Storm Idalia - Supporting Your Employees

In anticipation of the active 2023 Hurricane Season, International SOS recommended organizations and institutions have a Hurricane response plan to protect their people. Watch our webinar recording to learn more about how you could better prepare your business or institution for the unexpected. Watch here.

 

Hurricane Idalia is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane as it crosses the warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico across 29 August. Tropical storm force winds will reach southern Florida in the early morning on 29 August EST. The storm is presently forecast to make landfall in North western Florida around 08:00 (local time) on 30 August. Idalia will bring significant storm surge to the North western coast, a part of Florida particularly susceptible to storm surge due to geographical features. Idalia will weaken and pass northeast across Florida, and along the coasts of Georgia, South and North Carolina during the evening of 30 August and day of 31 August before traveling out to sea. Tornados likely along in some parts of Florida beginning the evening 29 August.

 

International SOS has prepositioned an Incident Management Team to Orlando to bolster the regional security center’s assistance coordination and intelligence collection capacities. The incident management team is performing various preparation related tasks ahead of the storm’s arrival including meeting with local and federal officials, and engaging with partners within our assistance network, among other tasks.

 

International SOS’ advice for impacted organizations includes:

 

• Defer all travel to parts of Florida state in the projected path of the storm until at least 31 August. These areas include coastal portions of West Florida from Sarasota in the south to Panama City Beach in the north, as well as inland cities in the storm’s path, such as Gainesville.
• Out of an abundance of caution and due to the potential for changes in the storm’s trajectory, International SOS recommends those in the above-mentioned locations depart as soon as possible if they meet any of the below criteria:
  
  • They are visiting and are not residents.
  • They do not have access to robust accommodation with solid hurricane mitigation on site.
  • They are members of vulnerable or at-risk populations, for whom access to power and essential supply chains are critical.
  • They are under mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders from local authorities.
• Monitor developments and anticipate disruption associated with Idalia’s passage. The trajectory and intensity of tropical cyclones can change abruptly.
• Monitor the US’ National Hurricane Center (NHC) for up-to-date information on the storm’s progress and any related advisories.
• We do not hold information on specific flights or other modes of transport. Reconfirm bookings with the relevant service providers. In the event of cancellations, your travel agent will be able to help with alternative arrangements.
• Flash floods are possible following prolonged spells of rain. Ensure routes are clear prior to departure and allow additional times for journeys. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and look for an alternate route.
• Monitor our alerts for updates.

We encourage our clients to sign up for our latest situational alerts via email, through the Assistance App, or via our Online Portal.

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