Dear Valued Client,

Hurricane Ian is now a major category 4 storm (winds of 140 mph) and is going to make landfall in the Fort Myers area (about 130 miles south of Tampa). As of 5am ET today, it is heading NNE at 10 mph. The NOAA forecast track has it making landfall Wednesday afternoon as a category 3-4 storm with sustained winds of between 111 -155 mph.  It is also forecast to turn north on Thursday as a Tropical Storm and emerge into the Atlantic ocean late Thursday moving up the east coast.

Tropical storm and hurricane warnings have been issued for almost the entire state of Florida, Georgia and some of South Carolina and they now include storm surge warnings for tidal increases from 4-12' in certain areas.

Hurricane force winds extend out 35 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend out 140 miles from the center.

Given the track and intensity, this storm will impact a majority of the state (and Georgia) with winds and rain that may close bridges, schools and government, create fuel and water shortages, cause flooding, mandate evacuations, knock out electricity and generally require us to remain flexible with our regional delivery schedules.

AS SUCH, OUR TAMPA OFFICE (WHICH IS IN A FLOOD ZONE) IS CURRENTLY CLOSED AND WILL TENTATIVELY RE-OPEN NO LATER THAN NOON ON FRIDAY (9/30). WE WILL RE-EVALUATE THE OPENING TIME ON THURSDAY MORNING AND PROVIDE A REVISED ESTIMATE.  AT THE MOMENT, WE EXPECT THE JACKSONVILLE OFFICE TO REMAIN OPEN DURING THE TROPICAL STORM BUT DELIVERIES COULD BE DELAYED OR AMENDED DEPENDING UPON LOCALIZED CONDITIONS AND CAPACITY.

In this scenario, you will want to think about accelerating your delivery needs to complete well before impact or cancel them to resume when it is safe to do so. We will also notify you via email when normal operations can be restored.

Daily email communications have started so that you can stay up to date on our preparations. The below cell numbers can also be used it you are unable to reach us conventionally.

• Bob Younger 904-591-9435 
• Emmy Ezeonyido 904-440-4393
• Thomas Nurney 904-335-7262
• Brian Booth 813-997-9417
• Walker Allen 904-571-6466
• Brian Daniel 904-236-3904
• Cam Dozier 314-706-0030
• Associated Couriers Roslyn NY Dispatch 516-240-5321 

A major hurricane is one that is a category 3 or stronger on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale Saffir-Simpson Link.

NOAA Preparedness Link

Please keep an eye on this storm at the following link:  Hurricane Ian

Here are some definitions and timings that will relate to our ability to perform services. We generally try to provide services (more limited as watches start to be posted) in the areas of impact up to the impending declaration of a Hurricane warning. 

• Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are possible within your area. Because it may not be safe to prepare for a hurricane once winds reach tropical storm force, The NHC issues hurricane watches 48 hours before it anticipates tropical storm-force winds.
• Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.
• Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are expected somewhere within the specified area. NHC issues a hurricane warning 36 hours in advance of tropical storm-force winds to give you time to complete your preparations. All preparations should be complete. Evacuate immediately if so ordered.
• Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within your area within 36 hours.

Please feel free to let us know if there are any additional people within your organization that should be added to this email contact list. We will be happy to add them. As well, we will be glad to promptly delete individuals that may no longer be with your organization.

We appreciate your business and look forward to meeting your needs on a daily basis as well as in times of crisis. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions and/or want to discuss your specific preparation protocols.