What's it like in The Villages during a hurricane?

What's it like in The Villages, during a hurricane? If it looks like The Villages will be hit with a hurricane, several actions are taken. The neighborhood gate arms are removed, due to potential strong winds. The sprinklers on the golf courses, and other Villages landscaping, are turned on, to lower the levels in the retention ponds. (See my other blog post about water management here in The Villages for more information about retention ponds.) If there is a huge rainfall during the hurricane, the ponds can hold the excess water. Within 24 hours of the potential hurricane, the rec centers, golf courses, and activities are closed and cancelled. Last minute preparations include, turning down water stations on the courses, trimming low hanging branches, and checking on neighborhood storm drains. Most grocery stores and restaurants also close. Getting your food and water supplies, ahead of time, is important. As the hurricane approaches, The Villages radio station (WVLG) and television stations will air the Governor's briefings, as well as the local sheriffs briefings for Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties. Last, in preparation of recovery, The Villages provides a staging area for out of state utility workers and linemen, to gather on Village property.

These pictures were from Hurricane Ian (Sept. 2022). When all is said, The Villages only had tree branches, leaves, and palm husks down. While areas east and south of us flooded, The Villages did not. The water management was once again successful in keeping Villagers and their homes safe.