The southwest Florida city of Naples is bracing for the impact of the high tide as officials express concerns about an approaching storm. Mayor Teresa Heitmann emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that they are anticipating a major storm as the storm surge coincides with the high tide. The city is also preparing for strong winds that are expected to persist through the night.
Mayor Heitmann drew parallels to a previous hurricane, Ian, which devastated the area in 2022, highlighting the sense of urgency in their preparations. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, high tide in Naples is projected to occur just before 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday and again shortly after 4 a.m. on Thursday.
Following previous hurricanes, such as Helene and Milton, the city has taken proactive measures to pump out stormwater and sewage systems to mitigate potential damage. Despite implementing a curfew starting at 4 p.m., many residents have chosen to remain in Naples, further emphasizing the need for preparedness and caution.