Residents ignoring Hurricane Helene evacuation order scolded by sheriff

A Florida sheriff, Bob Gualtieri, urged residents in evacuation Zone A to heed warnings as Hurricane Helene threatened Florida’s northwest coast with an “unsurvivable” storm surge. Governor Ron DeSantis also warned residents to evacuate vulnerable areas immediately to avoid the life-threatening conditions. Counties along the western coast ordered evacuations, with some projecting catastrophic storm surges. Despite the warnings, some residents in coastal areas decided to stay and ride out the storm. In Steinhatchee, Pastor Paul Nawlin checked on residents who chose to stay, including himself. In Saint Marks, fisherman Philip Tooke planned to stay on his fishing boat and ride out the storm. Sheriff A.J. Smith in Franklin County warned that first responders may not be able to help those who stayed behind in extreme weather conditions. Despite the grave warnings, some residents chose to trust in God or ride out the storm on boats. The National Weather Service described the storm surge as catastrophic and unsurvivable in some areas. Officials emphasized the urgency of evacuating to avoid risking lives.

Photo credit
www.usatoday.com