Hurricane Ian and Snowbirds

Photo Credit: online pic.

Hurricanes do not respect borders, national anthems and flags. They decide on a path, then embark on the massacre.

People respect borders so, Canadians with money fulfil the necessary immigration requirements and go and live in the U.S. either permanently or for short periods, like the ‘snowbirds.' 

It is a term used for Canadians that cross the border to run away from the snow, the symbol of harsh winters. Florida, which was also on the receiving end for Hurricane Ian’s fury in September, is a popular destination.

It is therefore ironic that snowbirds find themselves at nature’s mercy, when they left home to avoid nature, the snow. Some snowbirds were not in Florida when Hurricane Ian lashed out and claimed more than 100 lives, but fall is here so they will decide whether to go back or not.

Snowbirds get a lot of press coverage because they have money. They live in paid-up or almost paid-up homes in Canada. They also own property or rent condos and houses in warmer states like Florida and California, but they are not the only Canadians living in the U.S.

There are many reasons why they cross the border. It could be because of marriage or career. Take the entertainment business for example. There are more career opportunities in the U.S. than Toronto or Vancouver. Cities like New York and L.A. are places to be, if producers, directors and actors want to make it in the business.

Natural disasters like Hurricane Ian probably won’t deter some snowbirds from going back to Florida after the clean-up, but millions of Canadians stay put and enjoy the snow.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.