Dalton native Alwin Mercedes left Miami last week to escape Hurricane Irma. 

DALTON, Ga. — It’s not under the best of circumstances but Alwin Mercedes, a Dalton native now living in Miami, said he’s glad to be back home.

Mercedes, 26, decided to come back to Dalton after he learned that Hurricane Irma would threaten the Sunshine State.

“Locals started talking early last week about how bad the hurricane would be,” he said. 

Having never experienced a hurricane before, Mercedes, a sales representative for Mohawk Industries, said the decision to evacuate was easy. He left Miami on Wednesday, arriving in Dalton some 25 hours later. Except for stopping at a cousin’s house in south Georgia for a three-hour nap, he drove straight through.  

“I knew it was serious when people in Florida that have been through major hurricanes like Andrew and Wilma were scared,” said Mercedes, who’s only been in Miami six months. “People that lived there their whole life were advising people to leave.” 

Mercedes said going to the grocery store on Labor Day also put things in perspective.

“I was buying my groceries for the week, went to get water and there was nothing,” he said. “The bread aisle was empty also.”

Mercedes said he drove to four stores.

“Stores were bringing out defective bottles (smashed bottles or tops) of water to sell because there was nothing else,” he said.

He said driving to Georgia, “gas stations were insane and traffic was awful.” At one gas station he waited 40 minutes.

Mercedes said he’s blessed to have a place to come back to.

“There are a lot who couldn’t afford to leave. I feel bad for them,” he said. “Some people give them grief, but don’t consider everything it takes to leave.” 

Mercedes, a 2009 graduate of Dalton High School, said he has spent a lot of time visiting family and friends.

“I got to see my grandma, she’s a little older so it’s always good when I can spend time with her,” he said. 

Kadi Jarrett said she’s glad her best friend came home. Jarrett said she was “very concerned” about Mercedes being in Miami.

“Alwin is more than a friend, he’s family,” she said. “I made sure to call and tell him he needed to speak to his boss and get things together to head to Georgia.”

The two met 10 years ago while working at Kroger. Jarrett, who lives in Tunnel Hill, said Mercedes is a caring person.

“He is always smiling and is definitely the type of friend who will keep you laughing,” she said.

Jarrett said they’ve gone to the movies, had breakfast and just hung out.

“A girl always needs some best friend time,” she said. “I hate the reason he is here but so glad he’s safe.”

Jarrett, a manager at Cheesecake Heaven in Dalton, said a few evacuees from Florida visited the business last weekend.

“I’m glad so many people came to our area,” she said. “I’m proud of our town for showing so much compassion during this difficult time. While we’re not exactly a vacation destination, everyone we have met seems to be enjoying their stay.”

Mercedes said he plans to leave Wednesday for Miami.

“I’m dreading going back, because I know there is so much to do,” he said. “It’s nice being up here, but Florida is my new home.” 

Mercedes said he’s keeping a watchful eye on another potential problem, Hurricane Jose.

“The thought that another hurricane can come through Florida is scary,” he said. “I hope I don’t have to evacuate again but I will, I’ve seen what Mother Nature can do.”