Hurricane Season Preparedness | State of Florida
Radar image of Hurricane Dorian approaching Florida and devastating the Bahamas
As the official hurricane season approaches, it is crucial for residents and visitors of the Sunshine State to be prepared. Florida's extensive coastline makes it highly susceptible to the devastating impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms. From early planning to stocking up on supplies, staying informed, and knowing what to do in the event of a hurricane evacuation, we cover it all to keep you safe during the hurricane season in Florida.
When Is Hurricane Season in Florida in 2023?
In 2023, the Atlantic hurricane season for Florida officially begins on June 1st and extends through November 30th. During this six-month period, Floridians can expect for tropical storms and hurricanes to develop in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Even though hurricane season occurs on June 1st the peak of hurricane activity in Florida typically falls between mid-August and late October. This is when the most powerful and potentially destructive hurricanes are most likely to form. August and September are when most major hurricanes form. During the peak of hurricane season Florida is a hotspot for landfalls. However, hurricanes can still occur outside of this peak period, so it is crucial to stay aware and prepared throughout the entire season.
Hurricane Dennis makes landfall on the east coast of Florida
What Part of Florida Gets Hit the Most by Hurricanes and Tropical Storms?
Florida's extensive coastline and proximity to the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico make the state particularly vulnerable to hurricanes. While every part of Florida can be impacted by hurricanes, certain areas are more prone to experiencing direct hits or severe effects. In this section, we'll outline some of the high-risk hurricane zones in the state.
South Florida:
Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties are at an elevated risk for hurricanes due to their location on the southeastern coast. These densely populated areas have experienced some of the most powerful storms in history, such as Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Storm surge from a hurricane floods the road in the Florida Keys
Florida Keys:
This chain of islands is highly susceptible to storm surges, high winds, and flooding. In 2017, the lower Keys were severely affected by Hurricane Irma, and again in 2022 with Ian which both caused extensive damage and necessitated evacuations.
Southwest Florida:
Coastal communities in Collier, Lee, and Charlotte Counties, including Naples, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral, and Punta Gorda, are also at high risk for hurricanes. In 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall in Naples, and in 2022 Ian made landfall as a strong category 4 in Fort Myers causing significant damage.
Central Florida's East Coast:
Brevard, Volusia, and Flagler Counties are exposed to hurricane threats from the Atlantic Ocean. The Space Coast and Daytona Beach areas have experienced the impacts of hurricanes in the past, such as Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
Tampa Bay Area:
The Tampa Bay region, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties, is vulnerable to storm surge and flooding due to its low-lying coastal geography. In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused widespread power outages and flooding in this area.
Florida Panhandle:
While the panhandle might not be as frequently affected by hurricanes as other parts of the state, it is not immune to them. Hurricane Michael in 2018, which made landfall as a powerful Category 5 hurricane, caused unprecedented damage to the communities in Bay, Gulf, and Franklin Counties.
The areas at highest risk are the Keys, South Florida, and Southwest Florida. Even so, the entire state of Florida is susceptible to hurricanes, and residents in all areas should take necessary precautions and be prepared for the hurricane season.
Florida Hurricane Insurance Essentials
Homes in Florida Destroyed by Hurricane Charley
Protecting your home and property from potential hurricane damage is an essential to prepare for hurricane season in Florida. For Florida residents, having the right insurance coverage can provide peace of mind and financial security in the event of a storm. Here are some essentials of hurricane insurance in Florida.
Homeowners Insurance:
A standard homeowners insurance policy typically covers damage caused by wind, but it's crucial to review your policy to understand the extent of coverage and any exclusions or limitations. Keep in mind that damage resulting from flooding is generally not covered under a standard homeowners policy.
Flood Insurance:
Given Florida's vulnerability to storm surge and flooding during hurricanes, obtaining flood insurance is a prudent decision. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides coverage for flood-related damages. You can purchase flood insurance through an insurance agent, and it usually takes 30 days for the policy to go into effect. Don't wait until a hurricane is imminent to obtain coverage.
Windstorm Insurance:
In some high-risk coastal areas, homeowners insurance policies may exclude windstorm coverage or have high deductibles. In these cases, you may need a separate windstorm insurance policy. The Florida Windstorm Underwriting Association (FWUA) offers windstorm coverage for homeowners in designated high-risk areas who are unable to obtain coverage through the private market.
Having adequate coverage is an essential component of hurricane preparedness. Consult with an insurance professional to ensure you have the right policies in place to protect your home, property, and family in the event of a hurricane.
Making a Hurricane Plan for Your Home
As June approaches, creating a comprehensive plan for hurricanes is a crucial step in preparing for the Florida hurricane season. A well-thought-out plan can help minimize damage, ensure your family's safety, and streamline the recovery process.
Family Communication: Develop a communication plan to keep your family members informed of each other's whereabouts and safety status during a hurricane. Designate an out-of-state family member or friend as a central point of contact and share their contact information with everyone in the household.
Evacuation Routes: Identify multiple evacuation routes from your home to a designated safe location, such as a family member's residence, a hotel, or an official public shelter. Familiarize yourself with these routes and keep a map in your emergency kit.
Emergency Supplies: Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies, such as non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, battery powered fans, batteries, a first aid kit, prescription medication, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a multi-purpose tool. Don't forget to include important documents, such as insurance policies, identification, and medical records, in a waterproof container.
Home Preparation: Make a list of tasks to be completed in advance of a hurricane, such as trimming trees, securing outdoor furniture, installing hurricane shutters, and reinforcing garage doors to protect from damaging winds. Regularly inspect your home's roof, windows, and doors to ensure they are in good condition and able to withstand high winds and rain.
Pet Safety: Don't forget to include your pets in your plan. Have a pet carrier and enough pet food, water, and medications on hand. Research pet-friendly shelters or hotels along your evacuation route, as not all emergency shelters accept pets.
By creating a comprehensive hurricane plan for your home, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of your family and property during the hurricane season.
2023 Hurricane Season Forecast in Florida
Predicting the hurricane season's intensity and potential impact is a complex process that takes into account various climate factors and oceanic conditions. In 2023, the possibility of an El Niño event, as well as unusually warm waters in the Atlantic and Caribbean, may influence the hurricane season in Florida.
El Niño and Its Impact on Hurricane Intensity:
El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. It usually results in increased wind shear across the Atlantic basin, which can hinder the formation and intensity of hurricanes. However, it's important to note that there is only a 62% chance of an El Niño event occurring this year. If El Niño does develop, it could potentially lead to a less tropical cyclone formation in the Atlantic.
Unusually Warm Waters in the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea:
Unusually warm sea surface temperatures in May of 2023. Much like before the active 2020 hurricane season with 30 named storms.
As of now, sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic and Caribbean are warmer than average for this time of year. Warmer waters can provide more fuel for tropical storms and hurricanes, potentially increasing their intensity and duration. This situation is reminiscent of the 2020 hurricane season, which saw a record-breaking 30 named storms. Warm ocean waters greatly increase the risk of a major hurricane.
Considering these factors, the 2023 hurricane season forecast remains uncertain. If El Niño does not form or is weak, the warmer waters in the Atlantic and Caribbean could lead to an active hurricane season, similar to what was experienced in 2020. However, if a strong El Niño develops, it could suppress tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic basin.
Regardless of the forecast, it is essential for Florida residents to be prepared and take necessary precautions during the hurricane season. As we have seen in the past, even a single major hurricane can cause significant damage and disruption to communities. Stay informed about weather updates, and adhere to guidance from local authorities and experts to ensure your safety during the 2023 hurricane season.
