New technology helps Lee County prepare for hurricane season storms

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)—Lee County is using new flood technology to prepare for hurricane season as residents reflect on lessons learned from Hurricane Milton.

Walter Himmighoefer experienced Milton's impact firsthand when storm surge brought three feet of water into his home. He lives surrounded by water, two miles from the Sanibel Causeway and four miles from the Caloosahatchee River on the other side.

"Milton, I had three feet of water, so it's the surge that gets me," Himmighoefer said.

Lee County is now using Hohonu flood sensors to track water levels during storms and share data with partners like NOAA and the National Weather Service. Getting that information quickly can save lives when residents are cornered by rising water.

Lee County Electric Cooperative is also making updates to improve storm response. The utility is planning to position basecamp locations for out-of-town line crews closer to potential damage areas before crews are even needed.

LCEC has developed a restoration priority list for critical facilities. The strategy means crews can already be stationed on barrier islands if the causeway becomes impassable again during a storm.

One child living near the water expressed concern about potential flooding. "Scared," the child said when asked how they feel. "Because we could flood. We live next to the water."

Some residents have taken a proactive approach to hurricane preparation. "People panic a lot. You just got to keep your head and make sure that you have everything ready," one resident said.

That resident stays prepared year-round with supplies like drinking water. "I'm always all set. I just make sure that you have enough stuff, you know," the resident said.

The combination of improved technology, utility planning and individual preparedness aims to help Lee County residents enter hurricane season with confidence rather than uncertainty.