WS Chronicle

Well, it’s hurricane season, so we should not be surprised to hear another hurricane has popped up. But we are surprised to hear it might wreak havoc in North Carolina. Another hurricane so soon after Florence?

The News and Observer in Raleigh reported what Gov. Roy Cooper said at a news briefing Tuesday morning, Oct. 9. “I know people are fatigued from Florence, but don’t let this storm catch you with your guard down.”

Hurricane Michael is a fast-moving Category 3 hurricane that is on track to slam Florida’s northeast Gulf Coast before mowing across the Carolinas by Thursday, forecasters said.

“Because of the damage caused by Hurricane Florence, and the fact that there’s still some standing water in places, we have to be that much more alert about the damage that Hurricane Michael could do,” Cooper said.

The News and Observer further reported that Tony Saavedra in the Morehead City office of the National Weather Service said there is the possibility of isolated tornadoes as the storm moves through the state. Those in its path should pay attention for watches and warnings, he said.

The StarNews of Wilmington wrote an editorial on the aftermath of Florence that makes hearing about Hurricane Michael such sad news:

“A friend recently asked if the response to Florence had been adequate. We said yes, at least in the immediate aftermath. And that response is continuing, as thousands of people still are in crisis. But we added that, in our experience, the toughest challenges can come when the storm is out of the headlines and life is starting to feel normal again for many.

“That’s why we need a strong, sustained second wind, not only in our actual recovery work, but in ensuring we don’t let Florence’s ongoing impact slip too far from our minds – or from the priorities of our elected leaders.

“… We also know from experience that hurricanes and flooding take an especially heavy toll on people who already are vulnerable – the poor, elderly, disabled and those with chronic health problems come to mind. Wind and water don’t discriminate, but the circumstances people and communities were in before the storm does.

“As we try to move forward, it will be easy for some of those vulnerable people and places to slip through the cracks. It’s impossible for a disaster-recovery effort to meet every need, but we should try our best to reach out to those who have less means or ability to help themselves. Whether or not we do so will say a lot about the character of our cities, towns and state.”

The StarNews paints a picture of people helping people. But can we do it again? Gov. Roy Cooper hopes we are not too tired to do so.