TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — A strong reminder of just how powerful wind can be in the Big Bend.
It's been a year and a half since Category 5, Hurricane Michael slammed ashore.
The damage left a big mark on those who experienced it.
With Hurricane season just 28 days away, one storm survivor says you don't want to risk being unprepared.
Alexiss Grimes says hurricane season is the scariest time for her and her family.
"We lost everything,"said Grimes.
Eighteen months ago Hurricane Michael destroyed their home in Leon County. Grimes is telling people to get ready now so they won't be taken off guard like she was.
"A tree and a power line fell on our home," Grimes said. "We barely escaped out of the home."
Grimes says the recent severe storms have her worried about this hurricane season.
So ABC 27 took her concerns to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee.
"It's hard to forecast if ones going to hit us or how strong it's going to be," said Lauren Nash, with the National Weather Service. "What's important is that everyone get prepared for hurricane season."
NWS says recent severe weather doesn't necessarily mean a bad hurricane season. But everyone should be prepared.
"What type of disaster supplies do you need in your home," Nash said. "Make sure you have your emergency kit ready to go because by the time you may need it there's going to be lines at the stores and things may be sold out."
Nash says with the pandemic, getting those supplies might be more difficult, so stock up early.
Grimes and her family prioritize their hurricane preparation kit every year. She believes those essentials will help get her through this season.
"Your batteries, your flashlight, your candles," said Grimes. "Make sure you have canned goods and things like that."
This is hurricane preparedness week for the National Weather Service.
For more information on how to put together a kit of your own, visit weather.gov/hurricane
