"Be prepared to leave your location. If flooding occurs, do not hesitate!" A notification on your phone? An urgent broadcast on TV? This was from drones hovering over New York City, warning residents in low-lying areas to take action with flooding rains from Hurricane Debby. Like something out of "Blade Runner 2049″ but a reality today. According to CNN, flash floods have been deadly for New Yorkers living in basement apartments. Eleven people drowned in such homes in 2021 amid rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ida.
In the 1970s warnings of deadly weather could reach most people via TV and radio. No longer. I worry about people streaming TV shows not getting the information they need. Having several sources of warning information is critical.
Welcome to late September. More 60s Friday and Saturday, but a few 80s return next week. Amazingly, it may stay dry the next five to six days.
NOAA reports 19 separate billion-dollar disasters through July, the second most on record year to date. We're going to need more drones.
