Laura Young
news@greenepublishing.com
The Madison County Emergency Management Office on Harvey Greene Drive, in Madison, was the nerve center for Madison County's response before, during and after Hurricane Idalia. Emergency Management Services (EMS) Director Leigh Basford coordinated efforts of various agencies such as the Madison County Road Department, the Madison County Sheriff's Office and many others.
On Tuesday, Aug. 29, Basford, along with many leaders from various city and county agencies gathered at the Emergency Management Center to hear the latest from the Tallahassee office of the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS agent told of the potential impact across the Big Bend region of the state. Of note were the dire predictions of potential storm surge hazards along the coast, especially the Appalacheecola Bay area. "If the storm hits the Appalacheecola Bay directly, it will result in a storm surge that will not be survivable," said the NWS spokesperson. The NWS spokesperson went on to speak in the rarity of such a strong storm making a direct hit on the area. "This will be the first time in recorded history that a storm of this magnitude has made landfall in this area," the spokesperson said.
Madison County residents were hit hard by hurricane Idalia on Wednesday, Aug. 30, suffering near 100 percent pow
er outages and widespread structural damage across the county as fierce winds and heavy rain caused toppled trees, blocked roads and flooding. A direct hit from a storm of this magnitude had not occurred in the Apalachee Bay area since record keeping started in 1851.
Idalia reached Category 4 status with sustained winds of 130 mph as it approached the Big Bend. The storm weakened only slightly as its eye came ashore Keaton Beach, battering our community and others with Category 3 winds, heavy rains and life-threatening storm surge.
As our community braced for the historic weather event, announcements from the Madison County Emergency Management warned citizens to complete their hurricane preparations ahead of the storm.
When conditions began to improve by mid-afternoon on Wednesday, the MCSO advised residents to shelter in place until further notice, so that crews could clear roadways for emergency vehicles and power company trucks.
“We are now redeploying all first responders,” said the MCSO post on Facebook on Wednesday afternoon. “We definitely took a hard hit and still have tropical storm force winds to deal with. Stay off of the roads as most are not passible. First responders will be focusing on medical needs and residences. Again stay off the road and allow first responders to work. Be alert for power lines that may be tangled in downed trees in your yard or other areas of your property. There is significant damage to be assessed.”
Schools remained closed locally on Thursday, as did many but not all businesses.
In the face of tremendous odds, the staff of the EMS department, along with other agencies worked around the clock to help ensure the safety of Madison County residents to the best of their abilities. Even after the storm has made her exit, the hard work of cleaning up and helping citizens receive the help they need will continue, thanks to Basford and her staff.