Exchanges in Hurricane Idalia’s Path Emerge Unscathed

As Tropical Storm (formerly hurricane) Idalia moves offshore from South Carolina, leaving behind heavy winds and rain, Exchanges in the South East and Central Eastern Areas appeared to avoid any damage and were preparing to resume normal business operations.

According to CNN, Idalia made landfall early Wednesday on Florida’s Gulf Coast as a powerful Category 3 storm. The storm caused flooding in some areas and left more than 400,000 customers in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina without power.

During a Disaster Support Group (DSG) meeting Thursday morning, South East Area Regional Vice President Tony Pares expressed relief that the area had “dodged a bullet” and that operations were on their way to resuming.

MacDill Air Force Base General Manager Nicholas Nguyen reported that evacuation orders had been lifted and that the base would reopen at noon today. The Express with gas opened at 10 a.m. today for essential personnel who worked overnight while the main Exchange is scheduled to resume business as usual at noon. Nguyen also reported that there were no reports of damage and that all associates were accounted for.

Moody Air Force Base in Georgia reported trees and limbs down and several associates without power, though all had been accounted for. The Express had power and planned to open this afternoon with the main Exchange slated to resume business on Friday.

Fort Stewart/Hunter AAF received the all clear. Two Expresses opened back up this morning with all facilities planned to reopen today by noon.

Central Eastern Regional Vice President Chris Holifield reported no damages for stores in his area.

“Luckily, this was just a big rain event and, for that, we’re all thankful,” said Holifield.

Charleston AFB, Shaw AFB and Fort Liberty will have delayed openings today and all are anticipating normal operating hours beginning tomorrow.

Vice President of Fuel Operations Steven Davalos said there were very few issues to report, supply terminals were up and running and carriers are making deliveries.

With the storm now tracking away from the United States, the DSG, a team of worldwide Exchange leaders that monitors weather to help keep every level of the organization prepared for storms, has no plans to meet again regarding Idalia but will be prepared if, and when, the next storm threatens Exchange locations.