It was August 24, at 8a.m.. In the Atlantic a storm was brewing – a small, insignificant storm. The hurricane was expected to falter and die as it was surrounded by dry air, an air form that kills storms. Tropical storm Dorian dodged the first dry air, and then the second, and then it was headed for the Virgin Islands. Meteorologists expected the little storm to hit a major island, wasting its energy and dying out. Tropical Storm Dorian just passed by Puerto Rico, and upon leaving the Virgin Islands, became a hurricane. It floated out to sea, quickly gaining power, hitting category 5. Hurricane Dorian then turned towards Florida, with only one thing in its path: the Bahamas (NOAA).

Hurricane Dorian hits the Bahamas with 185 mph winds, ripping roofs off houses and throwing them around like huge, dangerous playing cards. Those who had boarded up their windows had them blown away anyway. Generators were pulled out of their foundations. Roads and houses were flooded too. People were carried swiftly off to sea. Hurricane Dorian ravaged the Bahamas, changing the popular tourist attraction forever (NOAA/Reporter’s Journal).

Upon leaving the Bahamas, Hurricane Dorian turned again, and instead of plowing through Florida as a category 3 hurricane, it followed the coast of the U.S.. This caused many areas to lose power, and roads were flooded. Many of these coastline states received minor damage. Upon reaching Nova Scotia, Canada, Hurricane Dorian left for the Atlantic for good.

Hurricane Dorian left the Bahamas in ruin, in terms of both physical and economic damage. Houses collapsed, roads were flooded, and the coasts were changed due to the runoff. On September 6, AIR risk firm projected a maximum of $3 billion in damages. About 70,000 people are now homeless due to the damages. About 1,500 Bahamians managed to make it into   Florida and are with their families. As September 9, there were 50 people confirmed dead, with projections over 300. There were rescues underway, but they  were slowed due to rubble and ruined infrastructure. Bahamian authorities claim to be helping and keeping the peace, but the U.S. relief parties that are there have seen no sign of them (CNN).

As it often is with disasters of any kind, Hurricane Dorian makes us ask ourselves what could we have done to be better prepared. Freshman Amelia Bowen said that people in hurricane areas should “have generators, have basic supplies of food, and have a survival kit. You can prepare for it, but you never know. ” One anonymous Florida man did just this. He went to Costco and spent just under $50,000 on generators, food, and water for the affected. In terms of fixing what has been destroyed, sophomore Julia Bonadies says that “there should be fundraisers and people donating.” This is a much more affordable option for people that would like to help. There is a link at the end of this article to donate to the American Red Cross, one of the first responders in the Bahamas. Anything can make a difference.

Hurricane Dorian was a tragedy but the number of dead and missing could have been much less if some had left their homes. Unfortunately, they did not, and many were killed. This brings about another issue with natural disasters: some people simply refuse to leave their homes. By raising awareness for hurricanes, people in hurricane warning areas can be more aware of the dangers and consequences of hurricanes.

Help victims of Hurricaine Dorian at American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/donate/disaster-donations.html/