Until October we’ll be at the very peak of hurricane season.  And even if Lili does veer off and ravage another inhabited area, or simply dissipate into a messy thunderstorm, there could be other storms with other names that may be headed our way.   

It’s there… twisting and turning in the Caribbean, gaining strength and heading in our general direction. 

No this piece isn’t referring to the much talked about Isidore.  That storm system, expected to strengthen once again to as high as Hurricane 2 status, is taking aim at the Gulf Coast. 

No, the slight concern is Lili.  As of this writing, the tropical storm, also expected to strengthen into a hurricane, is heading toward Haiti and may be along the Cuban coast by Friday.  From there, where the storm will head toward, is anyone’s guess—at least at this point.

So, just in case it does continue to head toward our general direction we figure we’d take the opportunity to warn our readers to keep track of the storm and stay prepared.  Until October we’ll be at the very peak of hurricane season.  And even if Lili does veer off and ravage another inhabited area, or simply dissipate into a messy thunderstorm, there could be other storms with other names that may be headed our way.  For those who live (or are staying) inland, preparing will include stocking up on canned goods and bottled water.  For those who inhabit the Greater Miami Beach area (Miami Beach, Surfside, Bay Harbor Islands, Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach, Golden Beach) preparing could mean finding a place to stay on the mainland.

Fact is, these barrier islands have been designated “mandatory evacuation zones” by county emergency planners. In other words, even with a Category One hurricane, where winds are little more than 70 miles per hour, the authorities strongly recommend leaving the island if it appears a strike is imminent.  This multi-billion dollar sandbar may have good restaurants, world-class condos, quiet single-family neighborhoods, public sandy beaches and an interesting sandbar but it’s little more than a mile wide at even its thickest point.  Storm surges could sweep across the island, even with a Category One Hurricane.  In the event of a major storm, especially if it should hit directly, staying on the Beach could be near suicidal.

Again, think of this editorial as a friendly admonition to Beach residents and those who live in coastal areas.  Pay attention to the news, and if the county does ever issue an evacuation order, do the smart thing and leave.