Preparing for the Next Hurricane: Will People Move Their Cars Out of Floodplains?

When a hurricane threatens inland areas, will people actually move their cars out of floodplains? This is a question that often comes to mind, especially when considering the chaos and danger that can follow such a disaster.

The Inevitable Defiance of Human Behavior

You might assume that people would move their cars to safer areas. However, it not uncommon for a large number of residents to ignore these warnings, sometimes with dire consequences. As a hurricane approaches, locals often seek higher ground for safer shelter, leading to severe traffic jams and even more complications when they need to return home or move to another safe location.

Florida: The Perfect Example of High Risk Areas

Florida is particularly vulnerable due to its terrain. The southern tip of the state is low-lying and swampy. If everyone attempts to migrate to higher ground or park their cars where they believe they will be safe, traffic congestion could quickly become a critical issue. Not only would this situation create mobility problems, but it would also compound the difficulty of evacuating cars that are already parked in these areas.

Dangers Beyond Flooding

The dangers of leaving cars in floodplains extend beyond just water damage. High winds can uproot trees, especially when the ground is already saturated from heavy rainfall. These fallen trees can obstruct roads, further complicating evacuation efforts.

A Safer Alternative: Nebraska

The safest location to store both cars and people during a hurricane is unlikely to be where you think. Nebraska, for example, offers a relatively dry and flat landscape, making it a safer bet. If you have access to a garage or open space with high ground, even that can provide protection. Strangely, I have space for one more car in my garage.

Where to and How to Move Your Car

When determining where to park your car during a hurricane, the options are limited and challenging. Not only will inland areas face flash floods and mudslides, but they will also not have the benefit of a known and well-mapped direction of water movement. If people attempt to move their cars, they may find themselves trapped by oncoming flooding or landslides, making it impossible to return to their homes.

Conclusion

The next time a hurricane threatens, it is crucial that people understand the risks and take proactive measures, such as moving their cars to higher ground. The safety of lives and properties should always be the top priority, especially when natural disasters like hurricanes pose significant threats. By understanding these risks and planning accordingly, we can collectively mitigate the potential damage and ensure a safer outcome.