish overbuilding, poor preparation, and the like.
5. Because the notion that stuff just happens, it just DOES, is directly connected to the notion that we don't owe them furriners nothin', let me just add that a serious national effort to help--really help--out the Caribbean would go a long way to making this country more secure.
23
Even so, weather is a manifestation of chaotic dynamics. Weather events cannot be accurately predicted more than ten days in advance (give or take). There is simply no way to predict when or where a tropical storm will develop off of Africa and how big it will get....
I agree with others in that there is scant coverage in the NYT of the devastation to the USVI let alone the BVI and all the other Leeward Is that have been so decimated. It is no wonder that people turn to social media for news.
Despite the fact that most of the tourism in these islands comes from the NE, most of the coverage is about Florida and hurricane preparations there which we've all seen 100x. As difficult as evacuating is, at least mainlanders have that option. Most islanders are at the mercy and need our focus and attention right now.
The damage sustained in Puerto Rico is exacerbated by the long neglected infrastructure and electrical grid due to lack of funding. If you are going to cover Puerto Rico so extensively then what about Culebra ? It surely must have been destroyed.
Despite the fact that most of the tourism in these islands comes from the NE, most of the coverage is about Florida and hurricane preparations there which we've all seen 100x. As difficult as evacuating is, at least mainlanders have that option. Most islanders are at the mercy and need our focus and attention right now.
The damage sustained in Puerto Rico is exacerbated by the long neglected infrastructure and electrical grid due to lack of funding. If you are going to cover Puerto Rico so extensively then what about Culebra ? It surely must have been destroyed.
15
NYT, I know everyone has their own special interests, but, as a repeat visitor, I would like to see more mention of the British Virgin Islands. Many Americans live there year-round and many others visit this sailing paradise on an annual basis and have developed a strong connection.
Pretty much the only news out of there Twitter #BVI or FB BVI Abroad.
It seems many there are badly in need of aid and visibility of their plight.
Pretty much the only news out of there Twitter #BVI or FB BVI Abroad.
It seems many there are badly in need of aid and visibility of their plight.
9
Why do people wait until the last minute to get bottled water and gasoline in places that regularly experience hurricanes?
4
why do they buy bottled water, producing ---plastic bottle junk?
Can't they fill containers from their taps in advance? duh?
Can't they fill containers from their taps in advance? duh?
5
Peter, what exactly is the last minute and what is the relevance of the question exactly? I am always frustrated by the quarterbacking of people's everyday lived lives. So great, people should have gotten more bottled water and gasoline in advance. Now what?
4
It can be tough to store large amounts of bottled water and it's not really safe to leave a lot of gasoline stored in your home.
4
When you see destruction in the third world and the second world (which exists in poorer communities in First World), what many don't understand is that these natural disasters wipe out generational wealth. When an earthquake devastates small towns in Italy, the stone homes that lie in rubble were passed down from generation to generation. Villages become graveyards and are abandoned. In the Caribbean the poorly constructed homes that are flattened by hurricanes. The difference is the infrastructure and wealth in Europe and the States that surrounds devastated areas is enough to help recover' first through active measures and then through a form of economic osmosis.
In the Caribbean where I have traveled extensively, the isolation of these "independent" islands that broke their colonist ties, may spell their doom as far as recovery goes. Those islands that stayed attached to the "mother" country like Martinique, Guadeloupe and the other French islands have the economic resources of France.
As an American traveling in the British Islands I was surprised at how disconnected our cultures and economies were. America was focused on our "enemy" Cuba and did little to work with the rest of the Caribbean to build up friendships and alliances, even if that would have made sense vis a via Cuba... Cuba actually did more than the USA did to foster friendship and trade with its neighbors. We have an opportunity now to help out; a little will go a long way...
In the Caribbean where I have traveled extensively, the isolation of these "independent" islands that broke their colonist ties, may spell their doom as far as recovery goes. Those islands that stayed attached to the "mother" country like Martinique, Guadeloupe and the other French islands have the economic resources of France.
As an American traveling in the British Islands I was surprised at how disconnected our cultures and economies were. America was focused on our "enemy" Cuba and did little to work with the rest of the Caribbean to build up friendships and alliances, even if that would have made sense vis a via Cuba... Cuba actually did more than the USA did to foster friendship and trade with its neighbors. We have an opportunity now to help out; a little will go a long way...
26
These stories about Irma and these predictions of 10-feet-plus storm surges remind me of my visit to my brother in Miami. We took a trip across the state on Alligator Alley, right through the Everglades. Pete pointed to a sign some forty or fifty miles inland. It read "Elevation above sea level: 3 Feet". Several miles further inland, he pointed out another sign which read : Elevation above sea level:4 Feet". Think about it for a minute. And this was about 40 years ago. I'm not sure what effect the rise in sea levels might have had on this.
6
Answer: No effect at all.
3
From News of St. John on Facebook:
Dear people who love St. John, we desperately need your help. Please contact the White House, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN and all the other major news networks. We are being forgotten down here. As you know we have no cell service down here except for a quick blip here and there. We do have access to one NBC station out of New York. From what we are seeing, St. John and St. Thomas have completely been forgotten. The Today Show just now mentioned every damn island around but us - all non US islands too I'd like to point out. The United States Virgin Islands is just that - part of the United States. But right now, no one up north seems to remember that.
So why the desperate plea? People who I love so very much no longer have homes. They do not have possessions. Everything is gone. And it's not just one or two people, it's a lot. And if you've come here at least once, chances are you know the people directly affected. Those sailboats that you've all photographed in Cruz Bay- well at least eight of them are now slammed up against and jammed into Wharfside Village. Morgan's Mango is gone. Barefoot Cowboy is destroyed. We've heard Caneel Bay is gone. St. John Water and Ice is destroyed too. People cannot get ice or water. Our food will quickly run out. We wont have power for months. We still haven't heard anything about Coral Bay or the boats in Hurricane Hole, but we presume those are all gone too...(more on their FB page)
Dear people who love St. John, we desperately need your help. Please contact the White House, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN and all the other major news networks. We are being forgotten down here. As you know we have no cell service down here except for a quick blip here and there. We do have access to one NBC station out of New York. From what we are seeing, St. John and St. Thomas have completely been forgotten. The Today Show just now mentioned every damn island around but us - all non US islands too I'd like to point out. The United States Virgin Islands is just that - part of the United States. But right now, no one up north seems to remember that.
So why the desperate plea? People who I love so very much no longer have homes. They do not have possessions. Everything is gone. And it's not just one or two people, it's a lot. And if you've come here at least once, chances are you know the people directly affected. Those sailboats that you've all photographed in Cruz Bay- well at least eight of them are now slammed up against and jammed into Wharfside Village. Morgan's Mango is gone. Barefoot Cowboy is destroyed. We've heard Caneel Bay is gone. St. John Water and Ice is destroyed too. People cannot get ice or water. Our food will quickly run out. We wont have power for months. We still haven't heard anything about Coral Bay or the boats in Hurricane Hole, but we presume those are all gone too...(more on their FB page)
70
You are absolutely right. Do the islands have a radio or TV station like ABS in Antigua/Barbuda? Someone needs to do a thorough helicopter flyover to take footage like they did, which at least became available through Facebook and which I actually sent to the Times. They also set up local donation sites for people that wanted to contribute. Don't know if that is a possibility...
8
The Navy just sent 3 ships and 700 Marines to the Virgin Islands. Hope that helps.
Exactly! Just got back from place above Coral Bay and angry at lack of coverage - any news at all - re US Virgin Islands. Have inquired with US Southern Command about their response and no word yet. Hoping they are more adept than national media.
3
I feel horrible for the innocent victims of these natural disasters. These events have been occurring forever, but there is no debating that they have become more frequent and more severe since we have been burning fossil fuels, and the more we burn the worse it gets. CLIMATE CHANGE DUE TO GLOBAL WARMING IS REAL.
However, the governors of Texas and Florida, Abbott and Scott, have done nothing to help the planet. They don't even recognize that there IS a problem. They are climate-change deniers who make us all suffer thanks to their ignorance and greed.
And they are not alone. They have the entire GOP power structure behind them. From the GOP platform of July, 2016:
"Climate change is far from this nation's most pressing national security issue."
They oppose international accords such as the Paris accord.
They blast Obama's "clean power plan" which would shift away from coal-fired power plants.
They describe coal as "clean."
They say that problems are best solved with "incentives for human ingenuity...not through top-down. command-and-control regulations.
So the next time you are in 50" of rain in Houston or praying for your life in 185mph winds in Miami, don't ask your governors for help, just use your "human ingenuity." As long as the GOP is in charge we are all on our own. Good luck with that.
However, the governors of Texas and Florida, Abbott and Scott, have done nothing to help the planet. They don't even recognize that there IS a problem. They are climate-change deniers who make us all suffer thanks to their ignorance and greed.
And they are not alone. They have the entire GOP power structure behind them. From the GOP platform of July, 2016:
"Climate change is far from this nation's most pressing national security issue."
They oppose international accords such as the Paris accord.
They blast Obama's "clean power plan" which would shift away from coal-fired power plants.
They describe coal as "clean."
They say that problems are best solved with "incentives for human ingenuity...not through top-down. command-and-control regulations.
So the next time you are in 50" of rain in Houston or praying for your life in 185mph winds in Miami, don't ask your governors for help, just use your "human ingenuity." As long as the GOP is in charge we are all on our own. Good luck with that.
29
I don't disagree with your point, but I do disagree with your timing in stating it. I don't know if the science supports worsening of climatic events, but anecdotally it is reasonable to say warmer oceans means more heat energy = more severe hurricanes. Having said that, the first priority and front of mind should be helping these poor souls. They didn't cause climate change, they are the victims of poor decisions made by governments.
2
Anecdotally?
That energy balance is a general physical trend that will lead to more free energy, thus more violent storms.
At some point climate change materializes as weather.
That energy balance is a general physical trend that will lead to more free energy, thus more violent storms.
At some point climate change materializes as weather.
1
@Jimmy USA, as I stated in the first sentence, "I feel horrible for the innocent victims of these natural disasters." And I stand by that and I agree that the victims need help first. But it's galling to watch Abbott and Scott and others who vociferously deny climate change offer their prayers and support for victims when they should have been acknowledging the problem and taking whatever steps they could to act. Talk is cheap. While the problem existed long before Abbott and Scott and other climate-change deniers took office, their resistance to action merely paves the way for more tragedies for our children and grandchildren and for that I hold them responsible.
Furthermore, people have short memories and it seems that the only way to effect change is to call out the offenders when the results of their policies (or lack of them) are clear and present. Sad but true.
I have family in harm's way in Florida and I wish I could do something other than express my frustration and anger to help them and other victims avoid this and future disasters.
Furthermore, people have short memories and it seems that the only way to effect change is to call out the offenders when the results of their policies (or lack of them) are clear and present. Sad but true.
I have family in harm's way in Florida and I wish I could do something other than express my frustration and anger to help them and other victims avoid this and future disasters.
2
Climate change is a reality, and Hurricane Irma is a brutal wake-up call to the minority of non-believers scoffing at the science informing us that global climate is changing. How many of those naysayers now pound plywood into their window frames or sit in the traffic creeping up the Floridian interstate, nervously watching their gas gauges?
We'll hear from the deluded skeptics saying this is a normal situation in the Gulf, while Katia churns and Jose follows on Irma's howling path. Men like our EPA chief (a fraud) and Alex Jones force-feed a diet of hysteria and false revelations on vulnerable people. These false prophets directly harm the most vulnerable -- often seniors, residents of rural communities or exposed properties -- by declaring the government could simply nuke a hurricane wider than the state of Florida. Their audiences act, or more importantly, refuse to act based on ignorance seeded with talking points.
The truth was drowned out years ago and now we're seeing the consequences. Powerful category 4 and 5 hurricanes are more of a reality when surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico stand at historic highs. Hurricanes are literally heat engines. Their fuel is the evaporation of warm water and ideal wind patterns. Warmer water makes for stronger hurricanes. This is not rocket science.
Certainly, refuse to believe the 95% plus of scientists looking at models, research, and other empirical evidence. I don't want to pay your insurance claims, how about that?
We'll hear from the deluded skeptics saying this is a normal situation in the Gulf, while Katia churns and Jose follows on Irma's howling path. Men like our EPA chief (a fraud) and Alex Jones force-feed a diet of hysteria and false revelations on vulnerable people. These false prophets directly harm the most vulnerable -- often seniors, residents of rural communities or exposed properties -- by declaring the government could simply nuke a hurricane wider than the state of Florida. Their audiences act, or more importantly, refuse to act based on ignorance seeded with talking points.
The truth was drowned out years ago and now we're seeing the consequences. Powerful category 4 and 5 hurricanes are more of a reality when surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico stand at historic highs. Hurricanes are literally heat engines. Their fuel is the evaporation of warm water and ideal wind patterns. Warmer water makes for stronger hurricanes. This is not rocket science.
Certainly, refuse to believe the 95% plus of scientists looking at models, research, and other empirical evidence. I don't want to pay your insurance claims, how about that?
18
Another arrogant know-it-all comment writer from Canada. Pontificate all you want about global warming while real people are suffering from lack of basic essentials. Feel better?
Just for the record the most powerful hurricane in recorded history to follow this track (ultimately hit Key West) was over 80 years ago. Put that in your climate change pipe and smoke it.
Just for the record the most powerful hurricane in recorded history to follow this track (ultimately hit Key West) was over 80 years ago. Put that in your climate change pipe and smoke it.
2
Having lived in the Caribbean, Grenada, and worked throughout the English speaking Caribbean plus St. Martin, it is horrible to see such damage especially knowing that these countries have 1/10th the available resources for rebuilding. What we also see happening now in Florida and last week in Texas is sad. However, what people are missing in all this news is that thousands of people have died in South Asia flooding which goes unnoticed and is not fodder for CNN coverage.
Why is this I ask myself. Having traveled to 116 countries and worked in 20 of those nations, I am amazed by just how little attention is paid by Americans to catastrophes which happen outside the USA. We pay attention to the Caribbean Islands because so many Americans travel there, but few people travel to Niger, Bangladesh, or India, so their catastrophic conditions go unnoticed.
I do not know whether global warming is the reason why harsh conditions seem to hit the entire world more often. What I do know is that we need to have a greater understanding that we share this planet with people who are suffering from flooding, cyclones, and earthquakes and their tragedies deserve some consideration beyond that which they presently receive.
I will pray for Floridians, especially since my 94-year-old father and 67-year-old brother have decided to huddle in place near Jacksonville. I hope my father is correct and that this is an overdone concern. Let's hope it is.
Why is this I ask myself. Having traveled to 116 countries and worked in 20 of those nations, I am amazed by just how little attention is paid by Americans to catastrophes which happen outside the USA. We pay attention to the Caribbean Islands because so many Americans travel there, but few people travel to Niger, Bangladesh, or India, so their catastrophic conditions go unnoticed.
I do not know whether global warming is the reason why harsh conditions seem to hit the entire world more often. What I do know is that we need to have a greater understanding that we share this planet with people who are suffering from flooding, cyclones, and earthquakes and their tragedies deserve some consideration beyond that which they presently receive.
I will pray for Floridians, especially since my 94-year-old father and 67-year-old brother have decided to huddle in place near Jacksonville. I hope my father is correct and that this is an overdone concern. Let's hope it is.
12
@Glenn: You are correct, the USA is very insular regarding global weather events. Even people who notice the yearly flooding of Bangladesh and other countries during monsoon season, disregard it as an annual rite of passage. It takes a mega-destructive event like the 9.1 earthquake and 100-ft tsunami near Sumatra in 2004, that killed hundreds of thousands of people in the region, to make an impact on people's consciousness here. Out of sight, out of mind. Pretty sad commentary! I did find it ironic that there was news the week Harvey hit, of millions affected by severe flooding in India, Nepal and Bangladesh (and more than 800 fatalities) and it barely rated a mention.
3
If residents of areas vulnerable to stronger storms (Red States, mainly) choose to live there, why must the rest of us foot the bills? It's tough to deny that "storms of the century" are becoming seasonal, and this will only get worse with global warming and a large fraction of the country that still refuses to acknowledge it. Higher insurance costs, government aid -- these are costs we ALL bear. At some point these areas will and should become uninsurable, which should reduce occupancy. And maybe that's the jolt people (Republicans) need to face the reality of global warming. Meanwhile, the Republicans continue to pander to the Koch brothers and the oil industry and peel off regulations.
11
What do you suggest: that people totally move out of the Carolinas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas to sections that are more protected? What about the hurricanes and severe storms that have hit the Mid-Atlantic in past, NYC, etc., clear up through Maine?
And what about earthquake country?
Forest fires have hit the mountains of West Coast states, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, the Blue Ridge Mountains, etc. And then there are the places that sometimes have tornadoes.
Precisely where should all the population move to make sure insurance risks for Americans don't push up coverage costs for all of Us?
And what about earthquake country?
Forest fires have hit the mountains of West Coast states, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, the Blue Ridge Mountains, etc. And then there are the places that sometimes have tornadoes.
Precisely where should all the population move to make sure insurance risks for Americans don't push up coverage costs for all of Us?
4
We always foot the bills for the red states, so why should anything be different when a natural disaster strikes? Their economies, with few exceptions (natural resources?) are already disasters.
Unfortunately Andy, many of us live in tornado alley, or burning forests, or earthquake zones, or extreme drought areas, or snow avalanches or mud slides, volcanoes - pick your disaster. Why should flood victims pay for your burning house?
I do wish we could place clean coal smoke stacks up-wind from Koch properties, and plant oil rigs at every hole on Trump golf properties.
As for Mar-A-Lago, I hope it floods, blows away (with no harm to life) and gets no tax payer resources to save or rebuild it.
I do wish we could place clean coal smoke stacks up-wind from Koch properties, and plant oil rigs at every hole on Trump golf properties.
As for Mar-A-Lago, I hope it floods, blows away (with no harm to life) and gets no tax payer resources to save or rebuild it.
5
Record heat in San Francisco, two giant hurricanes on our south coasts, and a mass of climate research pointing toward the problem of anthropomorphic climate change cannot convince those who profit from their ignorance or stubborn refusal to accept science as their savior. Will we send billions of dollars so they can rebuild on these vulnerable sites or will we help them to relocate and to turn this property back to nature as a barrier.
11
Build with nature, and leave lot of nature to its own world. Small footprint literally by building small compact houses, not just C02 print. People want big houses, big golf course, big cars, big everything - have to change attitudes.
5
How often can we be expected to warn people and bail them out? Climate change isn't anything new - leave those people in Florida and on the islands to die in their own filth - they already knew the consequences and it's every man for himself. As for the climate, there's nothing that can save that now, we're about 100 years too late. Enjoy each good day while you can and party on.
So if we stop burning fossil fuels there will be no more forest fires, hurricanes, or record heat? Is science really our savior, or is educating the ignorant?
Mother Nature is showing us, unfortunately at great cost of lives and livelihood for many, what our priorities should be. Building a wall, increasing military spending, decreasing taxes for the already wealthy all should take a far back seat to ensuring help for those now in distress and this includes contributing to good health care, including Obamacare, funding the EPA to meet these and coming challenges etc. Seems like we are cutting back funds on the very items where they are most needed by human beings and increasing them in areas that aim to further perceived power. The latter, power, comes from treating those in need, not getting more arms and shutting people out.
9
We should insist on a Carbon tax to first pay for rebuilding from these storms, and then later, monies collected should be returned to the taxpayers in a monthly check from the IRS.
6
Yes - a carbon tax, what a brilliant money-making opportunity. In the words of Obama's Chief Goon Rahm Emanuel "Never let a good crisis go to waste." Too bad the rest of the world won't be able to rake in the trillions in US cash from the failed Paris Accord. We dodged bullet on that one.
Designate 2 lanes out of the 4 incoming as EVACUATION
common sense
WHO is in charge?
common sense
WHO is in charge?
7
Climate change has so little to do with the damage in St Martin. The damage is because of poor building practices in a hurricane zone. St Martin will blame climate change though. And ask for the UN to pay for the rebuild.
7
Well gee then ... why don't you tell that to Donald Trump and Richard Branson? Their mega-mansions on St. Martin's are reported as destroyed:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/richard-bransons-virgin-islands-home-de...
"An 11-bedroom mansion owned by President Donald Trump on the Caribbean island of St. Martin is reported to have been torn apart by Hurricane Irma, while the luxury home of billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson in the British Virgin Islands was also destroyed.
...
President Donald Trump has been trying to sell the property, a waterfront estate with a pool and fitness center, and lowered the listing price to $16.9 million from $28 million in August, according to the Washington Post."
So Mr. Trump owned a multi-million mansion that was destroyed due to "poor building practices" ... eh?
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/richard-bransons-virgin-islands-home-de...
"An 11-bedroom mansion owned by President Donald Trump on the Caribbean island of St. Martin is reported to have been torn apart by Hurricane Irma, while the luxury home of billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson in the British Virgin Islands was also destroyed.
...
President Donald Trump has been trying to sell the property, a waterfront estate with a pool and fitness center, and lowered the listing price to $16.9 million from $28 million in August, according to the Washington Post."
So Mr. Trump owned a multi-million mansion that was destroyed due to "poor building practices" ... eh?
9
Maybe climate change did not cause all of the damage to poorly built structures, but certainly it is the reason for the development of this huge storm, Irma. Rising sea temperatures cause bigger, more catastrophic storms. Check your facts, sir. Science is fact.
8
Yes. Just because it's big doesn't mean it is built to withstand hurricane force winds. It just makes a bigger mess to clean up.
My wife and I shopped around for retirement property on the coast of Florida. We decided against it, primarily on a comment one of the Real Estate salespersons made. I asked the question of the broker: what is the history of Hurricanes in this area? His response indicated that this area had not experienced a Hurricane for decades, but then added a curious sentence: "of course, if you live near the coast in Florida you are always living in dynamic geography." Well, that did it for us---can't understand why people continue to buy/build near or on "dynamic" land.
18
I guess it depends on what risks you are up for. Risks exist where people exist. I'll take the slow moving, plenty of time to flee, Hurricane possibilities over the possibility of making it out of certain parts of Chicago alive because of gunfire.
4
@Alex: That's rather smug. Let's talk again in a few days and see how you're doing.
1
Some of them don't have a choice, but you made the right one.
I look at the heartbreaking scenes of destruction on those beautiful islands, especially St. Martin, and wonder what "America First" means now. Do we have it in our hearts to help our Caribbean neighbors in their time of desperate need? Or do we turn our backs, tell them that 0.7% of our federal budget for foreign aid is already too much, and offer them a cold plate of climate denial?
10
With respect to the State of Florida, I am reminded of the "storm" sequence in "The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny" by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht. But Mahagonny didn't take a direct hit -- the storm veered elsewhere.
Other than that, I am curious as to whether the free-access policy to articles at this website, pertaining to Hurricane Harvey, will continue for Hurricane Irma?
Other than that, I am curious as to whether the free-access policy to articles at this website, pertaining to Hurricane Harvey, will continue for Hurricane Irma?
Donald Trump, president of the U.S., denounces overwhelming scientific evidence of global warming to keep fossil fuel companies donating to Republicans in Congress. It is not a matter of "belief" at all.
Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), chairman of the Senate committee on the environment, denounces overwhelming scientific evidence of global warming to keep fossil fuel companies donating to his membership in the perquisite-laden private club known as Congress. It is not a matter of "belief" at all.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), leader of the Senate, denounces overwhelming scientific evidence of global warming to keep fossil fuel companies donating to his membership in the perquisite-laden private club known as Congress. It is not a matter of "belief" at all.
Do you see a pattern?
Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), chairman of the Senate committee on the environment, denounces overwhelming scientific evidence of global warming to keep fossil fuel companies donating to his membership in the perquisite-laden private club known as Congress. It is not a matter of "belief" at all.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), leader of the Senate, denounces overwhelming scientific evidence of global warming to keep fossil fuel companies donating to his membership in the perquisite-laden private club known as Congress. It is not a matter of "belief" at all.
Do you see a pattern?
25
The economic blow from little or no tourism will be the secondary effect to these small island nations in the Caribbean. This is going to take a long while before things are up and running again. How these people will survive in the meanwhile until that happens is worrisome. Our tourist dollars are crucial for their survival.
I hope their governments are somehow capable of supplying basics for their island citizens of this catastrophic weather event.
I hope their governments are somehow capable of supplying basics for their island citizens of this catastrophic weather event.
6
If I was a member of the lunatic fringe I would be running around with a sign saying the end of the world has come. All these catastrophes all at once, with a couple more waiting in the wings, is a surreal nightmare. I am so sorry for all those devastated lives, the loss of lives, and those scrambling to survive in the aftermath with clean water, shelter, and food right now on the islands.
I have been to St. Martin three times because of its wild flowers, spectacular gardens and beautiful beaches. Its diversity and shared cultures was always appealing as well. I feel a personal sorrow knowing that 95% of it has been destroyed. I hope you get relief as soon as it is possible. Almost everything has to be imported when you live on an island and never more so than now.
I am praying for all of them and also praying that the storms waiting in the wings to cause more damage, heartache, and loss will somehow change their course and go out to sea. I heard the Royal Caribbean line picked up all their crew to take them out of harm's way in Florida. Maybe some other cruise ships always in and out of St. Martin can help out too. However, I don't know the conditions they would face to be able to dock right now.
My prayers are with Mexico as well as they just got hit with an 8.1 magnitude earthquake.
I have been to St. Martin three times because of its wild flowers, spectacular gardens and beautiful beaches. Its diversity and shared cultures was always appealing as well. I feel a personal sorrow knowing that 95% of it has been destroyed. I hope you get relief as soon as it is possible. Almost everything has to be imported when you live on an island and never more so than now.
I am praying for all of them and also praying that the storms waiting in the wings to cause more damage, heartache, and loss will somehow change their course and go out to sea. I heard the Royal Caribbean line picked up all their crew to take them out of harm's way in Florida. Maybe some other cruise ships always in and out of St. Martin can help out too. However, I don't know the conditions they would face to be able to dock right now.
My prayers are with Mexico as well as they just got hit with an 8.1 magnitude earthquake.
5
Just think if tax relief for the 1% and big corporations had been spent on infrastructure, Florida and Texas could have mass exodus via train. But no, lets give tax breaks to the very rich instead.
19
There are two kinds of extremists, those who consider climate change a hoax and those who attribute all of our weather to climate change. According to the National Geographic: "the sweeping U.S. Climate Science Special Report, prepared ahead of the U.S. government’s 2018 National Climate Assessment, says that detecting climate change’s fingerprints on hurricane behavior is challenging. Because hurricanes are rare events, there aren’t many data points for scientists to examine for a trend."
Scientists make careful and measured conclusions. And they attribute to climate change what they can prove. Warming waters, increased evaporation and other climate change effects are certainly inclined to make hurricanes more destructive. But definitive conclusions are premature because there are just too few hurricanes to study. All climate change extremists are fanatics. If you don't think climate change is real or you think it's responsible for today's bad weather, you need to go back to school.
Scientists make careful and measured conclusions. And they attribute to climate change what they can prove. Warming waters, increased evaporation and other climate change effects are certainly inclined to make hurricanes more destructive. But definitive conclusions are premature because there are just too few hurricanes to study. All climate change extremists are fanatics. If you don't think climate change is real or you think it's responsible for today's bad weather, you need to go back to school.
5
I hope your post rockets to the top of Reader's Pick but I doubt it will. So sensible and true. Thanks.
These "too few hurricanes to study" are kinda too much for me and most of us.
2
"crescendoed" may have passed spell ck; but I am not sure it is a word...
1
Great word, and makes a lot of sense to me. For now, Irma does not look to be diminuendoed any time soon.
Italianoed - molto bene!
Italianoed - molto bene!
2
I've visited all of the affected islands. Heartbreaking.
3
As with Texas and now with Florida we will see a lesson in either hypocrisy ...or ignorance.
In the aftermath, the faithful will loudly thank god for surviving the horrible storm...
...the exact same almighty god that could've prevented the hurricane in the first place ...but didn't
Will they ever learn?
In the aftermath, the faithful will loudly thank god for surviving the horrible storm...
...the exact same almighty god that could've prevented the hurricane in the first place ...but didn't
Will they ever learn?
3
Planet earth is our home. We must learn to live in balance and harmony with it.
We must join hands to do everything possible to halt climate change before it's too late. Sadly, for many souls in Texas, and now Florida, including around the world, it is too late. As someone wisely observed: "We don't have to sacrifice a strong economy for a healthy environment." God speed Florida.
We must join hands to do everything possible to halt climate change before it's too late. Sadly, for many souls in Texas, and now Florida, including around the world, it is too late. As someone wisely observed: "We don't have to sacrifice a strong economy for a healthy environment." God speed Florida.
4
Here is a request for folks to take a deep breath, and respond to these events with productive, thoughtful actions (and comments). The annual hurricane season is a normal part of life in the southeast USA, and amongst the islands. Some years it's bad, and some not so much. 2017 is the first time in a dozen years that a hurricane has reached the lower 48. So find the right charity for your donation, and support particularly your family members and friends who are affected. I'll bet the political comments could find a better home in other sections of the paper. And please save the sky-is-falling, hand-waving antics (which also populated this paper in the 2005 season, which was followed by several unremarkable hurricane seasons).
2
Eventually, there is always a price for living in paradise. This mess makes the cold, snow and ice in the northeast look pretty good in comparison.
6
Let's see:
Three hurricanes at once in the Atlantic and the Gulf, one of which is a record breaker all by itself, and within a week of another record breaking storm off the Gulf.
Record breaking floods in Asia.
Thawing of permafrost in Arctic circle.
Melting of sea ice in Arctic Ocean.
Easily observed loss of glaciers world wide.
Slowing rising water levels.
Yup, no problem here.
Three hurricanes at once in the Atlantic and the Gulf, one of which is a record breaker all by itself, and within a week of another record breaking storm off the Gulf.
Record breaking floods in Asia.
Thawing of permafrost in Arctic circle.
Melting of sea ice in Arctic Ocean.
Easily observed loss of glaciers world wide.
Slowing rising water levels.
Yup, no problem here.
22
Sadly, they will still say that climate change is nothing more than a "hoax". How much evidence do they need to at least consider it a strong possibility that climate change is real with real consequences?
4
Floridians please take note of the core of this story; this hurricane has devastated every single Caribbean island it has encountered directly. And the Caribbeans aren't hurricane newbies. Get out now.
6
Why are the roads of Key West not all 1 way out? Video shows cars crawling on only 1/2 the lanes, the inbound are empty. The storm could hit at any moment.
6
Time to get out our maps. To be precise, the north shores of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and Cuba face the North Atlantic Ocean not the Caribbean Sea. That is not to say that areas on the south shores of these islands have not been affected by Irma, but the eye of the storm is tracking through the North Atlantic not the Caribbean. That's ok NYT. Every news outlet is making the same mistake.
1
I don't see any reference in this article to the Caribbean Sea. In common parlance, "the Caribbean" means the region, which assuredly includes the entirety of every island throughout the Antilles. This quibble should have been saved for reports on Irma's Lucayan landfall.
1
The computer graphics they're using on television to show Irma's path look like mother nature is catheterizing Florida. Maybe this was what Trump means when he said he wants to 'drain the swamp'
4
I have no respect for elected officials who are playing with lives by not doing their jobs properly.The fact that something is changing and we have more intense natural disasters and the frequency of them is very problematic when we know those things are directly tied to rising temperatures.
Shame on these people for not encouraging sustainable development, expanding natural reserves, practicing eco-architecture, renewables etc.
I ask all those climate change republican officials to move to FL for the next couple of days and stay in Miami. Can you do that? Please do it.
Shame on these people for not encouraging sustainable development, expanding natural reserves, practicing eco-architecture, renewables etc.
I ask all those climate change republican officials to move to FL for the next couple of days and stay in Miami. Can you do that? Please do it.
4
People are saying that the devastation that we are seeing now is due to climate change. It may be partly to blame but this is hurricane season which occurs this time of year. The hurricane in Galveston, Texas in 1900 was a category 4 which killed 6000 to 8000 people. The hurricane in Miami of 1926 was also category 4. Florida Keys Labor Day Hurricane was category 5. Climate change was not even part of the discussions back then.
We have always had hurricanes and there is no way to prevent them. We will continue to have hurricanes which will cause havoc to those in their paths. There are many causes and scientists are studying the causes which are many. We can also blame Mother Nature for the destruction that is caused by these cruel occurrences.
We have always had hurricanes and there is no way to prevent them. We will continue to have hurricanes which will cause havoc to those in their paths. There are many causes and scientists are studying the causes which are many. We can also blame Mother Nature for the destruction that is caused by these cruel occurrences.
Why is there no mention of St. Thomas and St. John in the USVI? They, along with the British Virgin Islands, and the other islands you mentioned bore the brunt of this storm in the Caribbean. Specifically, with respect to the USVI there is no electricity and cell phone service is sparse and sporadic. The hospital on St. Thomas has been condemned and patients have been evacuated to St. Croix and Puerto Rico. The governor has confirmed four deaths thus far. A fire station collapsed, a police station suffered significant damage. A housing complex was decimated. Many neighborhoods have damage to virtually all homes. The storm surge caused the harbor to flood the downtown Charlotte Amalie area. The post office in Frenchtown was destroyed. There is significant structural damage to homes and buildings throughout the islands including loss of roofs, windows and crumbling buildings. St. John was similarly devastated.
The BVI has also been destroyed but I specifically focused on the USVI because they are a part of the US and it is disheartening to see the lack of coverage about the territory in the national media. Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett who represents the US Virgin Islands in Congress would gladly grant an interview if you give her a call (like the BBC did).
While Florida awaits the storm, rather than just reporting on people waiting in line for gas or driving away please consider reporting on the USVI alongside your coverage of places impacted by Irma. We are Americans too.
The BVI has also been destroyed but I specifically focused on the USVI because they are a part of the US and it is disheartening to see the lack of coverage about the territory in the national media. Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett who represents the US Virgin Islands in Congress would gladly grant an interview if you give her a call (like the BBC did).
While Florida awaits the storm, rather than just reporting on people waiting in line for gas or driving away please consider reporting on the USVI alongside your coverage of places impacted by Irma. We are Americans too.
8
Rebuilding of Irma devastated Caribbean region and Florida will take the same effort as dealing with Harvey. Let is hope that the US government does not run out of money and makes major spending cuts on nonessentials to cover the cost of rebuilding and rehabilitating. I hope no lives will be lost in Florida due to ample early warning to evacuate from the path of Irma.
1
Can we do the most Republican thing of all, now that extreme weather events affect us directly can we agree climate change is a real global threat? We can even go full-GOP and explain it to the rest of the world like we were the ones that figured it out.
2
Good luck, Florida. And remember, if you work for Governor Scott do not say "climate change" of "global warming," you may get dismissed.
That will likely change soon. For now, hunker down and be safe.
That will likely change soon. For now, hunker down and be safe.
7
I fear climate change is going to become like gun control. A concept one doesn't mention during a disaster/tragedy because it's "too soon" and one shouldn't "politicize" the issue.
I say politicize away.
I say politicize away.
10
It is ironic that we are having so many natural disasters in the year we laughed at the Paris climate pact and withdrew from the world. As the floods and fires destroy lives here in the US and around the world, it puts in perspective how important climate is in our daily lives. America is not more powerful than climate even with it's military might and a boisterous president, we are looking so foolish now and will continue to look foolish until we realize we are part of the problem and we should be a part of the solution.
8
The Okeechobee hurricane,( the San Felipe Segundo hurricane)1928, blew the lake from the banks. The water was twenty feet deep for hundreds of miles. I suggest no one in central Florida plan a hurricane party for this one
1
Are #Hurricanes Harvey, Irma the new normal? And what would that mean going forward? Some hard choices, necessary changes, and a reckoning, as I note here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/after-storms-harvey-irma-new-normal-brian...
1
read your article. Very well state. I wish I did not have to go into Facebook to comment there.
Rick Scott has previously forbidden his staff to talk about, write about or even mention climate change. The governor of the most vulnerable state in the union to the effects of climate change has his head firmly buried where the sun don't shine, in the Sunshine State. It's criminal.
11
So where does the state and federal govt think 10 million people can go?
Is any other state ready to handle this many people? OF course not?
Do you really think the govt has thought of stocking fuel in other states to handle this crowd? how about food? OF course NOT
Is there a law to stop hotel who are jacking up rates because their computers are set to sell rooms at a higher price once it sells a few rooms, OF COURSE NOT, Greed from Corp America during these storms, just look at the airlines, just caught raise price for people leaving.
If time to SHOT looters on site.
Are black leaders going to justify this again, because only black people lost their stuff during this storm
Is any other state ready to handle this many people? OF course not?
Do you really think the govt has thought of stocking fuel in other states to handle this crowd? how about food? OF course NOT
Is there a law to stop hotel who are jacking up rates because their computers are set to sell rooms at a higher price once it sells a few rooms, OF COURSE NOT, Greed from Corp America during these storms, just look at the airlines, just caught raise price for people leaving.
If time to SHOT looters on site.
Are black leaders going to justify this again, because only black people lost their stuff during this storm
Please investigate and send word and help to St. John and St. Thomas!
4
Trump's Mar A Lago resort and Rush Limbaugh's home are in the direct path of Irma. The Lord works in mysterious ways....just sayin'
10
Beyond tourism a principle economic engine on some of the Caribbean islands is the role they play as tax havens for the global 1%. One would hope that in return for the ongoing safe harbor of that wealth the favor will be reciprocated in the form of private charitable aid from their customers. At least enough to help rebuild whatever infrastructure is required to securely shelter so much tax free wealth.
63
While Florida has extensive experience responding to hurricanes, Irma is already exposing serious flaws in the state's ability to effectively prepare for such a massive storm. It's shameful that many people wanting to fly out are not able to. Airlines should be required to send flights in to evacuate those who want to leave by air (with government reimbursement). Instead they are refusing to change schedules and are price gouging.
After Katrina (when President Bush considered deploying US military troops and resources) a number of governors signed legislation that prohibited the deployment of US military resources to aid in a disaster based on the Posse Comitatus Act. Americans spend nearly 600 billion dollars a year in base funding for the military to keep them safe. The military has vast experience responding to major disasters overseas. Their resources (lift capacity, logistics, etc.) are unparalleled--dwarfing even the National Guard's. It's unconscionable to let Americans die and suffer unnecessarily while this resource (which could and should be limited to a brief period in the early days of a major crisis) goes untapped.
With climate change (and our ignorant refusal to act aggressively to counter its impacts) making more frequent major disasters inevitable, new standards should be developed to allow for short-term deployments of the military's formidable disaster response capacity in domestic settings.
After Katrina (when President Bush considered deploying US military troops and resources) a number of governors signed legislation that prohibited the deployment of US military resources to aid in a disaster based on the Posse Comitatus Act. Americans spend nearly 600 billion dollars a year in base funding for the military to keep them safe. The military has vast experience responding to major disasters overseas. Their resources (lift capacity, logistics, etc.) are unparalleled--dwarfing even the National Guard's. It's unconscionable to let Americans die and suffer unnecessarily while this resource (which could and should be limited to a brief period in the early days of a major crisis) goes untapped.
With climate change (and our ignorant refusal to act aggressively to counter its impacts) making more frequent major disasters inevitable, new standards should be developed to allow for short-term deployments of the military's formidable disaster response capacity in domestic settings.
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That act is perhaps not enforced. One of our sons is stationed in Jacksonville (Navy) who had just returned in mid august from a 7-month deployment in the middle east. They are all heading to Caribbean to help with rescue efforts, possibly for several weeks.
2
Once you've deployed the military, though, they become a threat. I suspect most people would rather just take their chances and try to survive on their own. And I also suspect a lot of resistance on the part of the military itself to being used for services that the National Guard is already on call for. However, I entirely agree with the spirit of your thought. It would make sense, but only if you take weaponry out of the equation, and I'm not sure the military can do that.
“Gov. Rick Scott of Florida urged extreme caution in the face of a powerful storm that could quickly change course. “Every Florida family must prepare to evacuate regardless of the coast you live on,” he said.”
Only two major arteries that support this kind of situation, I-75 on the west side and I-95 on the east side. Once the exodus begins these interstates become immediately and insanely jammed.
Having lived in Florida and having suffered some big hurricanes, the only reasonable time to flee is 3 or 4 or days before a potential killer storm starts its march up the peninsula. Stories of people pulling out, driving for hours, and having to ultimately return to whatever the storm was going to dish out are legion.
Miami and the huge urban sprawl that now dominates along the east coast all the way to West Palm Beach is a target rich megalopolis for a storm like Irma. That represents about 6 million people on some of the most expensive real estate in Florida.
Certainly could be a south Texas, Harvey redo, or worse.
Only two major arteries that support this kind of situation, I-75 on the west side and I-95 on the east side. Once the exodus begins these interstates become immediately and insanely jammed.
Having lived in Florida and having suffered some big hurricanes, the only reasonable time to flee is 3 or 4 or days before a potential killer storm starts its march up the peninsula. Stories of people pulling out, driving for hours, and having to ultimately return to whatever the storm was going to dish out are legion.
Miami and the huge urban sprawl that now dominates along the east coast all the way to West Palm Beach is a target rich megalopolis for a storm like Irma. That represents about 6 million people on some of the most expensive real estate in Florida.
Certainly could be a south Texas, Harvey redo, or worse.
31
Florida author Carl Hiaasen can update his Hurricane Andrew "caper" novel, Stormy Weather, stocked with all of the "skeevy" characters that make America great--greedy and irresponsible developers, politicians, building inspectors, insurance swindlers, phony roofers and other sleazy contractors, and a whole cast of scamsters and grifters. Only in America.
I wonder how diligently Rick Scott will be enforcing his mandate against the forbidden words "climate change" by Florida officials as it's residents scramble to find gasoline to evacuate. With Scott in Florida and the equally foolish Abbott in Texas, the unfortunate citizens of each state have not only the catastrophic weather to cope with, but also the catastrophic stupidity and political, corporatist agenda of these two corrupt, political frauds to deal with.
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And where is "Little Marco's" voice on the storm. Fake news I suppose.
4
When I see the utter lack of preparedness for the innumerable natural disasters now striking the planet from the flooding in India, Houston and the Caribbean to the wild fires ravaging the Northwest and Southwest, I realize that there nothing at all in our culture explaining to us how we got into this mess and tell us how to get out of it. Certainly the EPA, corporate America and our public and private education provide us nothing. There is such a road map however in the discipline of permaculture. Started in the 60s by Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgren, permaculture provides us both an explanation of we're systemically destroying our natural heritage and some practical guidelines for restoring the ecological balance now so clearly out of whack. I would encourage anyone who is seriously concerned about the fate of the planet to take a 72 hour permaculture design course. I guarantee it will be life transforming experience.
28
Scientists whether government or private sector has been warning about Climate Change for years and years. People would rather have tax breaks then a future. It has nothing to do with permaculture.
Now I read that Rush Limbaugh is telling his listeners that Irma is part of the fake news phenomena, something ginned up by the media and business in order to get people to panic and spend money. Alex Jones is wondering why the government didn't use its technology to "kill" Harvey before it hit land -- subtext: Harvey was another a government plot.
This craziness would be hilarious if it didn't show the very real danger of sowing ridiculous, paranoiac distrust about government and media, like what we've been seeing for about the past year: It is precisely situations like Irma, when lives hang in the balance, that we need these institutions to provide the most current and accurate information possible. Protecting the public welfare is a crucial role of both -- and this goes beyond hurricane updates. Continually eroding the confidence that citizens should have in these institutions (which Limbaugh, et. al. baselessly continue to do) only serves to gradually weaken society as a whole and makes it less likely we will survive any disaster, natural or otherwise.
We are getting ample warnings about how dangerous this kind of discourse is becoming. Will we heed them?
It is really too bad that the hot air that constantly blows from the comfort and safety of the studios of the conspiratorial alt-Right can't be harnessed and put to positive use. They probably have enough wind capacity among themselves to blow Irma, Jose, and any other storm right back out to sea.
This craziness would be hilarious if it didn't show the very real danger of sowing ridiculous, paranoiac distrust about government and media, like what we've been seeing for about the past year: It is precisely situations like Irma, when lives hang in the balance, that we need these institutions to provide the most current and accurate information possible. Protecting the public welfare is a crucial role of both -- and this goes beyond hurricane updates. Continually eroding the confidence that citizens should have in these institutions (which Limbaugh, et. al. baselessly continue to do) only serves to gradually weaken society as a whole and makes it less likely we will survive any disaster, natural or otherwise.
We are getting ample warnings about how dangerous this kind of discourse is becoming. Will we heed them?
It is really too bad that the hot air that constantly blows from the comfort and safety of the studios of the conspiratorial alt-Right can't be harnessed and put to positive use. They probably have enough wind capacity among themselves to blow Irma, Jose, and any other storm right back out to sea.
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Its fairly plain that Putin et al. have decided that sowing paranoiac distrust is an effective way of destabilizing the US. They aren't stopping at elections. The public's ability to evaluate claims hinges on having trusted sources, and the destabilizing propaganda, that profiting outside and inside sources, seeks to destroy that.
6
Radios have an off switch. The problem is not Rush etc. It's all the listeners who want to hear the tripe coming from this blowhard. I keep hearing the phrase "I'm not a rocket scientist but...". I suspect this is code for "I'm stupid and like it this way. I too lazy to make the effort to learn the real facts. I prefer sensationalized garbage".
7
One point I can agree with is that the media is not providing a community service by constantly reporting on stores running out of bottled water with no mention that, as the governor has said, the tap water is just fine. As most Florida residents know, simply fill up the containers that you have in your disaster preparedness kit with tap water because of course you have a disaster preparedness kit living in an area that has always had frequent devastating hurricanes even before increases in carbon emissions.
2
Republicans, Libertarians and Red State voters: Climate Change in Action as Harvey and Irma! The Government is needed, science is needed, health care is needed, humanity is needed and regulations are needed. Please wake up before its too late. Can you imagine these storms happening every season? Look at poor Bangladesh. Please stop the nonsense, get over your racial hatred, embrace immigration and vote the backward greedy bums out of office and lets get our nation back!
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I agree with ALL of what you say, UNTIL the "stop the nonsense". When you are selling someone ONE thing, do not attempt to sell ten things at the same time, and abuse the buyer, or your message will be lost. What has climate change to do with racial hatred or the behinds of Republicans?
Nothing!
So John, how about YOU start by giving up hatred? You would be setting a trend.
Nothing!
So John, how about YOU start by giving up hatred? You would be setting a trend.
1
What modern conveniences are you willing to give up to make any effect on a warming planet? Your gas guzzling car? Heat for your home in winter? Air conditioning for your home in summer? Unlimited electricity at the flip of a switch? It's easy to blame the opposition party, but when we on the right watch Al Gore boarding his private jet for another self-serving personal appearance, or when we learn that his mansion consumes 30 times the energy of a the home of an average American, we recognize the hypocrisy of your blame game.
3
It's not climate change. Where were you for the last twelve years when we didn't have any strong storms hit the US. Was that climate change, too?
2
The fires in the Columbia Gorge inundating Portland in smoke and ash and decimating a national treasure, Hurricanes Harvey in Houston and Irma barreling towards Florida, and now a quake in Mexico....enough already.
34
Cosmic roll of the dice.
But hey, in the face of all that, our President* saw fit to place the future of nearly 1 million of our friends, neighbors, and co-workers in jeopardy. I want off this ride.
3
Perhaps given the future impact of climate warming, rebuilding should not necessarily be the only option. Sorry for the devastation.
17
I agree with the comments made by several readers. Please report on St John and St Thomas. I cannot understand why these islands are being ignored. They are of course THE UNITED STATES Virgin Islands. The damage was catastrophic. No electricity and no water. They need help.
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I think there's no internet service and St. John in particular is really cut off.
1
That does not explain the lack of coverage from the media, Deb. It is precisely because they are currently cut off that they need national coverage right now.
2
In 1965 I was on the cruise staff of Holland American Lines when we ported in St. Martin. Having traveled to almost every Island in the Caribbean, St. Martin was my favorite. I met the Governor of the Island. His name was Julian as I recall, and he wanted me to come back to St. Martin to live there. To me, it was the Jewel of the Caribbean. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the residents of the Island. The more important issue is this: When will the inhabitants of our beautiful planet realize that we're in deep Kimchi with regards to our climate? Yea, almost everyone today admits finally that we're dealing with Climate Change. That's like saying "OK, I'll admit that Cancer is a reality". Folks, Climate Change not only exists, but we're the cause of it. PERIOD! We still might have time to change it, but only if we take corrective steps right now before it is too late. What more PROOF do the Deniers need?
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I disagree with the statement that "almost everyone today admits finally that we're dealing with Climate Change.". Every non-believer I know continues to deny a link. I feel sorry for all who are suffering in the wake of these hurricanes, but in a lot of cases it's time to realize that this is going to happen again and again. Those who live on the edge of the water, on the coasts of our country and in warmer climates reap the benefits and when tragedy strikes, reach out for the rest of us to help them deal with destruction. I live in rural PA and can't imagine having to ask FEMA for anything. When I have a huge tree fall down, it's my problem to cut it up and deal with the mess. When we have a crippling ice event, or water in the basement we deal with it.
The money the tourist haven islands get from vacationers needs to help decrease their vulnerability, like the outdated electrical grid in Puerto Rico. They want to become one of the United States, I really hope we don't accept them, we have plenty of infrastructure problems already.
The money the tourist haven islands get from vacationers needs to help decrease their vulnerability, like the outdated electrical grid in Puerto Rico. They want to become one of the United States, I really hope we don't accept them, we have plenty of infrastructure problems already.
I think you totally missed the point. We've NEVER had the rain that they got in Houston and Irma is probably the worse storm in recent history. To blame people who live in low lying areas or on a Island and say "When we grew up, we had to take care of ourselves". We're living in a very different time. I was born in 1938 and back then, things were different. It's all changed now and we'd better recognize it.
Climate change is a racial issue. That is why denial.
And when Floridians may need healthcare more than ever, Trump just undermined Obamacare by killing ALL funding for promotion & outreach efforts, as six Florida insurers lined up to participate.
81
Seeing the news also about an earthquake around Mexico & all this I thought, the earth is reminding us who is really in charge. And life is so fragile - we take so much for granted as we build, posses, argue & fight.
My heart goes out to the huge amount of human suffering - it must be & will be overwhelming. Life & history dictates its own terms - perhaps Mr Trump who has seemed so out of his league in role as president will demonstrate some real organizational & rebuilding skills.
The only & I stress only (!) good from this could be not only a wake up on how we assume the earth is here as our playground but also the countless strip malls & houses build on every sand dune & beachside local have been cleared away.... Mother Earth & Nature has the last word.
My hearts & prayers to all the fellow humans hit by these storms.
My heart goes out to the huge amount of human suffering - it must be & will be overwhelming. Life & history dictates its own terms - perhaps Mr Trump who has seemed so out of his league in role as president will demonstrate some real organizational & rebuilding skills.
The only & I stress only (!) good from this could be not only a wake up on how we assume the earth is here as our playground but also the countless strip malls & houses build on every sand dune & beachside local have been cleared away.... Mother Earth & Nature has the last word.
My hearts & prayers to all the fellow humans hit by these storms.
34
Tourism is the economic life line for most of these islands. But with all this destruction who will provide the aid for them to rebuild? Without rebuilding, no tourists. No tourists, no economy.
Rather than increase military spending by 54 billion dollars the US should shift those funds to humanitarian aid. With those projected billions we could assist Houston, Florida and still have plenty to aid our neighbors on these Caribbean islands.
Rather than increase military spending by 54 billion dollars the US should shift those funds to humanitarian aid. With those projected billions we could assist Houston, Florida and still have plenty to aid our neighbors on these Caribbean islands.
144
I agree....the USA is part of the Caribbean Basin Inniative and US companies manufacture there too, they are our neighbors and we need to take care of things here and stop meddling in the Mid East where there will never be a good outcome. Be prepared for desperate refugees coming to the US after their islands & economies were destroyed.
3
The irony of your comment is that the billions spent by the military is an economy by which millions of folks are employed. One cannot just divert money as you suggest without devastating effects on another part of our incredibly complex economy. I agree with your sentiments, however. As usual, more debt must be taken on by the next generation,to meet this emergency.
3
If North Korea wasn't saber rattling I would agree with your comments about military spending. Unfortunately, we can't ignore Kim and have to prepare ourselves for those who seek to harm/destroy us. And with Harvey and Irma wrecking Houston and perhaps Florida there won't be a lot of money left for the Caribbean.
2
As I wait for what comes to my home on west caost of fla. I watch the FEMA people on TV and I think how they must feel out there working to beat this monster knowing they may lose their jobs if trump gets his way and slashes the FEMA budget by hundreds of millions. And for what? To build a wall to keep out the people who do the hard labor on the ground such as repairing roofs and rebuilding homes? Or is it just for the tax cuts for the top 10-15% and the corporations some of whom are denying and promoting climate change. And you people in Texas, how do you feel now about your politicians voting down financial aid for NJ after Sandy? Are we still one Great nation, or just a bunch of selfish people led by politicians just like us?
392
Nicely said and sadly true.
22
Well said, RLD. I hope you are watching the storm news from the safety of Colorado.
2
Amen RLD!! Blind lead by the blind.
1
That picture of St. Martin says it all: too many houses right along the water. Florida the same problem. Foolishness charges its price.
21
So I'm guessing you haven't spent much time around LI, Howard Beach and Staten Island. Very easy to throw rocks when it's not your glass house, but ironically, I predict there will be a similar "price for foolishness" paid in and around NYC in the coming decades.
30
Florida tightened its building codes after Andrew, so the state is doing all it can. But really, nothing can outmatch nature. Coastlines are eroding, natural storm breaks are disappearing, and sea levels are rising. Kver the long term it won't make any difference where people build.
(And the glass houses analogy is apt.)
(And the glass houses analogy is apt.)
5
The islands and Florida are at sea level. Everyone is at risk. Are the coastal houses more at risk? Of course. But if you noticed, the devastation hit those not wealthy enough to live on the beaches. Hurricanes take out less affluent homes because their owners may not have been able to afford to build extremely strong structures.
4
What happened in the Caribbean is awful. It is so sad to see these beautiful islands go like this. After Hurricane Harvey, the United States felt devastated for Texas and now I feel as if everybody is going to shift their focus to Hurricane Irma, leaving Texas residents helpless. Climate change is said to be the factor of all of these hurricanes occurring. After Hurricane Harvey hits, I pray that all Americans will come together to help all of the destruction.
36
"Climate change is said to be the factor of all of these hurricanes occurring."
No, it isn't. Try reading something besides the NYT.
No, it isn't. Try reading something besides the NYT.
3
Can anyone explain why, as I have seen on TV, the outgoing highway lanes are nearly stopped because of the huge traffic while the income lanes are nearly empty.
The question is why aren't some of the incoming lanes used to speed up the evacuation?
The question is why aren't some of the incoming lanes used to speed up the evacuation?
120
Frank, waiting in outgoing highway is safer. :) Silly drivers are more dangerous than Irma.
5
I know, it is ridiculous. You would think after years of having to evacuate, they would of figured out how to do this. All street should be turned away from the shores except for a few for emergencies and for bringing in buses to move people out. How about using military planes to shuttle people, even cruise ships. Load them up and get them out.
2
There has to be some way for first responders to get in and out should they be needed...
2
Truly heartbreaking but this is the new normal for the Caribbean and the US Gulf and Southeast coastal states. All of this was modeled by climate scientists based on hard data and science. It is truly horrifying that so many in our government reject science for beliefs based on their personal and friends' economic agendas. That is, based on nothing at all. It is sad that so many trust these cretins who have no idea what they're talking about. It would fine if they were just those big mouths in the corner bar but these guys actually formulate public policy. Our nation's power and economy were built on the foundations of real science. It will be our nation's downfall to reject science.
275
Never mix politics with science unless the facts are on your side.
"The 1880s were the most active decade for the United States, with a total of 25 hurricanes affecting the nation. By contrast, the least active decade was the 1970s, with a total of only 12 hurricanes affecting the American coastline. A total of 33 seasons on record passed without an Atlantic hurricane affecting the country—the most recent of which was the 2015 season. Seven Atlantic hurricanes affected the country in the 1886 season, which was the year with the most United States hurricanes." - Wikipedia
"The 1880s were the most active decade for the United States, with a total of 25 hurricanes affecting the nation. By contrast, the least active decade was the 1970s, with a total of only 12 hurricanes affecting the American coastline. A total of 33 seasons on record passed without an Atlantic hurricane affecting the country—the most recent of which was the 2015 season. Seven Atlantic hurricanes affected the country in the 1886 season, which was the year with the most United States hurricanes." - Wikipedia
New normal? Time for you to embrace science. Study the strength, frequency, and destruction of hurricanes over the past 100 years, then report back.
Trump visited Houston and promised the “best ever” government response before pumping his fist from the steps of Air Force One as he departed. This comment made me laugh! He is ignoring that Climate change is playing a role – the warming atmosphere holds more moisture that falls in the sort of rain that swamped Houston. Seas are rising faster on the eastern seaboard of the US than almost anywhere else (!) in the world, heightening the impact of storm surges from hurricanes. Those studies proof - not just show - hurricanes are getting stronger, more frequent, threatening coastal areas that are growing in population size. We have a completely different landscape and climate now. They are complete game changers. To say cities need to think harder about how to withstand the next desater is obsolete. The changes which have to take place have to happen within we steer our civilazation, how we manage work, politics, how we steer decisions and how we re-calibrate our societies to focus on sustainability and reducing on resources, food, travel - everything! Simply everything!
42
Mind boggling and Heartrending!
Hurricanes (we're up to 4: Irma, Jose, Katie and Harvey) and a huge earthquake. All in a 2 week period!
Meanwhile the Trump EPA sticks its head in the sand.
I am old. But I would like to leave a habitable earth for all adorable babies. Take a look at each and every baby. You see them in supermarkets: Innocents! They deserve that we raise taxes and do everything possible to give them a liveable earth to inherit.
Let us, please, help our fellow human beings, struggling after each of these doisasters. These islands, now ravaged, will ultimately disappear altogether. So will Florida, now hunkering down for whatever Irma has in store. People will suffer, rebuild, but ultimately the sea will reclaim it all.
Can we not see? Can we not understand? Can we not muster the will to act?
Maybe Trump, having lost a resort on St. Martin island and perhaps receiving damage to his resort and 3 golf courses in Florida, will see the Light. We can only hope.
Hurricanes (we're up to 4: Irma, Jose, Katie and Harvey) and a huge earthquake. All in a 2 week period!
Meanwhile the Trump EPA sticks its head in the sand.
I am old. But I would like to leave a habitable earth for all adorable babies. Take a look at each and every baby. You see them in supermarkets: Innocents! They deserve that we raise taxes and do everything possible to give them a liveable earth to inherit.
Let us, please, help our fellow human beings, struggling after each of these doisasters. These islands, now ravaged, will ultimately disappear altogether. So will Florida, now hunkering down for whatever Irma has in store. People will suffer, rebuild, but ultimately the sea will reclaim it all.
Can we not see? Can we not understand? Can we not muster the will to act?
Maybe Trump, having lost a resort on St. Martin island and perhaps receiving damage to his resort and 3 golf courses in Florida, will see the Light. We can only hope.
197
It seems people have very short memories, and no tRump does not care about climate. He is wealthy enough to not have to worry about climate (for now) and he really only cares about his next photo op which most likely will be in FL.
37
We will see if he tries to get his rebuilding costs past onto taxpayers for his 'winter white house'.
6
A beautiful, heart-wrenching, down-to-earth, and totally spot-on comment...
3
I live in central Fl. Consider how people act in the NE when a noreaster is coming (I lived in PA for 14 yrs). Put that behavior on steroids, that's Fl during hurricane prep. People go to stores and buy 10 times what they need and nothing left for next person. Don't forget intensity of Climate Change Irma is due to Climate. Change.
34
NY Times editors please get a report from the islands of St John and St Thomas in the USVI. We are a United States Territory and no one in the news service is talking about us. We were hit very badly, much worse than Puerto Rico. There are 4 confirmed fatalities so far. Power and phones are down. Airport is unusable and we may have another hurricane in a day or two.
310
Thank you Rob and Nancy in another comment for calling attention to the devastation in the USVI. I hope the NYT editors are reading your comments and will provide the coverage you deserve. Wishing you well.
66
Daily Mail and BBC have reporting on Tortola, which looks washed away. I saw some mention there of the USVI too. Good luck!
24
Rob - thank you for sharing this important information. My heart brakes for you and your fellow residents of St. John and St. Thomas. I hope you receive the much needed and necessary U.S. aid very soon. I will keep you and your family close to my heart and prayers. Please keep us posted, if possibly, as to how things are going. The very best luck to you. Stay safe.
14
The article refers to the second part of the damage, looting of businesses, as man-made. Uh, excuse me? Since Trump the climate change denier came onto the world stage it's as if the climate said, hold my beer! It's all man made.
19
Is it just me ,or have we been experiencing the most erratic weather in my lifetime of 84 years.To the deniers of Global warming, does it give you food for thought?
107
I fear the real crisis here, empowering all others, is that the deniers are having a hunger strike when it comes to food for thought.
5
Shame on NYT for not even mentioning the US Virgin Islands. There were 16 writers who contributed to this front page story and not one could dig up information on our own US territory? The destruction on St. Thomas and especially St. John is of historic proportions. Were it not for Organizations like St. John Rescue and Stateside St. Johnians, there would be no communication! These islands need help, resources and traditional media is letting them down.
196
I wrote a similar comment yesterday, and NYT did not post it. Because of poor communications, I don't have a clear picture on St. Thomas yet, but Tortola, B.V.I. was devastated. And not even a mention of anything. Really poor job NYT.
7
I don't know about St. John's, but I saw footage from the USCG damage assessment of St. Thomas and although there is a lot of damage, it's not of "historic proportions." Indeed, most of the island looks like it got pretty lucky, although there are certainly pockets of destruction.
1
and many of us vacation there!
I hope its enough devastation to peruse Republicans and trump that Climate change does exist.
15
Good thought Qasier, but I don't think anything will persuade the Republicans and djt that climate change is happening. They are thinking short term financial gains by dismantling the EPA and eliminating other protective regulations. We know that the trumpians want to line their already deep pockets and the environment be damned.
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http://www.miamiherald.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/dave-barry/article17...