Major Storms Strain Marriages And Increase Tampa Divorce Risks

When Hurricane Helene swept through the Gulf Coast in late September 2024, Tampa was spared a direct hit. The CAT4 storm made landfall further north, on Florida’s Big Bend, but the impact on residents prompted the Tampa Bay Times to call it the ‘worst storm in a century.’

Unfortunately, dealing with the devastation that comes in the aftermath of destructive storms can take a decidedly negative toll on couples. Our Tampa divorce lawyer explains how this can strain marriages and increase divorce risks.

Storm-Related Stress Takes A Toll On Couples In Tampa

Hurricane Helene roared through the Gulf Coast on September 26, 2024. Hurricane-force gales are something seasoned locals are used to dealing with, but over the course of the evening, Helene caused a massive storm surge that rivals any in recent memory. As it poured over seawalls, the Tampa Bay Times reported that some areas saw more than seven feet of flooding.

In the aftermath, Helene claimed the lives of at least 11 people in the Tampa Bay area. There were over 1,000 emergency rescues conducted, and tens of thousands of residents are left dealing with the impacts of flooded homes. Such a dire situation causes enormous stress for the community. For married couples, this could impact their relationship with one another. Factors that can end up taking a heavy toll on a couple and may lead to thoughts of filing for a divorce in Tampa include:

• Mental exhaustion due to monitoring the storm and worrying about potential impacts;
• Physical exhaustion in dealing with evacuations and clean-up efforts;
• Disillusionment and disappointment over how your spouse acted or how you as a couple handled the storm;
• Despair over the destruction it caused;
• Fears and frustration over finances and recovery efforts.

Tampa Divorce: Warning Signs Your Marriage Is At Risk

Dealing with a disaster, such as Hurricane Helene or other storms, can take a toll on your marriage. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) claims that communities devastated by natural disasters saw a corresponding increase in divorce rates in the aftermath.

Going through tough times can strengthen a marriage, and there are plenty of inspiring stories where couples overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. However, this requires both parties to be on board and cooperating. In the aftermath of recent storms, are you worried that your marriage may be at risk? Warning signs include:

• Your spouse is unwilling to communicate;
• They show little concern for you or your feelings;
• They are abusing alcohol or drugs;
• They are engaging in abusive behavior, whether it involves physical violence or put-downs and threats.

Contact Our Experienced Tampa Divorce Lawyer

Dealing with the aftermath of major storms is always challenging, and it can take a heavy toll on your marriage. To protect yourself, reach out to Bubley & Bubley, P.A. We provide the caring support you need during this difficult time and can advise you on all of the options available. Give us a call or contact our experienced Tampa divorce lawyer online. Request a consultation today.

Sources:

tampabay.com/hurricane/2024/09/28/tampa-bay-helene-was-worst-storm-century/

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8907491/#:~:text=At%20the%20population%20level%2C%20hurricanes,their%20relationship%20prior%20to%20the