NPR

After Irma, Shelter Residents Weigh Whether To Brave The Roads — Or Wait It Out

Germain Arena in Florida's Lee County offered refuge to some 5,000 people as Hurricane Irma approached. After two days there, many of them were anxious to go even though the roads out weren't clear.
Flooding outside the Germain Arena in Estero, Fla., where some 5,000 people sought shelter from Hurricane Irma.

Stephen Ward arrived at the Germain Arena in Estero, Fla., at 4 in the morning on Saturday as Hurricane Irma was making its approach.

On Monday morning, after the storm had passed, the elderly Fort Myers resident was unhappily looking out over the parking lot at the arena where some 5,000 people had sought

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
With 'Bleisure' And Fewer Workers, The American Hotel Is In Recovery
A new type of traveler is part of the post-pandemic reset at U.S. hotels, along with fewer daily cleanings and pancake-slinging machines.
NPR5 min read
Trapped In Rafah, U.S. Medical Volunteers Say They Can't Save Lives And Can't Evacuate
At the European Hospital in Rafah, there are shortages of pain medication, antibiotics, even bandages, American volunteers say they are unable to save lives — and unable to evacuate to safety.
NPR1 min read
Deadline Extended: NPR Student Podcast Challenge entries are now due May 31
Entries for our sixth annual contest for middle and high school students (and our first-ever fourth grade competition) are now due Friday, May 31 at midnight E.T.

Related Books & Audiobooks