The hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1st through the end of November. While storms can certainly strike at any point during hurricane season, the most likely time for a hurricane to hit Florida is from mid-August to late October. Early to mid September is the official peak time of hurricane season.
During hurricane season, Florida has a higher hurricane risk than any other state in the United States. On record since 1851, approximately 120 hurricanes have made landfall in Florida. This startling number is about double the storms that have hit Texas, the second-largest cyclone susceptible state.
These numbers reveal that Florida is the state most frequently struck by devastating storms, emphasizing the need for inhabitants to prepare for hurricane season. This involves preparing an emergency plan, strengthening your house, and ensuring you have a comprehensive home and flood protection insurance policy.
Table of Contents
Counties with the most Hurricanes in Florida
The southern Florida county of Monroe has been hit by more hurricanes than any other, followed by Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to the east. Sixty-six hurricanes have hit the Florida panhandle in recorded history. Of these 66 hurricanes, 14 of them had a Category 3 or higher rating.
Hurricane Knowledge
Storm severity, size, and the direction in which the tropical storm approaches your location can all fluctuate, so pay attention to whatever the experts and news reporters are saying. Wind speeds in tropical storms range from 39 to 73 mph, whereas hurricanes have winds of 74 mph or more. Tropical depressions are cyclones that have sustained winds of 38 miles per hour or less. The storm surge is usually the most dangerous part of the cyclone.
Take immediate shelter inside a well-built structure if a High Wind Warning/Advisory is issued, implying harsh winds of 115 mph or greater are predicted to arrive within an hour. Prepare your house and be ready to use your evacuation plan if a warning is issued.
Hurricane Forecasts
Predicting the course of a tropical storm is difficult since numerous global and local elements are at play. The magnitude and direction of a storm can directly impact the wind patterns that guide, boost, or impede its progress, and vice versa! They can generally predict the storm’s path 2-3 days ahead of time with reasonable accuracy. The National Weather Service provides the most current information on tropical storm origins, predictions, weather alerts, data analysis, etc.
Preparation For Hurricane Season In Florida
If you live along the coastline, ensure that you and your family have a plan in case of a storm. Hurricanes can bring strong winds and floods, so be sure your home is ready and that you have insurance coverage that is enough to cover any property damage. Here are some preparations you should do during different phases of a storm:
Pre-storm:
- Prepare an emergency bag with essentials for yourself and your family, including batteries and a weather radio.
- Register for neighborhood or national emergency storm warnings by storing critical papers in a sealable bag and making digital copies.
- Determine your home’s flood risk and buy flood insurance. Flood insurance is supposed to cover hurricane-related flooding because regular homeowners’ insurance does not cover it.
- Be prepared to extract water from your home if flooding occurs.
- Create an evacuation strategy.
When The Storm Hits:
- Pay attention to weather advisories.
- Avoid places affected by storm winds or flooding.
- Find a safe place in your neighborhood or apply for disaster relief.
- Check the status of traffic conditions during a flood at Florida 511.
Post-storm:
- Please pay attention to local authorities for updates on when it is safe to leave your home and any other specific instructions.
- Contact Emergency Restoration Services for storm damage and water cleanup services in Florida.
- Communicate with your house or flood insurance company to register a claim if your home has been damaged by wind or water.
- Take video or images of any property damage.
Hurricane Kits
It’s critical to put together a supply kit that you can take if you have to escape. This bag is greatly beneficial when you can stay in your house but are still impacted by the hurricane, such as losing electricity. When hurricanes approach, one recurrent theme is widespread panic. When this happens, individuals hurry to obtain all the resources they believe they will need. However, if you prepare your outfit ahead of time, you may save a lot of the stress of being in a hectic scenario. It is recommended you put your stuff together in a backpack that you can transport easily. Your kit should include the following items:
- Food and water for three days
- First-aid kit
- Flashlights, batteries, radio/phone
- Some cash and important documents in a sealed water-proof bag
- Lighter or matches
- Cooler and ice packs
- An escape plan and a backup if you are separated
- Contact information of a reputable Water Damage Restoration Company
Securing Your Home
- Research how to protect your house against destructive winds and preventing water damage.
- Use storm shutters or wood to protect all of your windows.
- Although tape can keep the glass from smashing all over the place, it will not keep the glass from shattering.
- Use fasteners to help tie your rooftop to the framework of your home if possible.
- Secure any loose shingles on your roof.
- Keep all trees and bushes trimmed, and keep all drains clear.
- Fortify your garage door(s) and all outside doors.
- Bring inside any furniture, trash cans, decorations, or anything else that isn’t secured.
- Make an inventory list of all your possessions and take pictures, especially of your valuable items.
Power Outages
If a storm hits, it can destroy all the power carriers. So, there might be a shortage for several days and you will need to plan a backup before the storm. Purchasing a gas powered generator is a highly recommended and conserve as much power as possible. Charge your cellular devices and restrain their use to preserve power to be used in case of an emergency.
Gas:
In case of a storm, people get prepared several days before, so, at the last minute, gas reserves may be empty. So, it would be better to have gas in reserve several days before because it is required for generators, vehicles, and other purposes.
ATMs:
ATM systems may become unfunctional when a storm hits. So, it would help if you had cash in hand to have access to money during a storm.
Food and Water:
Water and food supplies may also be disrupted when a hurricane hits. It is advised to have separate water containers for drinking and washing purposes. Also, freeze your food to be consumed in case of an emergency and increase your canned food reserves.
Health/Safety:
Health and safety are important in case of a storm. As many facilities may not be operational, you must make it a priority to take into account the health and safety of yourself and your family members. Ideally, have a proper emergency plan established before the storm hits.
FAQs
Q1. How long do hurricanes last in Florida?
Ans. A regular hurricane typically can last from several hours to several weeks. In fact, the longest tropical cyclone lasted a month! Hurricane John lasted 31 days back in 1994.
Usually, hurricane season can up last up to five months, with the most active period in August and September. As hurricanes are very difficult to predict, it is best to have a plan in place to get through the entire hurricane season safely.
Q2. How often does Florida face a hurricane?
Ans. Major hurricanes hit Florida about once every three years and cause a lot of destruction. Many people plan well beforehand so they can safely go through the annual hurricane season.
Q3. Which part of Florida is safest from hurricanes?
Ans. The safest place from tropical cyclones is in North Central Florida. This area is safest because of its higher elevation and further distance away from coastal waters.
Summing Up!
Hurricanes can be very destructive and cause a lot hardships. Florida can certainly be hit with hurricanes each year. If you do not plan accordingly, you could be forced into a very bad situation. For safety, you need to know “when is hurricane season in Florida?” to effectively prepare an emergency plan before a tropical storm hits. For other informative discussions, visit our website. Thanks for reading!