On Friday, September 14th, Tropical Storm Gabrielle swept through Sarasota County, leaving hundreds of thousands without power, and many without water as well.

On the day before, the 13th, Tropical Storm Gabrielle formed in the Gulf of Mexico, with sustained winds at around 45 mph. Moving slowly and erratically, it was expected to head northeast and hit landfall somewhere in northern Florida or the panhandle within the weekend, bringing with it very heavy rains. For central Florida, which had been soaked with rain for the previous several days, flooding was a very real threat. Flood, tropical storm, hurricane, and tornado watches and warnings were erected all up and down the western coast of Florida.

Throughout Thursday night and Friday morning, Tropical Storm Gabrielle began to increase in speed and strength, reaching gusts of above 80 mph and sustained winds of around 70 mph, just below the 74mph

requirement for a hurricane.

Gabrielle made landfall in and around Venice, FL Friday morning, with strong winds and heavy rains. Power throughout most of Sarasota County was lost due to the damage to power lines, and although, most regained power late Saturday evening, some were without power for more than three days.

Trees were uprooted, signs, billoards, and other objects were blown over or bent, and there was some minor flooding and other damages to homes and buildings. However, no injuries or fatalies were reported, and, overall, we may safely say that we came out of Tropical Storm Gabrielle in good condition.n

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