But, y’know, keep calm and carry on, right?
Trying to warn Floridians to be on high alert concerning the incoming hurricane Matthew, Florida Governor Rick Scott may have induced more panic than caution. As authorities urged many citizens to evacuate the area, Scott tried to impress upon those not evacuating the severity of the incoming storm.
“This is serious. … Don’t take a chance. A small movement (of the storm) could mean a lot. That’s why we have to prepare for a direct hit. So again, if you need to evacuate and you haven’t, evacuate. This storm will kill you. Time is running out. We don’t have that much time left.”
Geez, Governor, tell us how you really feel!
The category 3 hurricane did cause extensive damage in the Caribbean, killing at least 28 – 23 of those in Haiti alone. Forecasters are cautioning residents in coastal Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina that the storm may become a category 4 by the time it hits land, and is expected to maintain its strength while making its way up the coast.
We’re not sure why Scott felt the need to hand down such a dire warning in the first place; this is Florida, not New York City – Floridians are well aware of the devastating effects of hurricanes and don’t really need a lizard-faced governor Scott trying to scare them into preparedness. They’ve got their generators, flashlights, cans of spam, and water jugs from the last storm already ready to go.
Either way, we hope that the residents of Florida, N.C., and S.C. find their way through the storm safely, with minimal damage to their property. And we hope Scott will be there, hands-on, to help clean up afterward.
Read more about Hurricane Matthew at CNN.
