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Hurricane Michael Destruction Kills 13, Leaves 1.5 Million Without Power

Oct. 12, 2018
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3 min read
Hurricane Michael
Hurricane Michael Destruction Kills 13, Leaves 1.5 Million Without Power
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Hurricane Michael continues to devastate the Eastern coastline, with a current death toll of 13 as of time of publication. As the strongest storm to hit the continental United States in more than half a century, the natural disaster has left more than 1.5 million people without electricity in a broad swath stretching from Florida to Virginia. Hundreds of thousands more have been displaced, either because their homes were destroyed by the storm or from evacuating in advance of anticipated floods, as well as damaging wind and rain.

“So many lives have been changed forever," said Florida governor Rick Scott. "So many families have lost everything."

A number of businesses have been affected, with one surprisingly noteworthy chain being Waffle House, a fast-casual dining staple popular in the South. FEMA considers companies like Home Depot, Walmart or Waffle House to be role models of disaster preparedness because of their large presence in southern states plagued by frequent hurricanes.

In fact, there's actually a name for it: The Waffle House Index, which is a FEMA color-coded indicator for storm severity. When Waffle Houses are open and offering a full menu, the FEMA color code is green. But when a Waffle House location offers a limited menu, the FEMA code for that region drops to yellow. And when Waffle Houses close altogether, FEMA codes that region red. The popular eatery was forced to temporarily close 22 locations in Florida and eight in Georgia this week — a sign that usually indicates struggle for the community at large, according to a FEMA blog post from 2011.

The storm's force has been particularly destructive on communities that are still reeling from Hurricane Florence's impact just one month ago, such as regions of the Carolinas. Rescue teams are air-dropping food and other resources into other communities, such as parts of Florida where access has been blocked by debris and road damage. Other entities, such as the Episcopal Relief & Management, are using AlertMedia technology to communicate with church members in affected regions.

Eight airlines issued travel waivers this week in anticipation of the hurricane's impact. Considering that American Airlines estimated a $50 million revenue loss following Hurricane Florence in September, the long-term financial impact of Michael no doubt will have an impact on local communities as well. Airbnb hosts are offering free shelter to hurricane refugees while the Red Cross has partnered with American Airlines to offer 10x AAdvantage miles on all donations over $25.

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Featured image by The Washington Post/Getty Images

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at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.