THANKS FROM A GRATEFUL COMMUNITY
When local weather sources announce a hurricane brewing in the Atlantic, Verandah neighbors turn to Verandah Facebook for answers from our resident meteorologist, Ted Shapiro.
Verandah is located in Flood Zone A, which is always the first zone recommended for evacuation. However, our community is built on higher ground than most of Fort Myers Shores, which is located closer to the Caloosahatchee River, tending to flood with every storm. Other than the River House area and garages on Hammock Creek, Verandah has not dealt with flooding.
The question always becomes, do we evacuate or do we stay. Thanks to Ted’s calculations and “meteorological magic,” we are given vital information to make informed decisions.
So who is Ted Shapiro? Born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, Ted was Chief Meteorologist for WAGM-TV in Presque Isle, Maine, from 2006 until his retirement. He earned a Master’s Degree, and Seals of Approval from the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association.
Ted can be seen riding his bike throughout Verandah, checking rain gauges, Orange River levels during storms, and passing along his findings to residents.
Thanks to Ted’s invaluable weather forecasting, Verandah residents have been able to make informed decisions whether to remain in their homes or evacuate and has brought piece of mind to residents up north awaiting word on potential damage to their homes.
Verandah has been so fortunate to have Ted’s expertise as our community weatherman. When told of Verandah’s appreciation for his valuable information that helped keep us safe and sane, Ted replied, “It was an honor, privilege, and great pleasure to serve the Verandah community.”
