LOCUS’ Post

Here is a great blog post my colleagues wrote to explore the impacts of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina through the use of LOCUS travel patterns data. We've previously used LOCUS data in a number of emergency evacuation and climate adaption studies, including wildfire displacement in California for the Southern California Association of Governments and hurricane evacuation in Florida for the Florida DOT.

As transportation agencies find creative methods and approaches negotiate increasingly frequent and extreme disruptions, using insightful data for resilience planning, response, and recovery, saves lives and optimizes resources. In partnership with LOCUS, CS's #TeamResilience reviewed travel data to examine patterns during #HurricaneHelene and understanding response and recovery of communities affected by it. This blog encapsulates a few insights that help State DOTs, local agencies, and communities prepare for and optimize recovery approaches, touching on some key topics and areas where LOCUS can provide: -- Community resilience planning and recovery ( * LOCUS Community Profiles release in early 2025) --Basic access and mobility during disruptions --Equitable resilience planning --Supply chain and freight resilience --Operational strategies for supporting a resilient recovery Reach out to Anurag Komanduri Jason Lemp Fareeha Shah for more information on how LOCUS can support your agency's resilience planning and recovery needs.

Ongoing Hurricane Season Brings Potential Travel Disruptions It is the hurricane season that just won’t end. Forecasters are watching three disturbances that could affect life and disrupt travel in the coming week. One is forming in the western Caribbean and has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression. Or worse, another is being tracked near the United States Gulf Coast, and yet another is forming near the Yucatan in Mexico. Stormy weather brought record-breaking rain to Puerto Rico on Thursday. One of the most active hurricane seasons in recent memory has already brought more than a dozen named storms, activating contingency plans for airlines and cruise lines. As of Saturday, there have been few to no delays or cancellations for airlines and very few itinerary changes for cruise lines. At least 125 tropical storms and hurricanes have roamed the Atlantic in November since the late 1800s. Although ocean waters are warmer than average, they aren’t as warm as they were in helping to form hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida in October.

We have friends/family in many popular hurricane spots, so we're constantly following the hurricanes since we're worried about their safety. I've seen a lot of questions from those who are expected to travel to #Florida & I hope this article helps. Best advice though is to contact your travel carriers and see what they advise. Hurricane Milton may or may not affect you. https://lnkd.in/gHFebqkt #travel #HurricaneMilton #traveltips

If you're in the hospitality industry and concerned about the potential impact of Hurricane Helene on the state and your events, here is a current article regarding it. #HospitalityIndustry #HurricaneHelene #EventPlanning

Travel Advisory: Hurricane Beryl Makes Landfall on Texas Gulf Coast. Hurricane Beryl has made landfall on the Gulf Coast of Texas near #Matagorda, impacting travel in the region. The storm, which previously caused disruptions in the #Caribbean and #Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, strengthened again over warm Gulf waters. As a result, significant power outages affecting nearly 2 million customers have been reported. Travellers are advised to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas and to monitor local weather updates closely. Airlines are likely to experience delays and cancellations at nearby airports, including #Houston. Contact your airline or travel provider for the latest information on flight status and rebooking options. Stay safe and follow local authorities' guidance if in the affected region. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dkgxd5wc #OJTravel #HurricaneBeryl #TravelAdvisory #TexasTravel #GulfCoast #WeatherUpdate

Hurricane Milton, a category 5 storm, is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change. This massive storm system is bringing extreme weather conditions, including storm surges of up to 20 feet, life-threatening winds of 180 miles per hour, and torrential rainfall of up to 12 inches ¹. The sheer force of this hurricane is a wake-up call, highlighting the importance of preparedness and evacuation. *The Human Impact* Over 1 million people have been forced to evacuate, with many more under hurricane warnings ¹. The storm's arrival comes on the heels of Hurricane Helene, leaving many Floridians reeling from the previous disaster. Residents are scrambling to secure supplies, including gas, with many stations running out of fuel ¹. *The Economic Toll* The potential damage from Hurricane Milton is estimated to be catastrophic, with predictions suggesting over $175 billion in losses ¹. This staggering figure underscores the long-term effects of climate change on our economy and infrastructure. *A Call to Action* As we witness the destruction caused by Hurricane Milton, it's essential to recognize the urgent need for climate action. This category 5 storm serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of inaction. We must prioritize sustainability, invest in renewable energy, and support climate-resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impact of future disasters. Stay safe, stay informed and stay connected everyone. #HurricaneMilton #AlwaysBeReady #DisasterRiskReduction #ClimateResilience #8Billion #EightBillion #CollectiveClimateAction #UniteForOurCommonFuture #TogetherWeCan #TogetherWeMust #GlobalCitizen #TenPillars #Evolve #EvolveDaily #HumansWhoCare #WeCare #LeadersWhoCare #ClimateChange #CollectiveAction #ClimateActions #Leadership #Sustainability #Biodiversity #GenerationRestoration #OurCommonFuture Live Updates by AccuWeather

The news from over in Florida is very worrying indeed, with Hurricane Milton - a category 5 storm that is anticipated to be the worst in 100 years - expected to make landfall later today. People are evacuating. Properties are boarded up. Flights are cancelled. And everyone is bracing for the worst. British tourists already in Florida have been immensely concerned with what's coming. The reality is that if you booked a package holiday the tour operator should make arrangements for you. If you are on a DIY trip, you are on your own... Fortunately emergency management arrangements are well-planned and robust. Visitors are always asked to evacuate waterfront hotels temporarily until a hurricane warning is lifted. Check with the front desk or hotel concierge regarding availability at another hotel farther inland. If you do not want to change hotels or can not find availability in a similar level accommodation, then ask about the opportunity to evacuate to a hurricane shelter while a hurricane warning is in effect. You should check your travel insurance policy to see whether you’re covered for extreme weather events such as a hurricane. Many policies do have a clause on this, but the level of coverage can vary. We send all our thoughts to those in the hurricane's path. Take care and stay safe.

Explore our comprehensive analysis of hurricane risks across Caribbean islands to better plan your business or leisure travels with safety in mind. #BusinessTravel #SafetyFirst

🌪️ Storm Incoming: Be Prepared for Changes in Hurricane Season While this hurricane season has been unusually quiet, it's crucial to remain vigilant and prepared. According to a recent MSN article, we could soon see a change in activity. As a commercial insurance broker, I can't stress enough the importance of readiness and having robust insurance plans in place. Whether it's updating your policies or reviewing your current coverage, taking proactive steps now can make all the difference when storms do hit. Let's ensure our communities and businesses are well-protected. Stay safe, stay prepared! #HurricaneSeason #Insurance #Preparedness #StaySafe #CommercialInsurance https://lnkd.in/eZmV29km